Newly minted physicians and scientists graduated from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday, May 14. As the graduate school has grown on the Florida campus, this year marks the second commencement ceremony for Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Florida for students receiving Ph.D. and master's degrees. 

The 12 medical school graduates who earned their medical degrees were part of an innovative program that allows students to complete their first two years of classroom study in Arizona or Minnesota, and then complete two years of clinical study in Jacksonville. They join more than 80 other Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students in Arizona and Minnesota graduating on those campuses this week.

Graduation speakers encouraged students to lean into the Mayo Clinic values emphasized during their training. "Remember our core values as embodied in the acronym RICH TIES, which stands for Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence and Stewardship," said Dr. Fredric Meyer, Waugh Executive Dean of Education, Mayo Clinic. "They are guideposts that should help guide you as a physician, scientist and human being."

Dr. Olayemi Sokumbi, a dermatologist who attended medical school and residency at Mayo Clinic and now serves as an attending physician, researcher and mentor, delivered the keynote address. She shared wisdom from her life and journey, encouraging students to trust the wisdom from their life experiences. 

"Where you come from is not a limitation. It is your launchpad. Your story — every chapter of it — is your strength. It has given you perspective. It has shaped your voice. It has taught you how to see the unseen, how to care deeply, and how to rise when nothing around you said you could," she said, adding, "The truth is the world doesn't just need more degrees — it needs more compassion. It needs scientists who think ethically, doctors who listen like the patient is their own mother, leaders who ask not just what's efficient, but about what's just — those who put the needs of the patients first." 

Dr. Stephanie Oatman was the student speaker from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She received her Ph.D. following research studying Alzheimer's disease, and she spoke about the importance of teamwork and community in science and medicine. "Ask for help," she encouraged the graduates. "Offer help. Share what you have learned and pay forward what you have been given. Regardless of where you go, lift others up and leave it a better place than when you found it." 

Dr. Abba Zubair, vice dean of the medical school in Florida, inspired graduates to perpetuate the contributions of Mayo Clinic as they take the next steps in their careers. "I am reminded of the profound legacy of Mayo Clinic and its unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care, research and medical education," he said. "Go forth and make a difference in the world, for you are the future of medicine." 

Commencement recordings

Visit the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science website to view the commencement ceremony recordings from Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic."

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a national medical school with four-year medical degree programs in Rochester and Arizona. The school also offers a Florida program, enabling students to complete their first two years of medical studies in Arizona or Minnesota, and their final two years of learning in Florida. For more information, visit Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

About Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers world-class graduate education leading to Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. degrees, as well as master's degree programs. The school offers research opportunities on campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, with training by leading investigators and clinicians in cutting-edge biomedical fields. For more information, visit Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. 

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

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