May 14, 2026

On May 14, 2026, Drexel University College of Medicine celebrated the Class of 2026 at a Commencement ceremony held at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The ceremony recognized the achievements of future physicians, scientists and health professionals from University City, Tower Health in West Reading, Pa., and the Elkins Park Campus, and included MS, PhD and dual degree recipients from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. In the Class of 2026, there are 292 MD graduates, including 43 from Tower Health, 39 PhD graduates including three dual degree recipients, and 289 MS graduates including four dual degree recipients.

Drexel leadership, family, friends, faculty, alumni, professional staff and special guests gathered to mark the next step in their journey. The ceremony was streamed live on YouTube for those who could not attend in person and is archived online.

Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, Deborah J. Tuttle, MD and John P. Piper, MD Vice Dean for Educational Affairs and associate professor in the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine, addressed the graduates: “Today we celebrate all your achievements but most of all, we anticipate the promise of what you will become in the future: healers rooted in compassion and humanism, scientific investigators ready to innovate and discover, and future advocates for research, health, well-being and excellence through empowerment and restorative practices.”

During the ceremony, MD program graduates recited the Physician’s Pledge, promising to dedicate their lives to serve humanity and to always put the health and well-being of their patients first. MS and PhD graduates took an oath to maintain scientific integrity, commit to lifelong learning, and to uphold excellence with compassion.

Richard J. Hamilton, MD ’87, MBA, professor and academic chair in the Department of Emergency Medicine, retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Naval Flight Surgeon, led the Military Oath for MD Officers, for physicians serving in the military.

MD and graduate students and faculty were honored with awards at celebratory events during Commencement week. Charles B. Cairns, MD, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean of the College of Medicine, senior vice president of medical affairs and Drexel Health Operations, announced the recipients of the Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, recognizing faculty for outstanding clinical teaching at College of Medicine affiliates and regional campuses. The Dean’s Excellence Awards recognized those with demonstrated distinction in basic science, graduate medical education, innovation and leadership for both faculty and professional staff.

Dean Cairns encouraged the graduates to celebrate their achievements. “I want you to take a moment to stop and consider the magnitude of this day, which is the culmination of years of hard work that began long before you arrived at Drexel,” he said. “We are proud of how you’ve remained committed to your pursuits throughout your time here. Your dedication has been an inspiration to all of us who celebrate with you today.”

Honorary degree recipient Katalin Karikó, PhD, renowned biochemist and Nobel Laureate, gave the commencement address. Drexel conferred upon Dr. Karikó the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, for her vast contributions to the field of biochemistry.

“Since I’ve sat where you are, I have learned valuable lessons that I would like to share with you today,” Karikó said. “As many of you have already decided to be physicians, you will dedicate your life to helping others. You also must take care of yourself. Remember, on an airplane in an emergency, when the oxygen mask comes down, first you need to fix it on yourself. You can only help others if you are taken care of.”

Student speaker Aboli Asman Kesbhat, MD, Class of 2026, expressed gratitude to her fellow graduates, saying, “Thank you to every single person in this room, because in showing me your own stories, you shaped mine.”

Kesbhat left her fellow graduates with an uplifting message about the future. “In the years ahead, I’ll read about your discoveries, not only in journals, but in the lives you change. You will ask better questions because of who you are and build better systems because of what you’ve lived,” she said. “When the days are long and the work feels heavy, I hope you remember who you were in this room and who you promised yourselves you would be. Let your stories guide your science and your leadership, because your impact will reach further when you bring your whole selves with you. I believe that together, this class will not only change the world, but redefine how we care for it.” More photos can be found on Facebook.