Dear Members of the HMS Community:
Last week was a difficult one for the Harvard community. Like many of you, I have been feeling profound sadness, disappointment, and a sense of loss. Ours is a community dedicated to healing, and we too must heal.
The letter to the Harvard community from Interim President Alan Garber released earlier today reflects his vision for bringing our community together. Having worked very closely with Alan in his roles as the University’s provost and chief academic officer and as a member of the HMS faculty, I have the utmost respect for and confidence in his wisdom, judgment, and leadership. Alan has a generosity of spirit that will serve our community well. I also commend former Harvard President Claudine Gay for her service and dedication to the University and for her principled commitment to our shared ideals. As she returns to the faculty, I know she will have much to offer the Harvard community through her teaching and scholarship.
As we reflect on the past few months and begin the new year, we will take stock of what has transpired, acknowledge and confront our shortcomings, and explore ways to make our community stronger and more resilient. At this time of introspection, I ask each of you to take a moment to remind yourself why you were drawn to this community in the first place. We are fortunate that HMS is a vibrant and strong institution dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all we do, made possible because of the earnestness and dedication of each of you.
Now is the time for all of us to focus on what we can influence and change for the better through our good work, leveraging the privilege of being part of the Harvard Medical School community. I ask that you redouble your efforts to do what you do best: rigorous research, inspirational teaching and training, compassionate care, and selfless mentorship and service on behalf of science, policy, and health equity.
Thank you for carrying on with your important work, which reassures me and gives me great hope for our future.
Sincerely,
George Q. Daley
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Harvard University