Address of Welcome

Abstract

I am very happy to welcome you here on behalf of Principal Bell and the Board of Governors. McGill is extremely proud of its Faculty of Medicine. McGill also prides itself on the fact that it has a tradition of excellence. In these days of egalitarianism, democratic society, etc., it is virtually considered elitist to be excellent, but I think your presence here today at a conference like this, shows that you yourselves are committed to this very same principle of excellence. Without this, scholarship in any discipline, especially in the sciences, could never survive. I want to congratulate Professor Chang on attracting such a distinguished group of people but I also want to congratulate the audience because when I took a look at the program and the length and content of the program, I recognized that it would take a certain kind of stamina to be able to endure this. I would be interested to see what you look like at about 5:30 or 6:00 this afternoon. I know you did not come here to hear me. You have a very long and a very good program. May I wish you a great deal of success in this conference. Thank you very much.