Letter from Thomas Marrie, University of Alberta' dean of medicine

Letter from Thomas Marrie, University of Alberta' dean of medicine, to those protesting "Nurses' Song" at the Medshow

July 8, 2005

I share your concerns about the MedShow 2005, and I have conveyed my profound disappointment to the participants. I want to assure you, first of all, that the inappropriate skit does not reflect a widespread disrespect for the nursing profession, but rather a poor decision by a small group of students. Their actions are inconsistent with our University values. Indeed, our curriculum increasingly reflects an emphasis on teamwork within the health professions and a respect for other knowledge sets.

I have discussed the matter with our Vice-President (Academic) Carl Amrhein, and we agree we will not tolerate such abuse of privilege. Graduates of the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine must adhere to the university's values of respect and tolerance.

Accordingly, I have discussed this matter in depth with the students involved, and they have written to the Dean of Nursing. I have also agreed with the Dean of Nursing that in the fall, nursing students will speak to our medical class to ensure they fully understand the impact of this type of behavour.

Sincerely,

Thomas Marrie
Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Go Back to:

press release on the Medshow

follow-up July 18 Center for Nursing Advocacy analysis

original July 8 Center for Nursing Advocacy analysis