(audience applauding and cheering) (orchestral music) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music) (audience applauding and cheering) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music continues) (orchestral music continues) - Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Graduates and commencement party, guest hooders, please be seated. Today marks the culmination of the medical education for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine class of 2023. (audience applauding and cheering) Congratulations to the 2023 graduates. You have reached a real milestone. We would like to thank the families, friends, mentors, faculty and alumni who have joined us today for this official commencement ceremony. The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine educates medical students in eight campuses across the state. Today we gather collectively to celebrate and reflect. My name is Dr. Wanda Lipscomb, and I serve as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. I would like to introduce to you the dais and recognize the college leadership and commencement party. Please hold your applause until all have been introduced. Starting to my far left and your right, Dr. Julie Phillips, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Sean Valles, Chair of the Center for Ethics and Humanities and the Life sciences. You guys have a new name. I butchered that. I am so sorry. Dr. Valles is also the Interim Director for the Office of Medical Education Research and Development. Dr. Richard Leach, who is Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Dr. Judith Brady, Assistant Dean for Student Wellness and Engagement. Dr. Lisa Lowery, Assistant Dean for Cultural Diversity. Dr. Joel Mauer, who is our Assistant Dean for Admissions. Dr. Colleen Bush, who is completing her term as Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Experiences. Dr. Robin DeMuth, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, and also a member of the College of Human Medicine class of 2004. Dr. Andrea Wendling, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Director of the Leadership in Rural Medicine Program. And then starting at my right and your left, Dr. Keith English, who is chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. Dr. Jed Magen, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. David Kaufman, Assistant Vice President for Health Sciences, and Chair of the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology. Dr. Carol Parker, Associate Dean for Administration and Assistant Dean for Program Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement. Dr. Micah Zerafa, who is a graduate of the CHM class of 2012, and he is also an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, as well as a part of the US Army Reserve Medical Corps. Dr. Dennis Yamamoto, College of Human Medicine Alumni Association, class of 1978. Dr. Ross Ramsey, President of the College of Human Medicine Alumni Association, class of 2009. Dr. Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and a former dean of the College of Human Medicine, College of Human Medicine, class of 1990. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, College of Human Medicine, class of 2002, Associate Dean for Public Health and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health. And Dr. Aron Sousa, Dean of the College of Medicine. Thank you for your leadership. (audience applauding) You may be seated. Also seated on our platform this afternoon are numerous other academic administrators, faculty and alumni of the college. Seated in the arena are the community assistant deans and student program administrators who you will meet and see later in the program. And we just thank everyone for being here today. If we could all please stand to recognize our country with the playing of the national anthem. (Star-Spangled Banner) (audience applauding) You may be seated. It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce Dr. Aron Sousa, Dean of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Sousa was approved as the dean of our college by the board of trustees in April, 2022. This made him the seventh dean of the medical school. Previous to joining us as the permanent dean, Dr. Sousa served as interim dean for our medical school helping us out twice. He really loves this place. (audience laughing) Prior to that, he served as the senior associate dean for academic affairs for over 11 years. Dr. Sousa received his medical degree from the university down the road that has a little red with it. Indiana University. He is a general internist. He's a dedicated medical educator. He is a committed community leader and activist, and more important than anything, he is a supporter of medical students. Join me in welcoming Dean Sousa. (audience applauding) - Thank you, Dr. Lipscomb. Good afternoon. Welcome to the 2023 College of Human Medicine Commencement celebrating the graduation of the class of 2023. It is my pleasure and honor to represent the faculty and staff in congratulating all of the graduates and welcoming their families and friends who are here with us today. There is no better occasion at a university than a graduation. It is good to be here. Today we bring together our graduates, along with their families and friends to honor you and your accomplishments. We gather today though, while being mindful that our people are still mourning the violence our community experienced on February 13th. It may feel uncomfortable to celebrate while that occasion still consumes so many of our thoughts and feelings. We are dedicated to supporting everyone who was impacted by this event, including the students who were injured, witnesses to the violence, and families of those who were injured or perished. As we begin to shift to our celebration of your accomplishments, let us pause for a moment of silence to consider how we can live our lives in a way that honors all Spartans, including those who are no longer with us. (silence) Thank you. It is important that we share our joy and your accomplishments with your entire family and friends. Some of you are younger or not so young family members might get a little antsy over the course of today's events and need a bit of a walkabout. That is a part of life. And please feel free to take them up to the Concourse. The Breslin has plenty of room. Michigan State University has a formal land acknowledgement, which I want to include now in my opening remarks. We acknowledge that Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabe, the Three Fires Confederacy of the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi peoples. In particular, the university resides on lands seated in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. We recognize, support and advocate for the sovereignty of Michigan's 12 federally recognized Indian nations, for historic indigenous communities in Michigan, for the indigenous individuals and communities who live here now and for those who are forcibly removed from their homelands. By offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm indigenous sovereignty, and will work to hold Michigan State University more accountable to the needs of American Indian and indigenous peoples. And as everybody in this building now knows, medical school and becoming a physician is a huge amount of work, including studying 60 or 80 hours a week or rounding or clinical duties for the same amount for months on end. It can be draining, tiring, exhilarating, occasionally terrifying, and hopefully, at least as often, joyous. The graduates here before me know those terrors and hopefully, have seen some of the joy that comes from being someone's doctor. It is a great honor to be someone's physician. The most important decision the college makes in creating good physicians is in admissions. We work hard to make sure we select people who are entering medicine for the right reasons and who will bring valuable life lessons to their patients, and who are committed to the wholesome and scientific practice of medicine. And I really hope we haven't screwed you up. (audience laughing) I want the students we admitted to be the doctors we graduate, but well-trained in the technical skills and knowledge of medicine. I seek in my newest colleagues, the personal and professional attributes that sustain my profession. Colleagues who will take care of my patients when I'm not available, who will treat me and my family when I need them. I am confident you are still those people and improved by your education in only the very best of ways. Frequently, I get to speak with our graduates after they've gone off to residency, and I am confident you will find yourself well-trained, well-prepared with the technical, intellectual and emotional skills to deal with the rigors of residency. As the health emergency officially ends, I want to recognize the work of residents at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked in the hospital during some of the larger outbreaks and no one worked harder than the residents who often had their rotations changed to cover more ICU, more emergency department, more COVID wards, more call. You now enter the fray. And I applaud and appreciate what residents have done and continue to do for all of us. Residency is in truth harder than medical school. But I think that the physicians up here with me today would agree that the first year of residency, in the first year, you will learn more than you will learn in any other year of your career. For the class of 2023, I want you to know I am confident you are ready to take this on. But there will be some point next year when you will feel like the rest of us, when you will wonder why you signed up for this. Pay attention to the biology of being a resident. You have to eat and sleep. You have to find some joy in what you do each day. Remember that you need the support of your colleagues, the members of your team, your residency faculty, your family, your friends. And if you pay attention to what you need as an organism, you can look the most difficult situation in the eye, come up with a plan and make the world of your patient and their family a better place. Thank you for being Spartan MDs. (audience applauding) It is now my pleasure to introduce Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., Executive Vice president for Health Sciences at Michigan State University. After graduating from CHM, Norm did a transitional surgical internship in Grand Rapids before doing his radiology residency and neuro interventional fellowship at Johns Hopkins. He stayed at Johns Hopkins as faculty and associate chair before becoming chair of radiology at the University of Washington, until finally finding his center and returning to his roots at CHM as Dean in 2026. Dr. Beauchamp has helped lead the university and has been a leader in the university's partnerships. It's my great pleasure to introduce EVP Beauchamp. (audience applauding) - Well, thank you, Aron. I have the coolest job. I am the welcomer. I am the welcomer. So this I love being able to do because that means I get to welcome all of you. So, as Aron mentioned, I'm the EVP of Health Sciences. In this role, I get to support our extraordinary dean, our amazing faculty and staff. And what I can observe from the perspective of MSU is how dedicated they are to getting all of you to this very important day. They're tireless, they're caring, and on behalf of Michigan State University, we're proud of 'em, we love 'em, we welcome 'em. Can we hear it from Michigan State College of Human Medicine faculty and staff? (audience applauding and cheering) Now, as the former dean of this amazing college through the fall of 2019, I'm actually aware of many of the stories of so many of you, how hard you all worked, how deeply you believed, how resilient you are in getting to medical school and to getting through. Absolutely extraordinary. You represent exactly what Michigan State University seeks to be a part of, to be a part of, to walk with the inspired and the inspirational. The class of 2023, we are so proud of you. We welcome you. Can we hear it for the class of 2023? (audience applauding and cheering) See how cool it is to get to be the welcomer? It's awesome. As a graduate of this college who in the spring of 1990, I walked across this stage and I was so excited for what it meant in terms of an ability to have an impact. But I also remember looking out and looking up to the people that helped me get there that were with me either physically present or in my heart and were with me always. And it's those people that I wanna recognize now and let them know on behalf of Michigan State University, we thank you, we love you, we appreciate you, we welcome you. For all those that helped you get here. (audience applauding) And then finally, I stand here as a parent. Today my child will cross the stage as a graduate. (audience applauding and cheering) I could not be more proud of him. It wouldn't be possible. But he and I also know, and all of our graduates here know we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the mamas. His mother, (audience applauding) all of your mothers. So, I would ask that we appreciate and welcome on this Mother's Day weekend the moms and the grandmoms that helped all of us. We welcome you. (audience applauding) Now, admittedly, that's a lot of welcoming. You're welcome. (audience laughing) But why so much welcoming? Sincerely, making people feel welcome is what it's all about, isn't it? In a world that struggles, where so many people need help and want help, but it gets lost in too much anger, too much fear, rhetoric, click bait, struggle, people just wanna feel welcome. They just wanna know they're cared about. So, graduates, I leave you with one of my favorite doctor aphorisms that I got a chance to share in the white coat ceremony back in the day, and so appropriate now that you all know so much, and bravo, you all know so much is that patients and families, they won't care how much you know until they know how much you care. They won't care how much you know until they know how much they care. Never lose that through all of it, every patient, every time. Make your patients and families always feel welcome. That is the doctor you are now trained to be. We know that's the doctor you will be. So on behalf of Michigan State University, welcome to all, and again, congratulations, class of 2023. (audience applauding) - Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a local and national exemplar. She is a pediatrician, scientist, activist and author. She was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, recognized as one of USA TODAY's Women of the Century for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis and leading recovery efforts. She has testified multiple times before the United States Congress, lectures at dozens of colleges and university, and frequently contributes to the national media outlets championing the cause of children in Flint and beyond. Dr. Mona is the author of the Widely acclaimed and New York Times 100 most notable book, "What The Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance and Hope in an American City." Dr. Mona is the Associate Dean for Public Health and a C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. She is the founding director of the pediatric Public Health Initiative. An innovative partnership of MSU and Hurley's Children's Hospital in Flint, Michigan. With concentrations in environmental health and health policy, Dr. Mona received her bachelor's degree and master's of public health degree from the University of Michigan. She completed her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and her residency and chief residency at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. More to the point, Dr. Mona works tirelessly and with great effect for the benefit of children. That is her goal, her Polaris, her talisman, it is in her soul, it is for the kids. Along the way, she advocates for the place of science and public health as our wayfinders for improving the lives of children. The improvement in children's lives in the last 150 years has been astonishing, owing to a mix of scientific advances including vaccines, sanitation, labor laws, Medicaid and child welfare policy. Just since 1950 in the time of rampant polio and measles, about 90,000 children per year who would've died in that time now survive. Science and good policy work, and I am sure you will hear more about Dr. Mona's science and policy efforts to further improve the lives of children. Friends, please welcome Dr. Mona Hannah-Attisha. (audience applauding) - Thank you. Thank you, Dean Aron for that lovely and kind introduction. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and your heart and your soul. Thank you. I am so excited to be here with all of you. I'm short. I'm short like a barely five foot. Okay. I am so thrilled to be here with all of you. Congratulations graduates, you did it. This is absolutely your day. Congrats. Family, friends, faculty, how about another round of applause for these amazing folks? Congrats. (audience applauding) Everyone here believes in you. Did you hear that? Everyone here believes in you. And I believe in you too. As mentioned before, I sat where you sat as a MSU College of Human Medicine grad. I literally sat in those chairs, and I remember being excited and anxious and nervous, and unbelievably giddy. I listened to my commencement speaker as you listen to me, and I felt the pride of being part of something great. And I'm sure a lot of you are thinking, wow, like how amazing it is to be graduating from medical school? Like it is. OMG, like it is amazing. It is amazing. Another round of applause. Seriously, it is amazing. (audience applauding) Amazing. You did it. But I'll tell you something. It is us up here that are even more proud of you and proud of what you will do. And as much as you are wrapped in this incredible moment, our profession of medicine and our college, this university is only as great as you are, and as great as you will be. And as this Spartan university rises, always on the shoulders of its graduates, this world, our world depends on the work that you will do. And I think we can all agree that our world has changed quite a bit from that first day you started medical school. But what hasn't changed is the gravity of your degree. Whether you knew it or not when you started, by taking on this life in medicine, you have placed yourself on the front lines of some of the most important battlegrounds of society today. We need you on the wards and in the clinics, in the ORs, in the ERs, and the ICUs. We need you in research labs and in the lobbies of our capitals. We need you in our classrooms and in our nation's highest courtrooms. Our work is about standing on those front lines every single day, holding those lines against sickness and disease, and also holding those lines against injustice and apathy. And I realize that may sound overwhelming, but I want you to know that I am standing here in front of you and I am inspired and hopeful, because in every single one of you, there is the proven strength to do the hard but necessary things. You have been tested and you have persevered. Besides the usual challenges of medical school, all the studying and labs and shelf exams and steps and match, you have also survived shutdowns and Zoom classes, and virtual residency interviews and COVID wards. It has been a crazy and at times miserable few years. But despite the challenges and the losses, you have gained something too. Because today we are all here celebrating your strength, your perseverance, your ability to overcome the insurmountable. This graduation today is a testament to the fact that you can do hard things. Do not underestimate this accomplishment. You completed medical school during a global pandemic. That's amazing. (audience applauding) And like Dean Sousa mentioned, the next part of your life will be unique. Residency for most of you, more knowledge than you thought your brain could hold, growth and your competence and your confidence as you transform from a trainee to an independent practitioner. But today, right now, you're in the eye of the hurricane. You've come through the storm, you've weathered some rough spots. You know there's a whirlwind of wonderful change coming, but not quite yet. Today you get to take a deep breath and enjoy a well-deserved feeling of accomplishment. Take that deep breath with me. Come on. (all taking deep breath) You did this. Deep breath. But don't get too comfortable, because when you graduate in a matter of minutes and get that degree behind your name, you have to decide what kind of doctor you're going to be. And I don't mean like what specialty you're gonna go into or where are you gonna practice. I mean, how are you going to serve as a doctor in your community? Will it just be a job? Clock in, clock out, shift work, prescribe pills, pay the bills? Or will you wake up every day not to just go to work, not to practice medicine, but will you be part of something bigger? My goal today is to challenge you to be something bigger. Don't let this moment be your ceiling. Today is not your finish line, it is your beginning. And I am certain that you will turn today's momentum into tomorrow's legacy. Whether at the bench or the bedside, all of us are healers. And healing means not only providing direct patient care to the people in front of us, but it's also about seeing beyond the obvious. Seeing beyond what our trained clinician eyes often don't see or don't wanna see, and prescribing what truly makes our patients healthy. And this is where I want you to reach into your white coat pockets 'cause the purpose of our white coats really is the pockets. Where else would you put like your phone and your ChapStick and your code cards? Like if the pockets are key, you'll learn that, you probably already know that, and pull out your prescription pads. Okay, wait a minute. So, you know, it's kind of turned around. We're wearing the gowns today instead of the patients. You don't have your white coats. But the good thing is our gowns cover our backside. So that's bonus. Not for our patients. Sometimes the jokes don't really go too well. (Mona laughing) I thought that was hilarious. Okay. (audience laughing) Okay, check under your seats. Under all of your seats you'll find a prescription pad and a pen. And I know that we don't actually write prescriptions anymore. Everything is pretty much electronic, but you guys are gonna humor me, okay? Are you guys ready to write your first prescriptions? (audience member cheering) Yeah, let's give it up. Woohoo. (audience cheering) I want you to think about what you would prescribe for health. Imagine if you could prescribe anything with your magic pens, what would it be? Think big. Think bold. You can even practice your messy signatures. And you know what? There's prescription pads back here too. Under your seats you got prescription pads for our already graduated doctors who have already perfected their messy signatures, okay? So, it's pretty easy to write like a prescription for amoxicillin for ear infection. But remember, in pediatrics it's mixed per kid, it's weight-based. And it's pretty easy to write Lipitor for high cholesterol. But think about like what would you prescribe for like the deadly pathogens of racism and poverty, and gross inequality. Early adversity and usurped democracy. Misinformation and misogyny. Loneliness, addiction, despair. Lack of access to healthy food, healthy air, healthcare. These are some of the upstream threats, the root causes, the underlying diagnoses that ultimately fill our hospital beds and diminish our patient's health and our public's health. And in medicine we often miss making the right diagnosis and we reactively band-aid, treating the symptoms rather than the cause. And it turns out our band-aids are really expensive and they don't work really good. Life expectancy in the US is actually dropping, and this is happening in the richest country in the history of the world. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can fix this. You can fix this. The power is in your hands. The power is in your pen. So what are your prescriptions for health? What would you prescribe for a healthier nation? A healthier world. (graduand speaking indistinctly) Universal healthcare. Give him a round of applause. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Woo. So I'm gonna repeat that. His prescription for healthcare was equitable and accessible healthcare for queer, trans and gender non-conforming children, teens and adults. Thank you. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Her prescription for healthcare is curiosity and compassion. Give her a round of applause. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Her prescription for health is economic stability and security. Give her a round of applause. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Prescription for health is banning assault weapons. Woohoo. Yes. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Gratitude and humor. I love that. You got that. Great prescription. (audience applauding) (graduand speaking indistinctly) Yes, diversifying doctors nationwide. Awesome. (audience applauding) (Karina speaking indistinctly) Awesome. So I'm gonna repeat that. Karina said her prescription for health is an environment and a climate that is healthy, sustainable and safe for her patients, their families and generations to come. Thank you. Give her a round of applause. (audience applauding) (Matthew speaking indistinctly) Yes, Matthew. His prescription for health is kindness and acceptance. (audience applauding) (Audrey speaking indistinctly) Yes. Audrey's prescription for health is racial justice. (audience applauding) (Danny speaking indistinctly) Yes. I'm gonna repeat that 'cause it was so important. Danny said her prescription for health is women's healthcare decided by doctors and patients for patients, not for profits or politicians. (audience applauding) (Eric speaking indistinctly) Yes, Eric. Eric's prescription for health is spreading peace, love and joy. Let's give these grads an amazing round of applause. (audience applauding) Did you guys hear the power in their collective voices? One prescription for health is potent, but together you are a force for good, a movement for good, a drumbeat for hope. And that is exactly what we need right now because it is in these glimmers of hope that the impossible becomes possible. As you spend your upcoming years on the front lines of medicine, do not forget about this power that you hold, this power to prescribe health. It makes you a respected expert in an era where many professions are not held in high regard. When you speak, people will listen. In my story, my MD was a megaphone for the kids of Flint, and I used it and I was loud and stubborn and persistent, and it was the voice of medicine that ultimately changed the trajectory of a city. From this day on, you are all entrusted to be the voice of health. You are all entrusted to prescribe health. And I promise you that this doctoring work, this prescribing health work will bring you joy and fulfillment. And I'm so excited about my newest prescription for health, it's called Rx Kids. We are literally prescribing moms and babies cash to disrupt poverty and improve health equity in the poorest city in our state. (audience applauding) This has never been done before and we are creating a playbook on how to do this across the nation. And I know there's probably a little voice in your head saying, what is she talking about? That is someone else's job and I can't do that. And that's why I am here with you today to prove to you that yes you can. To remind you that this is why you went to medical school. Why you spent all these years, which seems like forever studying, why you got this degree to help people to heal, to serve, to prescribe health. So being here with you today, all I see is hope everywhere in every single one of you. You are the hope that we send out into the world. They are. They are the hope. They are. (audience applauding) And with you out there soon wearing all the different hats of medicine as pediatricians and pathologists, internists and intensivists, and surgeons, and subspecialists and everything in between, we will successfully diagnose and treat the pathogens of yesterday and today, and tomorrow you will write new prescriptions. Hold on to those prescriptions for health. Keep them in your white coat pocket. Let it serve as a reminder of the power that you have to prescribe a tomorrow that is healthier, more equitable and more just. Are you all ready to prescribe health? Yes, yes. (graduands cheering) Are you ready? Woo, all right. Dean Sousa, I think we need to hurry up and graduate them because we absolutely need these doctors. Congratulations. Go green. (audience applauding) (audience members shouting indistinctly) (audience laughing) - Thank you, Dr. Mona. It's actually never fun to follow her. (audience applauding) It is my pleasure to introduce our Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Andrea Wendling. The students also know Dr. Wendling from her work as a director of rural medicine, the country's premier rural health education program. Dr. Wendling is a well-published scholar, a leader in rural health, and physician workforce and family medicine, and she will be presenting the faculty awards. (audience applauding) - Faculty members of the college provide an exceptional education in a supportive learning environment. Today it is my pleasure to introduce the faculty award winners selected by the graduates of the class of 2023. They include individuals from all aspects of the curriculum and from all of our communities. We are delighted to formally recognize the faculty award winners who are joining us today. Dr. Jamie Alan from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. (audience applauding and cheering) The students report. "Dr. Alan is one of the best. She is always there to help even when unsolicited. Dr. Alan was happy to answer questions in dedicated time to not just student learning, but also career development." (audience applauding) Dr. Michael Borgeld. (audience applauding and cheering) Academy fellow in simulation core faculty. The students report. "Dr. Borgeld is an extraordinary person who extends himself to help students do their best. His reputation for putting students before himself is well deserved. I know for a fact that at least a quarter of each graduating class would agree that he is absolutely indispensable to the student population." (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kyle Carr, from the Department of Physiology and Human Pathology. (audience applauding and cheering) The students report. "Students who rotate with him speak highly of his enthusiasm for education, his passion for medicine, his exemplary professionalism, and his inclusivity. He exemplifies a caring and knowledgeable physician who promotes wellness and encourages personal and professional growth in the students he teaches. We thank him for his dedicated service as a physician and mentor to the Traverse City students." (audience applauding) Dr. Constantinos Constantinou, Department of Vascular Surgery. (audience applauding) The students report. "My elective was spent with the vascular team in Midland. Dr. Constantinou was my supervising physician and he has provided me with an unforgettable experience. It was obvious how much Dr. Constantinou loves teaching students." (audience applauding) Dr. Douglas Ellinger. (audience applauding and cheering) Department of Radiology. The students report. "Dr. Ellinger was always prepared to teach and extremely engaging. He knows how to hold students attention and teaches with such excitement. He is passionate about what he does and truly cares about student learning. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Olga Napolova, the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development (audience applauding and cheering) The students report. "Dr. Napolova goes above and beyond to help us students learn, grow, and take ownership in the care of our patients. From the start of our pediatric clerkship, there truly is no other physician who is better at easing your nerves and calming your fear of working with kiddos than Dr. Napolova." (audience applauding) Dr. Michelle Nelson from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Students report. "I appreciated the valuable feedback and guidance she gave me while nurturing my interests and independence. I was inspired by how much respect she gave me, gave her residents and her patients, and I hope one day be able to be such a great clinician and educator." (audience applauding) Dr. Helga Toriello, the Director of Intercessions. (audience cheering) The students report. "Dr. Toriello is an excellent educator with an endless amount of medical knowledge and passion. I was lucky to have her as a mentor and a small group educator for two years." (audience applauding) Dr. Bas Towfiq from the Department of Internal Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) The students' report. "Dr. Towfiq is an excellent teacher. He looks at teaching through the perspective of the student. Simplifying difficult concepts to help students learn. He approaches every student with compassion like they are part of his family and helps them even when they make mistakes. His work ethic and character perfectly exemplify what a doctor should be." (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Nicholas Watson from the Department of Surgery. (audience applauding) Students report. "Dr. Watson possesses many traits all can strive to have. He is personable, encouraging, intelligent, wise, and engaging. He is humble and openly shares his circuitous journey in medicine. He is invaluable. He is clearly passionate about medical student education and perfectly embodies a strong and effective physician educator." (audience applauding) We want to also acknowledge the faculty award winners who are unable to join us today. Dr. David Betten from the Department of Emergency Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Meredith Buck from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Andrew Jameson from the Department of Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Paul Carr Jr. from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Brandon Carmo from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Allan Nelson from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding) Dr. Katherine Petrin from the Department of Surgery. (audience applauding) Dr. Larry Warbasse from the Department of Medicine. (audience applauding) And Dr. Bashar Yaldo from the Department of Family Medicine. (audience applauding and cheering) I'll now transition to the introduction of the dual degree graduates. The College of Human Medicine, some students complete more than one degree. This extends their time of study and also expands their expertise and their experience. Dual degree students have a special dedication and persistence that often carries their careers into advanced areas of science, business, health and leadership. I would like the following dual degree students to stand and be recognized. Christina Anaganier. (audience applauding and cheering) Christina received a master of business administration degree conferred in 2022. (audience applauding) Norman J. Beauchamp III. (audience applauding) Received a master of business administration degree conferred in 2023. (audience applauding) Darren Patman. (audience cheering) Received a master of business administration degree conferred in 2023. (audience applauding) Elizabeth Abel. (audience applauding and cheering) Received a master of public health degree conferred in 2023. (audience applauding) Thomas Joseph Barker. (audience applauding and cheering) Received a master of public health degree conferred in 2023. (audience applauding) And Dr. Christine Knight, received a doctor of philosophy in genetics degree conferred in 2021. (audience applauding) Congratulations to all of these dual degree students. (audience applauding) And now, we come to the most significant portion of our commencement, the hooding of our graduates. (Andrea and audience chuckling) (audience applauding) The ceremony will follow the order of the program beginning with the graduates from the Flint community. (audience cheering) You can follow along in the program beginning on page seven. I ask that the 2023 Flint graduates and the participants in the hooding ceremony, please move to your stations following the directions from the marshals. The 2023 graduates will be hooded in alphabetical order by community campus as noted in the program. Each graduate will be introduced by the student program administrator of their community campus. The graduates will be hooded by the associate dean for student affairs, the associate dean for undergraduate medical education, their community assistant deans, and faculty alumni and guest hooders. The graduates who have completed special certificate programs will receive certificates from the respective certificate program director. The graduates will receive commemorative scrolls from Dean Sousa before they exit the hooding platform at my right. There's a roped in area on the far right of the arena where families may gather to take pictures after the graduates have completed the hooding and before they return to their seats. This graduation ceremony today has many features specific to the College of Human Medicine, but the basic structure of processional hooding, confirmation of degree, taking of an oath and recessional date to mid 15th century Oxford. In the original ceremonies, the hoods and robes were those of the newly minted priests, but they were like ours, institutional markers of completion and approval. From the first of these ceremonies, faculty have recognized not only the achievement of their students, but have also celebrated the placement of their graduates back in society with special purpose and responsibility intrinsic to the medical degree. And here and land the people of the state of Michigan traded for the intellectual and economic progress of our citizens, the faculty asks you, the graduates to take your place beside them. And so we now begin the signal event of our graduation, the hooding of the graduates of the College of Human Medicine. (audience applauding) - Good evening, everyone. My name is Ashley May. I am the Student Programs Administrator for the Flint Campus. It is my distinct pleasure to present to you the Flint campus graduates from the class of 2023. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is Flint Campus Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Jennifer Edwards Johnson and Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Dr. Wanda Lipscomb. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kimberly Adujamphee. Dr. Adujamphee has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Christina Anaganier. Dr. Anaganier has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Accompanying her on stage as her son CJ, age eight. (audience applauding) (audience applauding) Dr. Berenitse Bayadaraus. (audience applauding and cheering) (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Amber Deshaun Campbell. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Nancy Spates. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Maria Chez. Dr. Chez has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld and her cousin, Dr. Jessica Collins. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Alessandra Nectaria Descaleces. Dr. Descaleces has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is her mother, Dr. Peggy Ambers. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Taylor Ann Dixon. Dr. Dixon has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor and cousin, Dr. D'Angela Pitts. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ariana Denise Dryden. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Pat Brewer. (audience laughing) (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Munashe Praise Dube. Dr. Dube has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Bassam Towfiq. (audience applauding and cheering) (audience applauding) Dr. Caleb Dulac. Dr. Dulac has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Diego Felipe Gomez. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding are his mentors, Dr. Michael Borgeld and Dr. Sajad Samat. (audience applauding) Dr. Jocelyn Gonzalez Lopez. Dr. Gonzalez Lopez has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Alina May Hayek. Dr. Hayek has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding is her friend and fellow alumna, Dr. Rachel Hollander. (audience applauding) Dr. Jocelyn Hansen. (audience applauding and cheering) (audience applauding) Dr. Bina Huck. Dr. Huck has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding are her parents, Dr. Zakia Alavi, and Dr. Raza Huck. Dr. Tatiana Lakayra Katrice Harris. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Harris has earned a certificate for the completion of leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Marielle Ha. Assisting with the hooding is her mother, Dr. Karen Pond and her mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld. (audience applauding) (audience applauding) Dr. Caitlin Heenan. Dr. Heenan has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. (audience applauding) Dr. Natalie Enohosa. Dr. Enohosa has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Olivia Hobson. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Hobson has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is her friend and fellow alumna, Dr. Folake Alojo. (audience cheering) Dr. Muiwa Efabe. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is his father, Dr. Godwin Efabe and his sister Dr. Tololope Farayomi. (audience cheering) Dr. Ariel Asha Johnson. Assisting with the hooding is her friend and fellow alumna, Dr. Tyler Gresham. (audience cheering) Dr. Jessica Judge. Dr. Judge has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. (audience applauding) Dr. Naficha Calpaige. Dr. Calpaige has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Ellp Caraboa. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Bassam Towfiq. Dr. Isabella Susan Conqul. Dr. Conqul has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. (audience applauding) Dr. Jason Law. Assisting with the hooding is his wife and fellow alumna, Dr. Kai Law. (audience applauding and cheering) (audience laughing) (audience applauding) Dr. Jenna Luth. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Peter Morkos. Assisting with the hooding is his brother, Dr. Michael Morkos. (audience applauding) Dr. Aaron Lynn Myers. Dr. Myers has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld. (audience applauding) Dr. Julie Noe. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Nadia Nicru. Dr. Nicru has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is her sister, Dr. Nahal Nicru. (audience applauding) Dr. Yvonne Nong. Dr. Nong has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. (audience applauding) Dr. Charles Ginaku Odenibo. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is his aunt, Dr. Linda Odenibo. (audience applauding) Dr. Fabian Ortiz. Assisting with the hooding is his friend, Dr. Nahal Nicru. Dr. Lorenza Padilla. Assisting with the hooding is her father, Dr. Jose Padilla. (audience applauding) Dr. Nige Patel. Assisting with the hooding is his friend, Dr. Nahal Nicru. (audience applauding) Dr. Eric Elliot Pool. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Glinda Moore. (audience cheering) (audience cheering) Dr. Brian Rangal Alvarez. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Rangal Alvarez has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Judith Brady. Dr. Stephanie Rasmussen. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Bassam Towfiq. (audience applauding) (audience applauding) Dr. Yadira Raja Servantes. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ashley Seymour. Assisting with the hooding is her aunt, Dr. Patricia Gilford Seymour and her uncle, Dr. Brian Seymour. Dr. Veronica Stafford. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Stafford has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Dr. Joseph George Toronto. Assisting with the hooding is his fiance and fellow graduate, Dr. Berenitse Bayadores. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Matthew Techeran. Dr. Techeran has earned a certificate for the completion of the leadership in medicine for the underserved program. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld. Dr. Rosa Maria Vasquez. (audience cheering) Dr. Vasquez has earned a certificate for the completion of the Medical Partners in Public Health Program. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Judith Brady. (audience applauding and cheering) That concludes the presentation of the graduates from the Flint Campus. I now welcome to the stage Community Assistant Dean for the Grand Rapids Campus, Dr. Angela Thompson-Busch and Student Program Administrators, Corey Koperski and Harley Nice for the presentation of the Grand Rapids Campus graduates. (audience applauding) - Good afternoon. My name is Corey Koperski along with Harley Nice. It is our pleasure to present to you for hooding the 2023 Grand Rapids Campus graduates, Dr. Angela Thompson-Busch, Community Assistant Dean will assist with the hooding. Dr. Nancy Abarkar. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Salim Alame. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Nicholas Arnold. (audience applauding) Dr. Gabriel Augustine. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Bernie Barden III. Assisting with the hooding is family member, Dr. Kyle Barden. Dr. Jacob Boss, Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Meredith Sprintz. Dr. Norman J. Beauchamp III. Assisting with the hooding is his father, Dr. Norman Beauchamp Jr. He is accompanied by his two-year-old daughter, Analese. (audience applauding and cheering) (audience laughing) (audience applauding) Dr. Felicia Bosman. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Megan Brackman. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Andrea Hadley. (audience cheering) Dr. Alexis Bronner. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Joseph Brisson. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Alexandra Cabajo. Assisting with the hooding are family members, Dr. Antonio Cabajo and Dr. Christopher Meadows. Dr. Benjamin Esberg. Assisting with the hooding is family member, Dr. Nills Esberg. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Alyssa Abenhoe. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Scott Aberly. (audience applauding) Dr. Adili Elmi. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with the hooding is his mother-in-law, Dr. Karen Pulok Baliue and his mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld. Dr. Elmi is accompanied by his nine month old daughter, Isra Nora Elmi. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Madison Ford. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. John Kavis. Dr. Austin Fresh. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. John Kavis. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Chandler Greer. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Connor Gwen. Assisting with the hooding are family members, Dr. Kenneth Gwen and Dr. Megan Gwen. Dr. Zachary Harper. (audience applauding) Dr. Jordan Holiday. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Alexandra Kelter. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Glennon Napp. Assisting with the hooding are her mentors, Dr. Judith Brady and Dr. Erin Drake. (audience applauding) Dr. Purine Kothari. Assisting with the hooding are his mentors, Dr. J.J Atkins and Dr. Douglas Ellinger. (audience laughing) Dr. Caitlin Cruiser. Assisting with the hooding is family member, Dr. Daniel Cruiser. Dr. Olivia Lane. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Lindsay Laquay. Assisting with the hooding are her mentors, Dr. Payle Bas and Dr. Nicholas Watson. Dr. Lira Lu. Assisting with the hooding are her mentors, Dr. Molly Friendo Langren and Dr. J.J Atkins. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kelvin Lim. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. J.J Atkins. Dr. Justin McCarthy. Dr. McCarthy is accompanied by his 15-month-old daughter, Thea. (audience applauding) (audience laughing) Dr. Kristen Mikhail. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Darian Mills. (audience applauding and cheering) - [Harley] Dr. Lena Michak. Assisting with the hooding are her family members, Dr. Mark Michak and Dr. Christina Michak. Dr. Mohammed Muktar. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Catherine Munson. (audience applauding and cheering) - [Audience Member] Yes, Catie, woo. - Dr. Jerry Neil. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Chan Tran Win. Assisting with the hooding is her partner, Dr. Scott Stanilus. Dr. Nicholas Nicoletti. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Audrey Ogendi. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kevin O'Hara. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ann Opaliken. Assisting with the hooding is her mother, Dr. Ala Sacarova and Dr. Benjamin Esberg. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Francisco Padron. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Darren Patman. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Catherine Peterson. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Nicholas Pig. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. J.J Atkins. Dr. Ryan Pente. (audience applauding) Dr. Palivy Pabu. Assisting with the hooding is her brother, Dr. Kawalstha Pabu. Dr. Joshua Ritzma. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. James Robinson. (audience applauding and cheering) He is accompanied by his 10-year-old son, Jeremiah. Dr. Nathan Ratando. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Kavis. Dr. Tara Sebastian. Assisting with the hooder is her mentor, Dr. J.J Atkins. Dr. Sammer Shinuda. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Aaron Sapahi. Assisting with the hooding is his father, Dr. Hickmet Sapahi and his mentor Dr. J.J Atkins. Dr. Hunter Steward. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Christella Souz. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Wesley Schwartz. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. John Kavis. Dr. Antonio Tapia. Assisting with the hooding is his mentor, Dr. Meredith Sprintz. Dr. Bobby Thursam. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Cherokee Turner. Assisting with the hooding is her father, Daryl Turner. Dr. Austin Van Whyk. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Holly Ann Willikies. Assisting with the hooding is her father, Dr. Charles Willikies. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Casey Whisner. Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Jamila Power and Student Programs Administrator, Lauren Zoumbaris will now present the 2023 Lansing Campus graduates for hooding. (audience applauding and cheering) - Good afternoon. My name is Lauren Zoumbaris, Student Programs Administrator. It is my pleasure to present the 2023 graduates from the Lansing Regional Campus for hooding. Assisting with hooding is Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Jamila Power. Dr. Thomas Joseph Barker. (audience applauding and cheering) Assisting with hooding is his mother, Dr. Elaine Laws Barker. Dr. Caroline Cow. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Emily Kushman. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Spatlana Donato. Assisting with hooding is her mother, Dr. Elvira O'Brien. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kimberly Flores. Assisting with hooding is her brother, Dr. Nester Rodriguez and mentor Dr. Maricio Jimmy Franco. Dr. Alta Gillum. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kristen Hagar. Accompanying her across stage is her daughter Scarlet, age two. Dr. Ali Ismail. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Armando Lambaria. Assisting with hooding is his faculty mentor, Dr. Michael Borgeld. Dr. Mark Maldavia. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Mohammed Naji. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Wendy Wen. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Kyle Silva. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Tu Tran. Assisting with hooding is her mentor, Dr. Lou Fam. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Usman Verk. Assisting with hooding is his father-in-law, Dr. Khalid Akbar. Dr. Trey Williams. Assisting with hooding is his mentor, Dr. John Kavacheche. - [Audience Member] Thank you, Dr. Williams. Thank you, Dr. Williams. (audience laughing) - Dr. Francis Yang. Assisting with hooding is his mentor, Dr. Maricio Jimmy Franco. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Yor Yang. (audience applauding and cheering) That concludes the presentation of the Lansing Campus graduates. Community Assistant Dean, Dr. David Buzanoski and Director of Student Programs, Julie Coe will now present the Midland Regional Campus for hooding. - Good afternoon. It is our pleasure to present the 2023 graduating class from the Midland Regional Campus. Dr. Karina Curtis. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Curtis is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicines, Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Queen Que. Dr. Que is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Kangi Liao. Dr. Liao is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Danielle McMillan. Dr. McMillan is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Sagel Mefa. Assisting in the hooding is MSU faculty member, Dr. Martin Romero. Dr. Mefa is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Megan Wynn. Assisting in the hooding is MSU faculty member and CHM alumnus, Dr. Marcus Marlow. Dr. Wynn is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Logan Rom. Assisting in the hooding is MSU faculty member Dr. Michael Borgeld. Dr. Rom is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Lane Savage. Assisting in the hooding is MSU faculty member, Dr. John Kavis. Dr. Savage is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Aiden Schlosberg. Dr. Schlosberg is a recipient of a certificate of recognition for the completion of the Leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. We now welcome Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Basil Abdo and Student Programs Administrator, Dr. Adrian De Gifis, who will present the Southeast Michigan Campus students for hooding. - Hello, everyone. Again, my name is Adrian De Gifis and I am very pleased to present to you the Southeast Michigan Campus graduating class for hooding. Assisting with the hooding is our Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Basil Abdo and Dr. Wanda Lipscomb. Dr. Farah Husan Abubakarah. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Bennett Abraham. Dr. Antura Afrin. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Sandy Cottingham. (audience cheering) Dr. Seba Anwar. Dr. Jennifer Bick. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ryan Fernandez. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Tricia Fernandez. Dr. Yosh Hegday. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ergust Isak. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Huda Khalil. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Meredith Sprintz. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Morgan Kuirakoza. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Lauren Kuirakoza. Dr. Rodwer Kujen. Joining her on stage, her two children, Miko and Amila. Dr. Allison Nicole Melik. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Dora Mel. Dr. Julia Pudah. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Eric Riley. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. David Norman Stork. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. William Curtis Stork. Dr. Kevin Norman Suitor. Joining him on stage, the precious Ryan Suitor. Dr. Michelle Walls. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Corydon Wilson. Assisting with the hoodie, Dr. Kathy McDaniels Wilson. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Elena Ibarra. Assisting with the hooding, Dr. Jennifer Atkins. Now, please allow me to welcome Dr. David Klee and Christy Lavene, who will shortly present the Traverse City class for hooding. - Good afternoon. It's an honor to be here with you today to introduce the 2023 graduating class of the Traverse City Campus. These students, in addition to their medical degree, are all recipients of a certificate of recognition for their completion of the leadership in Rural Medicine's Rural Community Health Program. Dr. Elizabeth Abel. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Lauren Jane Bartling. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Victoria Elizabeth Roderick Bright. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Riley Draper. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Ellie Schwetner. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Chris Keys. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Paige Marie Kramer. Assisting with the hooding is her mentor, Dr. Andrea Wendling. Dr. Alden Moyer. Assisting with the hooding on behalf of his late father, Dr. Alex Moyer is his mother, Mrs. Elise Moyer. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Alexandria Oswald. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Monica Vandenbell. (audience applauding and cheering) Community Assistant Dean, Dr. Stewart Johnson and Student Programs Administrator, Mrs. Susan Tincknell will now present the Upper Peninsula Campus students for hooding. (audience applauding and cheering) - Good afternoon. My name is Susan Tincknell, Director of Student Programs for the Upper Peninsula Campus, and it is my pleasure to present the Upper Peninsula Campus Rural Physician Programs graduates for hooding. These students are all recipients of a certificate of recognition for completing the leadership in Rural Medicine Rural Physician Program. Dr. Dominique Taylor Alio. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. John Joseph Bergland III. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Eric Douglas Gammon. Assisting in Eric's hooding is his wife, Dr. Natalie Gammon. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Olivia Han. (audience applauding and cheering) Dr. Nicholas James Lamir. Assisting in Nicholas' hooding is his mentor, Dr. Jennifer Atkins. Dr. Erica Lynn Lighty. Assisting in Erica's hooding is her partner, John Bergland III. Dr. Noel Lauren Kolekowski. Assisting in Noel's hooding is her mentor, Dr. Wade Liston. Dr. Lucas Tarvenin. Assisting in Lucas' hooding is his partner, Dr. Erkin Ozel. And last but definitely not least, Dr. Benjamin Wexler. (audience applauding and cheering) And this concludes the hooding of the class of 2023. Thank you. (audience applauding and cheering) (graduates chattering) - I now ask that the candidates for the Doctor of Medicine degree please stand. (audience applauding and cheering) The faculty of the College of Human Medicine certifies that these applicants have completed the requirements of the degree, Doctor of Medicine. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, I confer upon each of you the degree, Doctor of Medicine. Congratulations. (all applauding and cheering) Consistent with the ancient tradition, Robin DeMuth of the College of Human Medicine class of 2004 will now administer the oath. - Graduates, if you look on the last page of your program, you can find the oath to join me. And for family and friends, you know, four, five years ago we read in matriculants oath together. Today we get to read the graduates' oath. So if you'd join me. I do solemnly swear by that which I hold most sacred, that my ultimate responsibility is to the people I serve, that it will be my privilege to maintain their health, treat their diseases, and help them realize their fullest potential in life. That I will recognize my responsibility as a teacher of my patients, of students, and of the public. That I will respect the rights and feelings, preserve the privacy, and honor the dignity of my patients. That I will strive to demonstrate honesty, goodwill, and integrity, both in the execution of my duties and in my personal life. That I will not hesitate to offer help to, or seek assistance from my fellow professionals to improve the services that we deliver. That I will continue to improve my skills, expand my knowledge, and reexamine my needs as a rational, emotional, and spiritual being. That I will serve my community and address the needs of society, thereby best serving the needs of my patients. In the pursuit of these goals, let me be humble and thus grow. Let me care and thus act courageously. Let me be kindled and thus find competence. I am ready to enter the profession of medicine, and I accept it as my calling. (all applauding and cheering) You may now shift your tassels as a denoting of your graduate status. (audience applauding and cheering) Congratulations, class of 2023. You may sit down again. - It is my pleasure to introduce the president of our CHM Alumni Board, Dr. Ross Ramsey, a 2009 graduate of the college. After completing his undergraduate degree at MSU, while he was also our mascot, he currently serves as the President and CEO of Scheurer Health. Along with him is the Vice President of the CHM Alumni Board, Dr. Denny Yamamoto. Dr. Yamamoto graduated from the college in 1978 and has spent a rewarding career in internal medicine in gastroenterology in Reno, Nevada. Most recently, he established a $1 million scholarship fund to support future medical students at the college. And now Dr. Sparty himself, Dr. Ross Ramsey. (audience applauding) - Today we are here to celebrate growth, growth of many kinds. Four years ago, you all gathered together and received your crisp white coats in Grand Rapids. Your smiles were just as big and as excited as they were today. Since then, those coats have literally been covered in blood, sweat, tears, and probably COVID. There've been tough times and challenges over these four years. Yet in true CHM form, you worked through the curriculum and overcame barriers. You grew. you developed innovative approaches to challenges. You learned and grew by a way of a curriculum that is unlike any other in the country. The last three years have been some of the most challenging years in the last century of medicine, yet you were able to use these circumstances to gain unique experiences and to solidify why you went into medicine. You volunteered at call centers, vaccine clinics, and held personal protective equipment drives. You grew from all of these experiences. Alumni of the College of Human Medicine are known to roll up their sleeves and not just get the work done, but also excel in their fields. Many of you have non-traditional backgrounds that pushed your classmates to grow in unique ways, and that's what helps make CHM graduates unique and desired in the field of medicine. Today there is even more growth. Your white coats grow in length, and your name grows by two letters, MD. Today the College of Human Medicine Alumni Association grows in size as well. And the excitement of all of you joining the ranks of alumni is difficult to contain. Many of you have benefited from mentorship, education, or even a scholarship from alumni. And as you move forward from medical school, you will have the opportunity to do so yourself. Most importantly, you will be able to grow and show your Spartan pride as a CHM graduate the remainder of your life. Now, most importantly, you did receive a little token of our appreciation in your bags here today that we handed you after you crossed the stage. Contained in there is a card that we need you to send us your contact information so we can keep in touch. 15 years nearly after graduation, I will still not cross a path of Dr. Lipscomb. She will not give up your information whether you think you've already registered or not. (audience laughing) And we will thank you by giving you a personalized custom acrylic nameplate with MD behind it so that you can show off your Spartan pride in the future. So while your entire career will be built upon continued growth, today is a significant milestone in that journey. On behalf of all alumni that have come before you, I am honored to welcome you all as the newest alumni and members of the College of Human Medicine Alumni Association. Congratulations, doctors, and go green. (audience applauding and cheering) - Near the end of each graduation, we witnessed the military promotion and oath of office of our students entering service to all of us through the US military. It is my honor to welcome Major Zerafa, CHM class of 2012 to lead the ceremony. (audience applauding) - At ease. Thank you, Dean Sousa, distinguished faculty, and to all our guests. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023. I'd like to especially thank Dr. Lipscomb and Amy Fowler for continuing to include me in this as a CHM graduate. It is such an honor to represent the college and the army in the same moment. Thank you. I'm here today to recognize the CHM graduates who have the privilege of serving as physicians in the world's greatest military. Doctoring is about bringing together technical science with the human connection, and these two graduates have a special responsibility to do that for a very deserving population. I'm going to brag about these two real quick. I know them both personally because they came through the family medicine clerkship last year when I was the clerkship director in Flint. They both truly embody CHM physicians. Strong academics and clinical skills, and they clearly value personal relationships and the doctor-patient covenant. I say that firsthand as I've worked with them. They're both ready to thrive and I'm thankful. I'm honestly thankful and proud that two more CHM graduates are joining the ranks as military physicians. You two are about to go through basic training. There, you're gonna press your medical knowledge. You'll learn how to apply cutting edge critical care with limited resources while you're on the battlefield. You're gonna learn how to navigate the land and the sea. You're gonna learn the cross collar choke from the mount, a ju-jitsu technique used in hand to hand combat. You're going to learn how to operate an encrypted radio system so that you can communicate with helicopter pilots as you triage injuries for evacuation. You think the civilian hospital is crazy, prone to medical errors, a lot to think about? Wait until you do a mass casualty drill in a tent under simulated fire, wearing biochemical gear in the dark with loud generators, helicopters, Humvees, and simulated indirect fire blasts. By the way, with all that excitement, you'll still have to connect with your patients. You'll still have to be a good CHM doctor. Think about this. Your patients will be enduring the exact same action in the exact same austere environment. Almost nothing will be normal for your patients either. The weather, their chief complaints, the way they eat, sleep, toilet, the way they bathe and the way they speak, and especially the stress from their daily work will not be normal. But Ensign Ha and Lt. Caraboa, you get to be the exception. Any time you're wearing this uniform and you interact with a patient, whether it's on the battlefield or in a clinic on post here in the continental US, you can set the tone of a doctor-patient encounter so that your patient at perhaps his or her most vulnerable moment feels the same familiar comfort as a visit with the doc back home. You two have already committed with selfless dedication to serving our great nation. As CHM graduates, you're well prepared to fuse the technical science and human connection that we call doctoring. So make it count for these soldiers, sailors and airmen who put everything on the line to protect our way of life. Today, our army graduate will be promoted from second lieutenant to captain, and our navy graduate from ensign to lieutenant. For the army, this is recognized by a change in the branch insignia to a caduceus. As we begin this ceremony here, I'll introduce retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul Johnson, an ENT physician and mentor to Ensign Marielle Ha. Following that, our officers will have their new ranks pinned on their uniforms by special people in their lives. Pinning is a great honor in our tradition. We'll then recite the commissioned officer's oath of office. It is now my great honor to welcome the pinners and Colonel Johnson to the ceremony. Attention. - Thank you, Major Zerafa. We will now proceed with the promotion ceremony. Please rise. Attention to orders. The President of the United States acting upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the United States Navy and the US Army has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and abilities of Ensign Ha and Lieutenant Caraboa. In view of these special qualities and in her and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Ensign Ha and Lieutenant Caraboa is appointed to the grade of lieutenant in the US Navy, and captain in the US Army effective 13 May, 2023 by order of the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army. (audience applauding) They will now receive their new ranks, insignia. Pinners may take one step backwards while we administer the oath of office. Lieutenant, Captain, please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your first and last name, (both graduates speaking indistinctly) do solemnly swear. - [Both] Do solemnly swear. - [Johnson] That I will support and defend. - [Both] That I will support and defend. - [Johnson] The Constitution of the United States. - [Both] The Constitution of the United States. - [Johnson] Against all enemies. - [Both] Against all enemies. - [Johnson] Foreign and domestic. - [Both] Foreign and domestic. - [Johnson] That I will bear true faith. - [Both] That I will bear true faith. - [Johnson] And allegiance to the same. - [Both] And allegiance to the same. - [Johnson] That I take this obligation freely. - [Both] That I take this obligation freely. - [Johnson] Without any mental reservation. - [Both] Without any mental reservation. - [Johnson] Or purpose of evasion. - [Both] Or purpose of evasion. - [Johnson] And that I will well. - [Both] And that I will well. - [Johnson] And faithfully discharge. - [Both] And faithfully discharge. - [Johnson] The duties of the office. - [Both] The duties of the office. - [Johnson] Which I am about to enter. - [Both] Which I am about to enter. - [Johnson] So help me God. - [Both] So help me God. - You may lower your right hand. Congratulations. (audience applauding and cheering) Parents, I'd like to ask you to step back a little further. It's been almost 30 years since I've orchestrated a march, so, Attention. Left face. Forward march. (audience applauding) - It is now my pleasure to introduce a student reflection video created by our students in the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Students in the society are selected by their peers for their service and humanistic qualities. Thank you to the students in the class of 2023 for your contributions. Roll the film. (upbeat music) (audience applauding and cheering) I wanna take a moment to thank the families of our graduates. As I said before, medical school and the profession of medicine involves a large amount of mental and emotional effort, and a great deal of time. So, to all of you who have lent us your sons and daughters, your husbands and wives, your significant others, your buddy, your BFF, your father, your mother, and happy Mother's Day, thank you from me and thank you from all of us. This has been a wonderful afternoon. And thank you for being a part of the College of Human Medicine. As a last matter of housekeeping, please let the dias recess before you enter the mosh pit. (audience laughing) please join us in singing the first stanza of "MSU Shadows." For which you stand up. (MSU Shadows) (MSU Shadows continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (band music) (band music continues) (band music continues) (band music continues) (band music continues) (band music continues) (band music continues)