The Yale School of Medicine (YSM) MD Class of 2022 has selected William Flanary, MD, as its speaker for Commencement on May 23. Flanary, an ophthalmologist in Portland, Oregon, is also well known—as Dr. Glaucomflecken— for his medical satire, shared through a large social media following as well as stand-up comedy.
Comedy writing has helped Flanary cope with his own health issues. He is a two-time testicular cancer survivor (he first was diagnosed while a medical school student at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine) and has survived cardiac arrest. Since 2017, Flanary has actively raised funds and awareness for the non-profit First Descents, which brings young adults affected by cancer together through a shared outdoor adventure experience. He describes his own First Descents experience as “a lifeline” for him.
The Class of 2022 is excited to welcome Flanary to the Yale School of Medicine campus.