Health professions school graduates 52

Podolsky confers first diplomas since becoming president of UT Southwestern

By Kristen Holland Shear

Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of UT Southwestern, conferred diplomas in mid-December to the first group of students to graduate since his arrival in early September.

Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky awards a diploma to Jennifer McLean, of the Physician Assistant Studies program, at the December graduation exercises in the Tom and Lula Gooch Auditorium.

Dr. Podolsky joined with leaders of the
UT Southwestern School of Health Professions to recognize 52 future health professionals during a Dec. 14 commencement ceremony in the Tom and Lula Gooch Auditorium.

The graduates included students from the school’s physician assistant studies and medical laboratory sciences programs. They completed their degree programs in May or December.

Dr. Raul Caetano, dean of the health professions school, presided over the event. Alumna Dr. Tina Kaufman provided the opening remarks, and Dr. Jon Williamson, associate dean of the school, presented program descriptions.

Dr. Elizabeth Protas, dean of UT Medical Branch in Galveston’s School of Health Professions, delivered the commencement address.

Rebecca DesPlas, assistant professor of medical laboratory sciences, and Michel Statler, associate professor of physician assistant studies, served as marshals. Magistrates included Laurette Dekat, professor of physician assistant studies, and David Klocko, assistant professor of physician assistant studies.