Early Graduation for the Class of 2020

Graduation for the Class of 2020 at VP&S was early and nontraditional. When it was over, most graduates did not have the usual breather before the start of residencies. Instead, they reported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to support the COVID-19 front-line workers before beginning their residencies.

The virtual ceremony on April 15 brought together 139 graduates for a Zoom celebration. Of the 139, 88 were expected to join workers at NewYork-Presbyterian in roles ranging from medical scribes to telehealth guides. 

“The challenges you’ve faced here in the last couple of months are unlike any the classes before you have faced,” said Lee Goldman, MD, dean. “A number of you have decided to volunteer at NewYork-Presbyterian. It’s heartwarming. You’ll be joining faculty and staff who have been truly heroic, awe-inspiring.”

Graduates showed off their creative flair with a musical performance and poetry reading and some shared brief speeches reflecting on their time in medical school and on the current pandemic. 

A more formal graduation ceremony, also conducted online, was held May 6 ahead of the previously scheduled May 20 ceremony.

View a video of the Class of 2020 reciting the Hippocratic Oath here.