Psychiatrist and nationally recognized expert in enhancing the learning environment for medical students, Leon “Lee” Jones, M.D., became dean of medical education at Georgetown University School of Medicine last August, having served most recently as associate dean for students at the University of California, San Francisco. He sees the notion of taking an interest in a whole person and looking beyond their symptoms or diagnosis as fundamental to success in medicine. “I love people’s stories and how different parts of people intersect.” Lee describes his approach to medical education as grounded in truth, science, and equity. He says that working toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce creates the conditions for better healthcare overall.

Having had surgeons in his family, loving science and being curious about others, Lee designed his undergraduate major in psychology, anthropology, and education. He went on to medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Joining him in D.C. are his partner, Bill Flynn, and their three dogs.

Harold “Hal” Frazier, M.D., urologist and nationally recognized expert in robotic surgery, has a role at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences not unlike Lee’s at Georgetown. Hal is associate dean of graduate medical education. Additionally, he is chairman of the board of trustees and clinical director of the urologic oncology program at the George Washington University Hospital. Because both Hal and Lee are in D.C., they have been in touch. As premed undergrads they were partners in many chemistry labs and were both members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Hal went on to Dartmouth Medical School. His wife, Aletta Ann (Bork) Frazier, is a Dartmouth ’82.

While Lee noted above that medical education should be grounded in truth, science, and equity, Diana Lawrence, an American studies major, finds trust, truth, and understanding are on her mind these days. “Regarding trust, how does one decide whom, what, and when to trust given the divergent views around us?” Diana considers information source and intentions. Intentions are key. Are they self-serving (designed to push an agenda or inflict hurt) or do they elevate the conversation? Her quest for truth includes gathering data and talking to friends with special insights or different biases. While “messy,” she finds her take on truth emerges, often as “an educated gut, but solid enough to inspire action while remaining open to evolving.” Finally, understanding how truth can vary among people and to better appreciate differences, Diana’s in a group that explores thorny contemporary issues. After Dartmouth Diana earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Michigan and an M.B.A. from Harvard. Her career, largely in startups, especially high tech, culminated in advising small businesses across their lifecycles. She and her husband live in Golden, Colorado.

—Janie Simms Hamner, 7327 Centenary Ave., Dallas, TX 75225; jshandkids@aol.com