The bicentennial anniversary celebration of the University of Maryland School of Medicine was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No other American public medical school has reached this milestone, nor has any other entered a third century. Considering the inherent pressures of such an undertaking, our 200th anniversary celebration was appropriate, comprehensive, smoothly executed, and memorable.

This special retrospective section chronicles the year that ultimately became a very special milestone in the history of public medical education in America.

The anniversary theme was “The Enduring Power of Leadership,” and I cannot imagine a more appropriate set of words to represent our rich history and unlimited potential. Each month in 2007 featured at least one scholarly or social event which paid tribute to 20 decades of accomplishments.

Planning began in early 2005, by Dean Donald E. Wilson, MD, MACP. His vision of an unprecedented year-long venture guided the planning process. The first task was his appointment of two groups: The 50-member Bicentennial Advisory Committee and the 12 senior staff members of the Bicentennial Task Force. The former brought forward ideas from internal and external stakeholders, while the latter was responsible for implementation.

In mid-2005, a full-time bicentennial director joined the office of public affairs, whose members staffed the event planning, publications, web site, media relations, graphics, and business aspects of the celebration. In collaboration with the planning teams, the school’s departments, programs, centers and institutes embraced the anniversary through lecture series, dinners, awards, reunions, and other creative opportunities, while the Medical Alumni Association had representation on both committees and handled its own anniversary-related projects.

My sincere congratulations to the scores of people and organizations involved in this effort. High on that list is our partner, the University of Maryland Medical Center, donors, elected officials, faculty members, students, and staff, and our outstanding alumni who so ably represent the University of Maryland School of Medicine in their professional and personal lives.

I hope you enjoy re-visiting our anniversary in the following pages as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.
Sincerely,


E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland
John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and
Dean, School of Medicine