Celebration of Graduation held in honor of the Class of 2026

The Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s Class of 2026 celebrated their achievements at the Celebration of Graduation at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel on Saturday, May 9. Sixty-nine students, along with their friends and family, gathered for this momentous occasion.

The ceremony began with a processional led by Campus Dean Shelley Nuss and Medical Partnership faculty. Nuss opened the ceremony with remarks to the graduates.

“Wherever your residency training takes you, wear your new longer white coats with pride and privilege, but of much greater importance, with humility,” Nuss told the graduates. “Listen carefully and compassionately to the patients you will care for. And remember that what makes you a physician and a future caretaker for patients is not the white coat. It’s the qualities you already possess – your compassion, your discipline, your altruism, your intelligence – the things that make you, uniquely you.”

Dr. Bryson Greenwood, assistant professor of family and community medicine, provided the keynote address at the ceremony. The Class of 2026 was then presented by Dr. Ellen House, clinical professor of psychiatry, and Dr. Carrie Kelly, campus director of year 1/2 curriculum and associate professor of pediatrics. Greenwood, House, and Kelly were all chosen for their roles by the Class of 2026.

Dr. Scott Richardson, associate dean for academic success and professor of medicine, presented the Amarachi Anukam Community Service Award to Dr. Amanda Lilley, and Nuss presented Dr. Kurt Horst, site clerkship director for emergency medicine and associate professor of emergency medicine, with the Educator of the Year Award.

The ceremony concluded with the Hippocratic Oath led by the 2026 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine awardee, Dr. Don Scott, campus director of geriatrics and palliative care and associate professor of medicine.