Graduation Speech Class of 2024 New Giza Medical School by Hossam Badrawi

Graduation Speech

Class of 2024
New Giza Medical School
Hossam Badrawi

Esteemed families of the students,
Dear graduates,
Respected faculty members,
Inspirational figures: Dr. Sameh Farid, Dr. Lamis Ragab, and Dr. Lamia Mohsen,

I stand before you today to speak about the greatest and most honorable profession—one that deserves our utmost respect and appreciation. It is the profession of caring for humanity, with its essential pillars: nursing, physical therapy, clinical pharmacy, medical research, and the supporting services that sustain the noble field of medicine.

My Dear Children,

History is not written by chance—it is shaped by choices.

In these few moments, I wish to touch briefly on some fundamental concepts that have guided my journey through life—concepts that I now share with you: choice and passion.

I believe that human development can be represented by an equation:

• On one side, human capabilities.
• On the other, the opportunities available to utilize them.

Thus, expanding the scope of choices for individuals, granting them the freedom to decide, and developing their abilities to make informed decisions—this, in my view, is the foundation of true development in any society.

My Own Choices:

1. Choosing to enter medical school.
2. Selecting a specialization after graduation.
3. Deciding to return to Egypt from the United States in the early 1980s.
4. Engaging in public service and politics.

You Are the Leaders of the Future

Leaders transform values into actions, visions into reality, obstacles into innovations, disagreements into unity, and risks into achievements.

Great leaders create an environment where people turn challenges into remarkable successes. They forge ahead, especially in the face of strong opposition or adversity.

An inspiring leader is one who thinks deeply, innovates, anticipates the future, and, most importantly, remains deeply connected to the emotions and creative potential of people.

Yet, no great success can be achieved without passion.

Passion: The Driving Force of Success

Passion is the deep internal drive that makes a person enjoy and feel enthusiastic about a particular activity—whether in work, art, science, sports, or any other field.

It is the force that keeps you going, even in the face of challenges and hardships.

Characteristics of Passion:

1. A strong internal feeling: It is not driven by external incentives like money or fame but stems from a genuine desire to achieve something meaningful.
2. Creativity and perseverance: Passion fuels innovation and progress because people find joy in what they do.
3. No sense of boredom: When you are passionate about something, you engage in it without feeling pressure or exhaustion.
4. A source of energy and inspiration: Passion makes a person more positive and productive, providing the strength to persist even in difficult times.
5. Enhancing quality of life: Passion contributes to self-satisfaction and happiness, as it aligns a person with their values and goals.

How to Discover Your Passion:

1. What activity makes you lose track of time while doing it?
2. What energizes you instead of draining you?
3. What subjects do you love learning about without being forced?
4. What would you do even if you weren’t getting paid for it?

Examples of Passion:

• An artist feels passionate when painting or playing music.
• A dedicated doctor finds joy in treating patients and improving lives.
• A passionate writer cannot stop writing and expressing ideas.
• A devoted teacher enjoys sharing knowledge and inspiring students.

Passion is the energy that drives individuals to fulfill their potential and leave their mark on the world.

Dear Graduates,

Success cannot be achieved without discipline in execution, which ensures that accomplishments are complete and effective.

We must understand that creating meaningful change requires courage. Courage is not merely the absence of fear but the ability to recognize that something is more important than fear itself.

Passion manifests in optimism, excitement, emotional connection, and determination. It ignites our lives, fuels our motivation, and instills discipline. It pushes us forward, even under pressure.

The key to embracing passion in our lives is to discover our unique talents and our role in this world.

Young people, you must find your own voice, make your own choices, and expand your influence—no matter where you are now or where you will be in the future.

I encourage you to inspire others—your friends, colleagues, and the organizations or institutions you serve—to find their voices and cultivate their passions.

As you progress in life, you will realize that true influence and leadership stem from choice rather than position or title.

Now, Let Me Speak About the Values of Practicing the Greatest Profession—Your Chosen Career

The values of the medical profession are the ethical and professional principles that doctors must uphold to ensure the highest standards of healthcare with responsibility and humanity. These values include:

1. Compassion & Empathy
   • Treating patients with kindness and respect while understanding their emotions and needs.
   • Providing care not only as physical treatment but also as psychological and social support.
2. Integrity & Honesty
   • Always telling patients and their families the truth, explaining diagnoses and treatments transparently.
   • Avoiding misinformation or manipulation for personal gain.
3. Confidentiality & Privacy
   • Keeping patient information confidential unless legally or ethically required to disclose it.
   • Respecting patients’ rights to receive medical care with complete discretion.
4. Justice & Fairness
   • Providing medical care to all patients without discrimination based on race, religion, social status, or background.
   • Ensuring fair distribution of medical resources and treatment.
5. Respect for Patient Autonomy
   • Granting patients the right to make medical decisions after receiving complete information about their condition and treatment options.
   • Avoiding any medical procedures without the patient’s informed consent.
6. Commitment to Knowledge & Lifelong Learning
   • Staying updated with the latest medical advancements to enhance healthcare quality.
   • Avoiding unproven treatments that contradict scientific evidence.
7. Accountability & Responsibility
   • Taking full responsibility for medical decisions and their outcomes.
   • Adhering to professional standards, laws, and medical ethics.
8. Collaboration & Teamwork
   • Working with healthcare teams to provide the best patient care.
   • Respecting each team member’s role and fostering a spirit of partnership.
9. Respect for Patient Dignity
   • Recognizing each patient’s individuality, needs, and cultural beliefs.
   • Avoiding any actions that could undermine a patient’s dignity or rights.

Final Words

Dear graduates, you have chosen the noble path of medicine—a profession that demands dedication, compassion, and ethical commitment.

Your journey ahead will be filled with challenges, but remember: passion, discipline, and integrity will guide you toward success.

I urge you to embrace your role with honor, serve humanity with excellence, and lead with wisdom and empathy.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! The world awaits your contributions.