One hundred and nineteen students from UT Southwestern’s School of Health Professions will graduate on Dec. 11, entering the health care workforce with knowledge and skills that prepare them to make significant contributions to improve the health of our community.

They will construct artificial limbs for children who have lost a leg to cancer, diagnose and treat disease, help stroke victims learn to walk again, work with diabetics trying to control blood glucose levels, and conduct research to advance patient care.

The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Tom and Lula Gooch Auditorium on the South Campus.

Degrees will be awarded in five disciplines: Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Clinical Science, Master of Clinical Nutrition, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, and Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics. Jon Williamson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Health Professions, will preside over the ceremony. “We are proud to celebrate and recognize our graduates; they have worked hard to master the knowledge and skills needed to provide the highest quality patient care,” Dr. Williamson said.

Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for UT Southwestern, will deliver the commencement address. She will speak about living a life of impact.

“We celebrate the achievements of our 2022 graduates, brimming with enthusiasm to embrace the careers for which they have spent many years preparing. The status of our world and health care system is desperately in need of their innovative and free-thinking approach to solving some of our greatest challenges,” Dr. Nesbitt said. “As they receive their degrees marking success in academic pursuits, the greatest challenge lies ahead: that of living a life of impact.”

Students graduating this month had much of their instruction and training occur during a period of COVID-19 restrictions, and the experience taught them adaptability and resilience skills that will no doubt serve them well during their careers.

Carolyn Bradley-Guidry, Dr.PH., M.P.A.S., PA-C, Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the School of Health Professions, will introduce the five programs. Drs. Bradley-Guidry and Williamson are both Distinguished Teaching Professors.

“We are extremely proud of our health professions graduates. Their perseverance and grit have been demonstrated countless times during the last several years as they confronted and triumphed over challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Dr. Bradley-Guidry. “We take pride in knowing that, as our graduates enter the health care workforce, they are prepared to promote health equity and wellness through excellence in patient care, education, service, and research.”

Conferring of degrees and presentation of diplomas will be conducted by W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean of UT Southwestern Medical School.

The School of Health Professions, originally called the School of Allied Health Professions, was organized in 1969, with an initial class of 57 students beginning their studies in September 1970.

Today, some 150 students begin their graduate studies each year, and thousands of students have matriculated over the decades and have gone on to make a mark in the world. The School of Health Professions has over 60 full-time faculty members and hundreds of adjunct faculty and clinical preceptors across the DFW metroplex sharing their expertise with our students.

The campus community can access the virtual commencement here at 2 p.m. Dec. 11.

At the ceremony, 13 students will be recognized for special awards from the Dean’s Office. The award winners include some 2022 graduates and others who already graduated or will earn their degrees next year or later.

Award recipients

John Schermerhorn, M.D., Student Service Award for exceptional service to the community:

• Richelle Lewis, physical therapy;
• Gabrielle Griffith, prosthetics and orthotics; and
• Cristina Garcia, physician assistant studies

L. Ruth Guy, Ph.D., Student Leadership Award in recognition of leadership efforts within the school and the local community:

• Megan Pierson, physical therapy;
• Aisha Khan, clinical nutrition; and
• Andie Keller, physician assistant studies

Raul Caetano, M.D., Ph.D., Student Research Award for noteworthy research in respective fields:

• John Giacona, applied clinical research;
• Brandon Kelley, clinical nutrition; and
• Rachel Archer, physician assistant studies

Gordon Green, M.D., Student Clinician Award recognizing outstanding clinical skills as student trainees:

• Thomas Samaan, physical therapy;
• Adriana De La Rue, physician assistant studies; and
• Brooke Evans, clinical nutrition

Rising Star Award in recognition of overall contributions and dedication to excellence:

• Martin Ortuno, prosthetics and orthotics

 

Class of 2022 through the years