This year’s 2007-2008 Critical Care Medicine Graduation took place on June 13, 2008. The graduation ceremony was hosted on the Princess of the Gateway Clipper Riverboat fleet. We launched from Station Square and navigated through the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela rivers. The cool breeze balanced the warm afternoon as we were all witness to a brilliant sunset splashing shades of violet, pink, and orange against the rolling Pittsburgh skyline. The graduating fellows could be heard discussing fond memories of the Steelers and summer baseball as we drifted by Heinz Field and PNC Park.

As the wonderful food rolled through the galley to the dinner hall, all the guests settled to eat. Midway through the meal our new Critical Care Medicine Chair eloquently congratulated all fellows graduating from the Adult and Pediatric Critical Care Programs. Robert Clark, Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program, followed by introducing his graduating fellows. Later, the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Directors that included Samuel Tisherman (Sugery), Scott Gunn (Emergency Medicine), Murat Kaynar (Anesthesia), and Paul Rogers (Internal Medicine) congratulated their respective fellows. Awards went to Deepika Mohan (Fellow of the Year) and Anil Singh (Medical Student Teaching Award). The Faculty of the Year Award was presented to John Hotchkiss. At the close of the ceremony, Chief Fellow Wissam Mansour passed the baton to incoming Chief, Erick Itoman.

The Friday the 13th event was most memorable. The graduation was bitter sweet for some as one door closed and other doors opened for the graduating fellows. All left happy to spend this night together in celebration. We congratulate the graduating class of 2008! Good luck to you all.

2008 CCM Fellows

Dr. Ake Grenvik recognized by Dr. Angus for the establishment of the Grenvik Chair in CCM

Dr. Lillian Emlet congratulating Dr. Paul Rogers as the inaugural occupant of the Grenvik Chair in CCM

Dr. Clark, Director of Pediatric CCM Fellowship Program Presents award to Stephen Robert, Pediatric CCM Fellow=

Rosanne Salonia, Graduating CCM Pediatric Fellow

Ajit Sarnaik, Graduating Pediatric CCM Fellow

Left to Right: Anil & wife, Molly, Hiro, Dave & wife, Jonathan, Deepika, Sheela, Erick

Banquet Dinner

Murat Kaynar, MD, Director Adult CCM Anesthesia

Scott Crane, CCM Fellow and Wife

Wissam Mansour 2007-2008 Chief Adult CCM