Celebrating 10 Years of Commencement at FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine
Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine celebrated a significant milestone as they held their 10th commencement ceremony at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium. The event marked the graduation of the class of 2024, who received their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees in a symbolic ceremony.
The ceremony was especially important as Florida is expected to face a shortage of nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035. The graduates, who had previously matched for residency programs during Match Day, are now among the nation’s newest physicians, ready to address the state’s public health needs.
For the first time, the medical school also celebrated graduates from the biomedical sciences program, highlighting the importance of both healthcare delivery and scientific research in addressing global health challenges.
During the ceremony, Dean Curtis Whitehair, M.D., commended the graduates for their resilience and adaptability, especially during the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Keynote speaker Dr. Nicolas Heft, a graduate of FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams and carrying the torch forward for future generations.
The class of 2024 has shown exceptional dedication, with 48% of graduates choosing to conduct their residency in Florida and 41% specializing in primary care. Some graduates have also matched in competitive specialties such as psychiatry, orthopedic surgery, and dermatology.
Several exemplary students from the class of 2024 have been inducted into prestigious honor societies, recognizing their excellence in clinical care, leadership, and dedication to service. Among them are Sarah Girshfeld, Kaylynn Blackstad, and Oghosa Urhoghide, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their communities and will be starting residency programs in emergency medicine, pediatrics/psychiatry/child psychiatry, and anesthesiology, respectively.
The graduates have secured placements in various institutions across Florida and nationally, including top hospitals like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center.
Overall, the class of 2024 from FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine has shown exceptional promise and dedication to serving humanity, making significant contributions to the medical field and their communities.