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Physicians at last – Commencement 2024

Published on: By: Staff Reports

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Medical School Commencement primary
UT Southwestern Medical School graduates raise their diplomas to celebrate earning their degrees on May 8, 2024. Rejoicing at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (from left) are Brianna Alvarado, M.D., Chieh-An “Vivian” Chen, M.D., Maishara Muquith, M.D., Kim Le, M.D., Annie He, M.D., Aaron Hurd, M.D., Connor Eichenwald, M.D., Feroz James, M.D., and Armon Amini, M.D.

On May 8, proud families, friends, and mentors gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to celebrate the graduation of 228 UT Southwestern Medical School students. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions – joy, pride, and nostalgia.

The graduates faced a unique journey through medical school, having started their studies during a pandemic. Despite challenges, they persevered and have now become physicians. Of those students who matched to residencies as part of the annual Match Day event in March, 53 will continue their training at UTSW, 93 will stay in Texas, and the rest will go to other top institutions across the country.

See the full residency match list and profiles of student award recipients. Also, enjoy highlights from the commencement ceremony captured in photos below.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

From left: Nidhish Lokesh, M.D., Noah Collaco, M.D., and Annie He, M.D., check in for the commencement ceremony.
Angela Mihalic, M.D., Dean of Medical Students and Associate Dean of Student Affairs (left), congratulates Bhargav Arimilli, M.D., as he walks the stage to receive his diploma.
It was a full house in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for this year’s event.
From left: Juan Tellez, M.D., Lauren Templeton, M.D., Roshni Thachil, M.D., and Jesus Sotelo, M.D., wait for the festivities to begin.
Tanner Hardy, M.D., extends the first of many helping hands that he will offer as a physician (to his wife, Gracee Hardy).
Maishara Muquith, M.D. (right), celebrates the special milestone with her grandmother.
New graduates recite the Hippocratic Oath.
Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern, provides welcoming remarks to kick off the ceremony.
Umer Nadir, M.D., hugs a family member after the emotional ceremony.
Benjamin LeBlanc, M.D., and his family after earning his diploma.
Posing with their diplomas, from left, are Joseph Da, M.D., Leo Cho, M.D., Jose Rodriguez Venzor, M.D., and Joseph Kim, M.D.
Graduation brings bouquets and smiles for graduates (from left) John Tycher, M.D., Elizabeth Twichell, M.D., and William Burton, M.D.
Picture perfect with their diplomas and bouquets are (from left) Kim Le, M.D., Chieh-An “Vivian” Chen, M.D., and Jorena Lim, M.D.
David Zimmerhanzel, M.D., gives a big wave to the audience as he walks across the stage to receive his diploma.
It’s a family celebration for Blaine Oldham, M.D. (center left), and Brenden Garrett, M.D., and their loved ones.
Celebrating with friends is the greatest gift on top of achieving a medical degree. Standing proud (from left) are Jesus Valencia, M.D., Carla Viesca, M.D., Brianna Alvarado, M.D., Narda Salinas, M.D., and Armon Amini, M.D.
From left: Dileep Karri, M.D., Ph.D., Savannah Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., Sherwin Kelekar, M.D., Ph.D., Luming Chen, M.D., Ph.D., and Cooper Mellema, M.D., Ph.D., are all smiles in anticipation of the start of the commencement ceremony.
Pure joy lights up the face of graduate Limi Jamma, M.D., as she receives her diploma
Morayo Lawal, M.D., waves to her loved ones as she crosses the stage.
Alexa Wilden, M.D., winner of the Ho Din Award, UT Southwestern Medical School’s highest honor, delivers acceptance remarks during the ceremony.
From left: Aundree Hermawan, M.D., Jorena Lim, M.D., Annie He, M.D., Elizabeth Shi, M.D., and Marilyn Lu, M.D., came portrait-ready.
Time for a quick outfit fix for Noah Collaco, M.D.
Standing proud are (from left) Nidhish Lokesh, M.D., Joseph Campain, M.D., and Umer Nadir, M.D.
Chinmayee Venkatraman, M.D. (left), and Julia Casazza, M.D. (right), are joined by their proud families.
Iatros Award winner Alec Mason, M.D. (left), poses for a photo with Ho Din Award winner Alexa Wilden, M.D.
Standing proud for a photo are Stanton Heydinger, M.D., and class co-President Lilly Carter, M.D.
Erica Ogwumike, M.D. (left), and Olivia Iheme, M.D., are all smiles after receiving their degrees.
Ready to celebrate are (from left) Limi Jamma, M.D., Usamah Chaudhary, M.D., and Nashra Javed, M.D.
Madeline Tovar, M.D. (left), and Meredith Kim, M.D., are overcome with joy.
Dr. Podolsky bestows a diploma to a graduate during the ceremony.
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