To the Esteemed Class of 2025

As you stand on the threshold of this next remarkable chapter in your journey, I want to take a moment to share a few reflections. The path you have chosen is not only honorable—it is essential. The events of the past several years, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have reminded the world of a fundamental truth: there is no greater calling than that of a physician.

From the day you arrived at CNUCOM to your final clinical rotations, you have borne witness to a profession tested in every imaginable way. You have seen resilience in action, compassion in its purest form, and the strength that comes from service. You have walked into hospitals filled with uncertainty and left them stronger for your presence. And now, you prepare to step into residency training, into the heart of medicine itself.

Before you do, I encourage you to embrace something that may not be emphasized enough in your training: the importance of “the pause.”

Our previous Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, reminds us that pauses are not automatic—they are intentional. They are moments we must choose to find. In the chaos of rounds, consults, and night shifts, you will need to seek these rare moments to reflect, recalibrate, re-energize and reconnect. These pauses are not breaks from your work, they are what sustain your ability to do it.

Consider the heart—a marvel of physiology. We often focus on its forceful contraction, systole, when oxygenated blood is propelled throughout the body. But it is in diastole, in the stillness, when the heart muscle relaxes and the coronary arteries fill with oxygenated blood, and here the heart nourishes itself. It is in that quiet that oxygen flows into the coronary arteries. Without rest, there is no rhythm. Without the pause, there is no purpose.

Pausing offers a valuable opportunity to recognize your achievements—both physically and mentally. As you stand on the brink of graduation, it's essential to reflect on the significance of this moment. Often, we rush past our goals without truly acknowledging the weight of our accomplishments. Taking a moment to pause allows you to appreciate the years of hard work that have led you to this point.

In these moments of reflection, you can fully grasp the depth of your growth—both as a professional and as an individual. Affirm to yourself: “I have earned my place here through years of dedication, and I recognize the effort it took to reach this milestone. I am now part of a profession that has the power to change lives, and I am ready to make a difference. As I receive congratulations and well-wishes with gratitude, I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues who have shared this journey with me and to my family and friends.”

Taking time to pause is not just about preparing for the future; it's also about honoring the remarkable accomplishments of the present.

For me, three small symbols sit on my desk—each a quiet reminder of what “the pause” truly means.

The first is a signed piece of memorabilia from the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, a symbol of the power of unity and teamwork. In surgery, in the medical office, in every corner of medicine, we achieve greatness together. Never forget the strength of the team around you.

The second item is a Mandalorian helmet—a symbol of courage. During your training, you will encounter doubt, fear, and loss. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear; it is the resolve to persevere despite it.

Finally, a small replica turntable, with Ford Mustang controls, spins classic Motown tunes. This music transports me back to my roots, my family, and the community that has always supported me. No matter where life takes you, cherish the people and places that complete you.

As you step into residency training, I encourage you to not only adopt these symbols but to discover your own—symbols that resonate with your personal journey and values. Let them serve as reminders of the core principles that will guide you: teamwork, courage, and connection. Carry these with you, knowing that true strength is found not only in motion but in the moments of reflection that ground you.

To the Class of 2025, on behalf of a grateful profession and a proud nation, congratulations. You are ready. Lead with heart, serve with humility, and never forget the power of the pause.

Congratulations and looking forward to the impact you will bring.

Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS
Dean California Northstate University College of Medicine
Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery