Class of 2017 Commencement Recap

The Class of 2017 Commencement of the College of Medicine, the School of Graduate Studies, and the School of Public Health of the SUNY Downstate Medical Center took place again at Carnegie Hall on May 23, 2017.  The College of Medicine graduated 191 students from the Class of 2017 including two MD/PHD graduates and eight MD/MPH graduates.

Students, Faculty, and Professors alike resounded with  jubilation for the newly graduated doctors!  The theme for the ceremony was progression based on hope and determination. Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient, David A. Bennahum, MD, said “we must always take care of our patients within the context of hope,” and highlighted the importance of continuing to the enrich your imagination.

Check out the video from SUNY Downstate about Commencement 2017 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVjOtpTtXH8&t=2s

New graduates were provided with keys to success from distinguished speakers. “Medicine is both an art and a science” -David A. Bennahum, MD, on what it takes to be a good doctor. The College of Medicine Alumni Association President, Suzanne S. Mirra, MD ’67, also said “be an advocate for your patients, for proposed changes in healthcare, and when necessary, resist.”

You can watch the Class of 2017 take the Hippocratic Oath in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cbMOZKM57Y

Check out the full video of Dr. Mirra’s welcome speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4YC8d_RMyM&t=20s

Congratulations Graduates !