Sharon Douglas, MD, Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Education at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, is retiring this month after 35 years of service to UMMC and the VA. Here, she reflects on her career and what’s in store for her after retirement.

The recent graduation ceremonies for our medical students were certainly different this year. The usual cheering and other outbursts were muffled by masks worn at some graduation exercises, while sporadic loud yells (or shouts) of excitement pierced through the masks at other ceremonies. Some attendees screamed, clapped, and whistled –– despite instructions to maintain a solemn demeanor until the designated time.