New York Medical College Celebrates the Class of 2025 at 166th Commencement Ceremony

Audiences comprised of friends, family, colleagues, and peers joined together to celebrate the conferral of 409 total degrees to the Class of 2025, including 200 doctor of medicine (M.D.) degrees; 43 doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T.) degrees; seven doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees; 87 master of science (M.S.) degrees; 59 master of public health (M.P.H.) degrees; and 13 doctor of public health (Dr.P.H.) degrees.

GSBMS student speaker Nicole DeSouza, Ph.D. ‘25, shared with her class that strength fuels their passion and purpose, and reminded them of the hard work and research that led to their scientific discoveries. “For all graduates, your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have led you to this incredible milestone,” she said. “As you step into your journey whether in research, clinical practice, or future studies, may you continue to lead with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence.”

Offering an inspiring message to the newly minted physicians, David Zuckerman, M.D. ’25, SOM student speaker, said, “Your research breakthroughs, heroic volunteer efforts, and remarkable leadership will break down barriers and build bridges across medicine. Now, more than ever, the world needs physicians like you.”

Lynne MacFadyen, M.S. ’25, took to the podium to deliver a message of her own, celebrating the dedication and impact of the speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and public health professionals in her class. “Graduates, the road ahead won’t always be easy, but we are prepared. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve come out stronger because of them. We have the knowledge, the skill, and the hearts to make a difference…As we step into our futures, let’s remember why we started this journey — to make the difference, to lead, and to change the world.

GSBMS and SOM commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient of the degree Doctor of Science, Robert J. Lefkowitz, M.D., recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Duke University Medical Center, and investigator at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, left graduates with heartfelt advice, urging them to listen to the strings of their own hearts and to pursue their careers with passion, purpose, and optimism.

Mary Leahy, M.D., M.H.A., commissioner of the Rockland County Department of Health and distinguished visiting professor of public health, reminded the graduates, as the SHSP commencement speaker, that their journey doesn’t have to be linear, but honest. “Stay connected to what brought you here today. Your passion, your empathy, and your desire to help. Let that guide your choices. Don’t be afraid to change the course when needed, but never compromise your values.”

Alan Kadish, M.D., president of NYMC and Touro University (TU), expressed his pride in the achievements of the graduates. “I’m extraordinarily proud of what you’ve accomplished so far, and I’m absolutely convinced that, given the quality of your work and the skills you’ve demonstrated to get here, you will be ready for whatever the future holds,” he said. “I’m also deeply optimistic about what you, as a class, will contribute to society—especially at a time when we need it most.”

The candidates were presented by the deans of their respective schools:  Marina K. Holz, Ph.D., M.P.H. ’23, Dr.P.H. ’24, dean of the GSBMS, special assistant to the chancellor, professor of cell anatomy and biology, and interim chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Neil W. Schluger, M.D., dean of the SOM and professor of medicine; and Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the SHSP, vice president for government affairs, professor of public health and pediatrics.

Following the administration of the Hippocratic Oath by Dr. Schluger, the military oath of office was given by Mill Etienne, M.D.’02, M.P.H., FAAN, FAES, vice chancellor, associate dean for student affairs, and associate professor of neurology and medicine, to U.S. Marine Corps Captain Anaz Uddin, M.D. ’25.

Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor, and chief executive officer, gave his charge to the  new health professionals as they begin the next chapter of their lives. “NYMC and TU sends you forth confident that you possess the tools necessary to explore. We, as an institution, and I, as chancellor of this institution, wish all of you God’s speed on this life journey of exploration.”

View the commencement photo gallery and videos of Commencement and other NYMC events are available on the NYMC YouTube channel.