Dr. Gregory M. Polites, executive vice dean and interim head of biomedical and translational sciences for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shared advice with graduates during two commencement ceremonies at Missouri University of Science and Technology. 

More than 700 degrees were awarded during Missouri S&T’s three ceremonies, which were held Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Gale Bullman Building on the S&T campus.

Polites shared what he called pearls of wisdom he has taught to students and residents for years.

“Focus on what you’re interested in and what you truly love,” he told the graduates. “Because if you do that, you are going to be good at what you do. 

“Be patient,” he said. “To be successful in life you have to realize that not everything happens on the same timeline. 

“Be passionate about lifelong learning. No matter what field you go into, you have to be a lifelong learner,” Polites said. “When I graduated from medical school, the body of knowledge we had at that time doubled every seven years. Now it doubles every 73 days. So, it becomes imperative for us to not only teach students how to learn, but where to go to find information.

Polites reminded graduates to stay humble, be patient and kind to themselves, practice gratitude, and value face-to-face interactions.

“You’re going to have times when you’re burned out, tired, exhausted and depressed, and all I can say is to just stick with it,” he said. “Because you’re also going to have times that lift you up, and they’re going to sustain you. You’re among the most talented students in the nation. You’ve got this opportunity ahead of you, and you don’t need to be nervous, don’t be afraid. Just be humble, appreciate your family and enjoy the path.”       

Polites serves as executive vice dean and interim head of biomedical and translational sciences for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

He oversees the educational mission of the world’s first engineering-based college of medicine and serves as executive director of the Global Consortium of Innovation and Engineering in Medicine.

A professor of emergency medicine, Polites maintains a clinical practice with interests in trauma and critical care. He earned a medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed an emergency medicine residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He then spent the next 21 years as a full-time faculty member at Washington University, where he became an award-winning lecturer and educator for medical students and resident physicians.

Polites brings extensive experience in curriculum development, admissions, and mentorship of residents and attending physicians across the country. Having held national leadership positions within emergency medicine, he currently serves as an oral board examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine.

Internationally, he has supported medical education initiatives in multiple countries and now focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen workforce development and medical education, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Polites is also frequently invited to speak on emotional intelligence and resiliency in medical training, something he considers vital for all physicians and trainees.