The Robert Wood Johnson Medical School community is proud to welcome the Class of 2024 as physicians!
The 160 graduates celebrated the end of their medical journey during Convocation last night at the State Theatre New Jersey, in downtown New Brunswick.
The class was welcomed and congratulated by Amy P. Murtha, MD, dean, and Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.
Reflecting that the graduates entered medical school at the height of the pandemic, during lock-downs and remote learning, Dean Murtha noted, "Because of your pandemic entrance, you have become highly adaptive and resilient. You have made lifelong friends despite barriers to connection. You persevered through isolation. That 'adapt and overcome' spirit will serve you well for a lifetime."
Convocation speaker Roberto Muñiz, president and CEO of Parker Health Group, shared his inspiring journey and how three caring healthcare professionals changed his life, urging the graduating class to take action when they are in a position to help others.
"As doctors, you will have the power to mend broken bodies, to heal the sick, and to save lives. There is another dimension of your profession that often goes unnoticed: You will also have the power to change lives. ... My humble request to you is this -- when an opportunity presents itself, take action. Even a small gesture can transform someone's future, and have a ripple effect you cannot even imagine, as it did for me," Muñiz said. "You are the leaders of tomorrow. You will develop new medical procedures. You will launch new innovations in technology. You will make groundbreaking discoveries in medical research. You will save lives. As I stand here before you on this most important day, I want you to remember that changing a life is just as meaningful and impactful as saving one. I encourage you to go out there, and do just that."
View the recording of the live broadcast to watch the entire ceremony.
John Avendano, president of the Class 2024, provided the student address prior to Senior Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs Carol A. Terregino, MD's presentation of the graduates for hooding.
Replacing the traditional Hippocratic Oath this year was the recitation of the RWJMS Physician's Oath, created by members of the Class of 2024 for the ceremony and as a gift to future classes. Siobhan A. Corbett, MD, associate professor of surgery, led the students in the first recitation of this new oath. And, the medical school offered a special tribute to the alumni of our first graduating class of MDs -- the Class of 1974, several of whom were on hand to welcome our latest graduates with a personalized gift from the medical school's Alumni Association.
Three faculty members were presented with awards during the Convocation ceremony as well:
- Excellence in Research Award -- Shridar Ganesan, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, associate director for translational science, section chief of Molecular Oncology, and Omar Boraie Chair in Genomic Science at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the medical school
- Excellence in Teaching Award -- Brad Kamitaki, MD, assistant professor of neurology, and Shilpa Pai, MD, assistant dean for student affairs, who also serve as the co-directors of the Health Equity Thread for our medical students
Please join us in congratulating this newest group of physicians and medical school alumni, the Class of 2024!
Relive the Ceremony
