Many of you know I was in the Marine Corps, what many of you may not know is where the Marine Corps started. The Marine Corps Birthday is 10 November 1775. Since that time and even in modern times, Marines gather to celebrate the birth of the Corps. So, where was the delivery room? It was in a Bar. The Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Perhaps an auspicious start to what many consider, especially Marines, the best fighting force in history.

So, with the premise that good things can happen at drinking establishments and with a little exaggeration on my part, let me tell you what will be happening at a modern day Tun Tavern. This Friday evening we will be having a Nurse Anesthesia Graduation Party at Larkin’s Sawmill.

When it comes to Academics in Greenville, much has happened these last 100 years and in particular, the last couple of years. A lot of energy and excitement has been generated about the USC School of Medicine Greenville and our first class is on track to arrive this summer. But, there is this is small group that is making history now.

Here is what Richard Wilson, the Nurse Anesthesia Program Coordinator let me know: Prior to January 2010, we were an affiliated site for the USC Nurse Anesthesia Program. In January 2010, we became a primary training site for the USC Nurse Anesthesia Program as part of a workforce development project and to strengthen our collaboration with USC. The Nurse Anesthesia Program, on the GHS campus, is the first program where the students complete their entire training – classroom and clinical – at GHS.

This year 5 students graduated from the program and 3 of them will come work for GHS. Why I love this story is that we not only address clinical needs for our hospital, but we train nurses, therapists and physicians that help other hospitals in the state and the region.

The Marine Corps Motto is Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful), perhaps when I drop by this Friday I will toast the Graduates with Semper Primus (Always First).