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Medical School Class of 2021 holds first in-person graduation since COVID-19 pandemic began

Published on: By: Staff Reports

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Woman in black graduation gown receiving green stoll
Dr. Reshma Narain receives her graduation hood from marshal Dr. Peter Michaely, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology. Dr. Narain received the Hemphill-Gojer Award in Internal Medicine.

On May 8, the Medical School Class of 2021 celebrated its graduation with an in-person ceremony held on Eugene McDermott Plaza. The ceremony was the first UT Southwestern graduation held on campus since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Medical School distributed 210 degrees to the Class of 2021. See highlights from the celebration in the photo gallery below.

Graduates are headed to medical residencies across the country. UT Southwestern students consistently match at some of the top-ranked hospitals and medical programs in the nation. UTSW match rates are above the national average in top specialties that include dermatology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and radiation oncology. This year’s matches include 56 at UT Southwestern, and 106 at other top academic research institutions that include Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and Columbia University.

See the full residency match list and profiles of student award recipients.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Graduates recite the Physician’s Oath.
Dr. Natasha Houshmand was announced as the 2021 Ho Din Award recipient during the ceremony. Dr. Houshmand graduated with Distinction in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety.
Students were allowed two guests each at the first graduation ceremony held since the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of in-person campus events last year.
Graduates were given UT Southwestern masks to wear during the ceremony as masking and social distancing policies remain in place as a precaution amid the pandemic.
Dr. Tiana Raphel refused to let an injury ruin her big day and relied on a knee walker scooter to help keep her in line with her classmates. Dr. Raphel graduated with Distinction in Medical Education.
A graduate does one final tassel check before lineup.
Dr. Naveen Subramanian graduated with Distinction in Research.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, UT Southwestern President, delivers opening remarks.
Dr. Helen Hobbs delivers the commencement address. Dr. Hobbs is the Director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator.
Dr. Angela Mihalic, Dean of Medical Students, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and Professor of Pediatrics, addresses graduates.
Dr. Melanie Sulistio, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, served as a marshal during the ceremony.
Dr. Jackson Agraz receives his hood from Dr. Sulistio.
Dr. Jennifer Bachand (forefront) and Dr. Joseph Balaban (background)
Dr. Neeraja Balachandar
Dr. Zachary Christian (forefront) graduated with Distinction in Research and Dr. Alvin Chung (background)
Dr. Robert Hermann receives his degree from Dr. Podolsky.
Dr. Angelina Iyinbor
Dr. Sanjana Balachandra (right) graduated with Distinction in Research.
Dr. Chukwubinyelum Amaechi (right)
Dr. Khanh Nguyen (right)
Dr. Justin O’Brien
Dr. Akinjide Onifade (right)
Dr. Terrul Ratcliff celebrates graduation with a loved one.
Dr. Edgar Martinez hugs a loved one.
A group of students celebrate receiving their diplomas.
A total of 210 diplomas were handed out during the ceremony.
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