[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/three-docs.jpg” caption=”Simon Oczkowski became a third generation doctor at Friday’s convocation. He was hooded by his parents and grandfather. File photo.”]In a rare moment in the history of McMaster University's medical school, one of its founding fathers hooded his grandson when he graduated as a doctor during convocation ceremonies held May 22.

In that moment, Simon Oczkowski, 26, became a third generation physician.

His grandfather, Dr. Bill Walsh, 85, holds an honorary doctorate from McMaster for his leadership as a founder of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. He was instrumental in developing its innovative problem-based learning (PBL) approach to medical education and is a much-respected pioneer in internal medicine in Hamilton. His reputation as a leader in the city's medical community helped the school gain acceptance among area health professionals.

Oczkowski's mother, Dr. Allyn Walsh, who did her postgraduate training at McMaster, is a practicing family physician with a long standing interest in medical education at all levels: undergraduate, postgraduate and for faculty members.

His father, Dr. Wes Oczkowski, a 1981 graduate and 1983 post graduate of the medical school, is a neurologist at Hamilton General Hospital and medical director of the regional stroke program. Both parents are faculty members of the medical school.

Initially, Oczkowski enrolled in the Arts & Science Program, later switching to medicine because he preferred a people-focused career. When he decided to follow his parents, he was accepted by seven medical schools – but chose McMaster because of its program.

With his grandfather living next door, Oczkowski has had many chances over the years to sit and chat about the founding of McMaster and its problem-based curriculum. Now, he's run teaching sessions for first year students and given several presentations on PBL and its origins at McMaster.

Oczkowski plans to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and specialize in internal medicine.

“Medicine is a great career for someone who chooses it,” said his mother. “It's exciting to see him first decide to apply to medical school and pick a career. I think he knows what he's getting into.”

To his grandfather, he's carrying on the family tradition. “The hooding ceremony gives a sense of continuity,” Dr. Bill Walsh said.