Miller School of Medicine Class of 2025 Commencement: Celebrating New Physicians
When graduates in the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Class of 2025 donned their white coats for the first time, they made a powerful commitment. They committed to the responsibility, the uncertainty, the triumphs and the path of lifelong learning required of a medical professional.
Now, they’re taking their next step. They are officially physicians.
The Class of 2025 celebrated its graduation on May 10 as friends, family and supporters surged into the Watsco Center to commemorate the momentous event.
“I feel so inspired by the unique and special individuals I’ve gotten to know during my time at Miller,” said Kara Lindsay, M.D. Class of 2025, class council president and the student commencement speaker. “You are some of the most selfless, caring and intelligent people, and I truly look forward to consulting you in the future.”
Scenes from Commencement 2025
Members of the class will soon disperse across the country to join top residency programs and explore a wide range of specialties. Their paths may differ, but they share a common foundation. As the second graduating cohort of NextGenMD scholars, their medical education was grounded in case-based learning, enriched by early clinical experience and shaped by the guidance of dedicated faculty mentors.
“You are well-trained and well-equipped for residency, and you are poised to become transformative leaders,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “As proud Miller School graduates, I know that you will continually exhibit the essential attributes of a successful physician: character, patience, persistence, compassion, honesty and integrity.”
Like the students receiving their hard-earned medical degrees, this year’s commencement speaker understands the importance of medical education and scientific discovery for patients across the United States and around the world. Elena Fuentes-Afflick, M.D., M.P.H., chief scientific officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges and an honorary degree recipient, is one of the most influential voices in academic medicine today.
She shared her perspective on what is in store for the students and offered advice for the next step in their journey.
“Each of you has acquired deep knowledge and I’m confident that you’re ready for the next step in your training. However, you still have a lot to learn and I encourage you to approach your career with humility,” Dr. Fuentes-Afflick said. “My wish is that you are honored for your service, respected for your knowledge and admired for your integrity. I’m excited to follow your progress as you make your mark on the world.”
A Versatile and Distinguished Class
The Class of 2025 is certainly an impressive group. In addition to a successful Match Day, 30 students were accepted to the Gold Humanism Society and 41 joined the Alpha Omega Society, a national medical honor society.
Two earned a research distinction. More than 50 graduate with M.D./M.P.H. degrees, 10 with M.D./M.B.A. degrees and 15 with other dual-medical degrees.
The students also excelled outside of medical school. One developed a course for medical students to improve their cultural competency. Another created an app to make the residency match process easier. Yet another interned at NASA.
“Today celebrates the culmination of all my hard work and dedication, especially as a first-generation medical student,” said Kerstin Yu, who matched at Georgetown University. “I absolutely loved my time at the Miller School and being part of this vibrant and diverse community.”
University of Miami’s Rich, Foundational History
The Class of 2025 will be the 73rd class to graduate from the Miller School. Their celebration coincides with the University of Miami’s 100th anniversary.
They will advance through the world of medicine knowing that they received their medical education from a university with a rich history of scientific discovery.
“Each of the experiences that have shaped you at the U will empower you to shape the world around you. To create. To discover. To build,” said Joseph Echevarria, University of Miami president and chief executive officer, who is also the CEO of UHealth—the University of Miami Health System. “You are a ’Cane for life. And where our ’Canes culture thrives, we deliver excellence—individually and especially together.”