UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix honors graduates

May 9, 2024
Photos by Noelle Haro-Gomez, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications
Medical student Jovanna Figueroa is hooded by University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix professor Kathleen Brite Hillis during the graduation ceremony. Both are wearing graduation regalia.

Kathleen Brite Hillis, MD, associate dean of clinical and competency-based education at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, hoods Jovanna Figueroa, MD, during the college’s spring 2024 commencement.

Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix celebrated its 14th commencement ceremony on May 6, 2024. Led by the traditional pipe and drum corps through the streets of downtown Phoenix, more than 90 medical students were awarded their doctor of medicine degrees, and two were the first to graduate from the college’s MD/PhD program. The graduates were joined by faculty and leaders from the university as they entered the Orpheum Theatre to cheers and applause from friends and family.

“Commencement is a time for advice, and you will receive advice from many. Let me be one of the first to offer a single piece of advice – do the right thing,” said Fredric E. Wondisford, MD, MBA, dean of the College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Do the right thing by your patients, your family and loved ones, and yourself. Your patients will demand your attention, as will your family and loved ones. Your happiness and job satisfaction are rooted in figuring out how to give them the time and consideration they deserve.”

Robert C. Robbins, MD, president of the University of Arizona, addressed the graduates as well, stressing how important it is for physicians to truly see their patients.

“One of the things I like to talk to medical students about is the importance of physicians truly seeing the person they are treating and not just viewing their numbers through a computer screen,” Robbins said. “While the physical exam may look different, or might not happen at all during virtual appointments, we can and should still have compassion for our patients. We must still advocate for them. And we must still build trust with them.”

To read more about the ceremony and see additional photos, please see the College of Medicine – Phoenix website.

A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student dressed in a graduation cap and gown carries a large banner that says “Class of 2024” as she walks outside.
Five people dressed in graduation regalia stand together smiling.
Three University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix students dressed in graduation regalia take a selfie.
Five University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix students dressed in graduation regalia stand together smiling before their commencement ceremony.
Five University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix students dressed in graduation regalia stand together smiling before their commencement ceremony.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student dressed in graduation regalia stands at a podium, smiling and gesturing with her hands, during the commencement ceremony.
Two professors dressed in graduation regalia stand next to each other smiling as one hods a plaque and gives a thumbs-up.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student in graduation regalia smiles as a professor places a graduation hood on him.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student in graduation regalia holds her hands over her heart as a professor places a graduation hood on her.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student in graduation regalia holds his hands in the air in celebration as a professor standing behind him prepares to place a graduation hood on him.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student in graduation regalia smiles as a professor places a graduation hood on her.
Several University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix students cheer as university President Robert C. Robbins confers their degrees.
A University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix student in graduation regalia holds her hands to her face as she smiles at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.
A large group of family members stand on each side of two University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix graduates wearing their caps and gowns.
Several family members holding large faces on sticks surround a newly graduated medical student wearing a cap and gown after the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix commencement.
A woman in a hijab hugs her daughter, who is wearing graduation regalia outside amid a crowd of people.
Over a dozen University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty members wearing graduation regalia stand in front of a sign that reads, “College of Medicine – Phoenix.”