Do you think you know a physician who “made the biggest difference?” Want to know who this is? All are welcome to hear a lecture presentation by the esteemed Richard Gunderman, MD, PhD from Indiana University. BRI-Marian University 
College of Osteopathic Medicine is sponsoring this event. RSVPs are appreciated to ensure sufficient refreshments for all.
Last year, Dr. Gunderson enthralled us with a lecture on “How Freedom Enriches Medicine and Life.” He is an engaging and enlightening speaker, and the evening promises to be inspiring!
POST-EVENT SUMMARY: Seventeen students enjoyed lunch and another edifying and entertaining lecture by Dr. Gunderman. The subject of Dr. Gunderman’s talk was none other than Dr. Benjamin Rush himself! We learned about Rush’s life, interests, ideology, and accomplishments. It was a great talk about the man who is the symbol of BRI.
Benjamin Rush graduated from what is now Princeton by age 14. He became the first chemistry professor in the colonies and is known as the father of psychiatry, because he wrote the first book on mental illness. He also opened the first free clinic in the US. He was one of five Founders who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dr. Rush was the inspiration behind Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. He trained Louis and Clark in some medical knowledge to prepare them for their expedition. Dr. Rush was friends with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
These were just some of the things on Benjamin Rush’s long list of accolades. But in a more ideological lens, he was a strong lover of liberty. He believed in letting people develop to their full potential without government interference. He was a huge advocate for his patients. He had radical views for his time: he was against the death penalty, against racism, and advocated education for women and African Americans. He was also deeply religious, helping found the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
“Dr. Gunderman is a great speaker and he is able to keep the audience entertained. He seems to be very interested in the Benjamin Rush Institute, and the overall goal of informing students on topics not normally covered in medical school curriculums.” ~Trenton Schmale, BRI-Marian president
Benjamin Rush’s legacy is grounded in medicine, politics, religion, and activism. He had a passion for everything he did, and made the best of the time while he was alive. Dr. Gunderman finished his talk by saying we as doctors should be taking a more active role in our communities, like Benjamin Rush.
There were four MS1’s in attendance today, and I already heard back from one of them saying she was interested in becoming more involved with BRI. Over the past few weeks with Patch Adams, Poverty Inc., and now Dr. Gunderman more MS1’s seem to have BRI on their radar. We had more attendees this year for Dr. Gunderman as opposed to last year.