Good evening everyone. It is my distinct pleasure to be here to award the Daniel Welsh MD Memorial Scholarship. Quickly, I’d like to share a bit about the man behind the award’s name. Dan and I grew up together; we went to grade school, high school, and college together. Dan possessed an effortless charm and indomitable spirit. Energy permeated the room when he walked through the door. You could feel it. You see, Dan lived every moment with incomparable intensity and integrity. Whatever experience life was offering him, he jumped in full throttle. In fact, he was quite exhausting to be around! Pleasantly exhausting, but exhausting nonetheless. And it was this passion for life that drove Dan to become the best doctor he could be. To have his very purpose be rooted in authentic personal relationships and to take care of those around him. That may sound cliché, but I have stories to support it (as does Mrs. Welsh who is here tonight) and never tire of telling them. Just ask my daughters and students.
I’ve had the privilege to read through today’s award recipient’s application. It is so heartwarming for me to see such similarities in his words and Dan’s legacy. “Beyond the sophisticated craft and intellectual stimulation, the most meaningful aspects of General Surgery are the patients I have had the privilege to serve...I have tried to be a source of support to our patients...and to make their hospitalization as comfortable as possible.”
To this year’s recipient, when you look at this plaque, may it help fuel you with “Dan-like energy” and may it consistently remind you of your own passions to “provide meaningful and definitive care to patients” and “to work with compassion and empathy every day.”
On behalf of the Welsh family, my sincerest congratulations to Dr. Raghav Chandra.
Dr. Daniel Welsh
