GUMC Update

New Grads Fulfill Dreams of Becoming M.D.s

May 19, 2009

The dreary weather didn’t keep the crowd from standing outside Constitution Hall prior to the 157th commencement ceremony of the School of Medicine.Graduates stood near their classmates, family members and friends to talk, laugh, take photos and enjoy the last few moments of being medical students. “For once, I’m actually speechless,” said Dan Alyesh, who graduated on Sunday. “We finally made it.”

During the last four years, 190 students in the class of 2009 spent countless hours studying, practicing and preparing for their residencies. Now, they are about to embark on one of the biggest journeys of their lifetime.As students entered Constitution Hall during the processional, the crowd stood erupting with applause. Tears fell down the eyes of family members as their graduate walked by. Cheers were yelled and smiles were seen on all of the faces.

“I came with 34 of my family members from California to see my daughter graduate,” said Ranjit Vishwanath, whose other children are already doctors.

Being a doctor is something his daughter spent her whole life wanting to achieve, he said. On May 17 she fulfilled that goal and continued a family tradition. “We are so proud of her huge accomplishments,” Vishwanath said.

This year’s speaker, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), praised the newest alumni for their tenacity, drive and great accomplishments during the last four years.“You have done it all,” he told the graduates, “…and you have done it well. These are the men and women of tomorrow, and ladies and gentlemen, we are in capable hands.”

Barrasso, who is also a medical doctor, received a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, in recognition of his leadership in improving rural health care nationwide and his devotion to Georgetown’s spirit of service.

After the closing reflection, the new 190 graduates and their families were not the only ones beaming with pride. The faculty who ushered them along the way were right there with them. “I anticipate wonderful things for this class as they engage in the incredible challenges of the 21st century,” said Kevin Fitzgerald, research associate professor at Georgetown University Medical Center. “This is a very exciting time.”

Following the ceremony, a picnic was held at the Medical Center to continue the celebration of the great achievements of the Class of 2009.

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.

Copyright Georgetown University Medical Center 2007

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