NYMC > Commencement > Commencement Speakers

Commencement Speakers

Jeffrey M. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. headshotJeffrey M. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.

Marilyn M. Simpson Professor, The Rockefeller University
Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Director of the Starr Center for Human Genetics

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Commencement Speaker

With more than 45 years dedicated to medicine and research, Dr. Friedman’s name was put on the map in 1994 for his research in obesity. He is decorated with dozens of honors across the country and around the world for his findings. Dr. Friedman’s work was referred to in Time magazine's Best of Science Section in 1995 and 1996. He was recently awarded the Manpei Suzuki International Prize for Diabetes Research and the Wolf Prize in Medicine and Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.


Machelle H. Allen, M.D. headshotMachelle H. Allen, M.D.

Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation

School of Medicine Commencement Speaker

Dr. Allen develops the clinical service line structure that resulted in the implementation of systemwide clinical initiatives, including the underpinnings of the critical care COVID-19 pandemic response. Named City & State New York’s “2023 Power of Diversity: Black 100” list, she is well-known for her commitment to serving low-income patients and setting up special prenatal programs for women with substance use disorders and women at risk for HIV infection.


Ann Kurth, Ph.D., RN, CNM, M.P.H., FAAN, FACNM headshotAnn Kurth, Ph.D., RN, CNM, M.P.H., FAAN, FACNM

President of the New York Academy of Medicine

School of Health Sciences and Practice Commencement Speaker

Dr. Kurth president and fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), and fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the American College of Nurse-Midwives, is a leader in health – with a passion for the planet. She is the first epidemiologist to head NYAM in its 175-year history. As president, she supports NYAM’s mission to eliminate the barriers that prevent every individual from living a healthy life. Dr. Kurth has served as the chair of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, the 175+-university member association supporting academic institutions to improve the wellbeing of people and the planet.