Class of 2024 celebrates graduation

The Class of 2024 celebrated their achievements at the Celebration of Graduation at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Fifty students, along with their friends and family, gathered for this momentous occasion.

The ceremony began with a processional led by Campus Dean Dr. Michelle Nuss along with the 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. Thomas Howdieshell, professor of surgery, provided the keynote address at the ceremony.

The Class of 2024 was then presented by Dr. Carrie Kelly, assistant professor of pediatrics, and Dr. Robert Mackin, assistant professor of cellular biology and anatomy.

Howdieshell, Kelly, and Mackin were all chosen for their roles by the Class of 2024.

Associate dean of academic success and interim campus associate dean for student affairs, Dr. Scott Richardson, presented the Amarachi Anukam Community Service Award to Dr. Shant Ohanian, and Howdieshell received the Educator of the Year Award.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the class gift from Drs. Pascal Acree, Laurel Parker, and Kometh Thawanyarat, and the Hippocratic Oath led by the 2024 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine awardee, Dr. Ellen House.