Timothy Riddell, MMSc Co2015
The commencement ceremony for the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program was held on December 7th, 2015. Thirty-five graduates received a Master of Medical Science (MMSc.) Degree. The ceremony was held in Woolsey Hall, where friends, family and colleagues joined the Class of 2015 in celebration.
The twenty-seven month program concluded with an enthusiastic charge by commencement speaker Benjamin R. Doolittle, MD, MDiv. Dr. Doolittle serves as the Program Director for Yale’s Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program, and also serves as Associate Pastor at Pilgrim Congregational Church in New Haven, CT. Through allegories and metaphors, Doolittle tasked the graduating to class to “Ring the bell! Light the fire! And give hope!” He remarked eloquently on the need for professional development, innovation, and responsibility to patients.
Dean Robert J. Alpern, M.D., Ensign Professor of Medicine, remarked on the Physician Associate as an integral part of the medical team. Alpern congratulated the class on devotion to scholarship, and discussed the need for continued learning throughout a career in medicine.
Students gave awards to individuals who contributed uniquely to their success. The award for Outstanding Didactic Course was presented to William Stewart, PhD, and Shanta Kapadia, MBBS, for their dedicated teaching in Gross Anatomy. The Yale-New Haven Hospitalist Service was awarded for Outstanding Clinical Site. The award for Outstanding Preceptor was presented to Dr. Shawn Cole MD, for his excellence in teaching at the West Haven Walk-in Clinic. Elizabeth Roessler, MMSc, PA-C, was awarded the Jack Cole Society Award, for her significant contributions to PA education. The Class of 2015 Award, given for support and dedication to Yale’s PA program, was presented to the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Librarians for their support of students during the writing of medical theses. Librarians awarded were Janis Glover, MLS, Judy Spak, MLS, and Lei Wang, MLS.
The Dr. John P. Hayslett Award, a student award for overall academic excellence in didactic and clinical phases, was presented to Jennifer Clauss. The award for most outstanding thesis was presented to Karen Tsai, whose work has been accepted for publication by the Current Infectious Disease Reports. The Class of 2015 thanks friends and family for their support during the completion of Yale’s rigorous program. After completion of the board exam, the class is anxious to provide medical care to patients around the country.
For more Commencement photos, visit the Alumni & Friends website.