100 graduates earn medical degrees from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

GLASSBORO, NJ -- CMSRU marked the graduation of its 7th and largest class of medical doctors this week with a commencement ceremony held Wednesday under a tent on the University Green on Rowan’s main campus in Glassboro.

Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU, opened the ceremony by asking students to acknowledge their loved ones for the support they provided during the students’ medical school careers. In her address, she remarked about how the pandemic has tested the resilience, grit, adaptability and emotional intelligence of CMSRU’s students, particularly the Class of 2022.

“You have been transformed by current events in ways that may not be readily apparent, but will reveal themselves as you progress in your careers,” said Dean Reboli. “The world has changed, and so have you. I expect that you will be better physicians and true healers because of this.”

Dean Reboli acknowledged the efforts of CMSRU students to serve the Camden community, noting that the Class of 2022, collectively, completed 17,170 hours of service over the past four years. She also lauded the students for stepping up during the pandemic, noting that for some, it was among their finest moments.

“You will be remembered as the class that faced the uncertainties and challenges of the pandemic with courage, professionalism, and strength of character,” she added.

Four CMSRU graduates received special recognition during the ceremony with Dean's Awards.

• The Dean's Award for Academic Excellence is given to the graduate with the highest overall academic achievement. The 2022 Dean's Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Brian E. White.
• The Dean's Award for Service to the Community honors the graduate who has excelled in service to the community. The 2022 Dean's Award for Service to the Community was presented to Seema Doshi.
• The Dean's Award for Humanism in Medicine honors the graduate who best exemplifies humanistic values. The 2022 Dean's Award for Humanism in Medicine was presented to Elana Perlow.
• The Dean's Award for Leadership honors the graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout the four years of medical school. The 2022 Dean's Award for Leadership was presented to Lindsay Fleischer.

This year, CMSRU was proud to host as its 2022 Commencement Speaker and Medal of Excellence Awardee Cato Laurencin, MD, PhD. Dr. Laurencin is the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, professor of chemical engineering, professor of materials science and professor of biomedical engineering at University of Connecticut.

In his address, Dr. Laurencin offered motivational advice and words of wisdom for the graduates as they move into the next phase of their careers.

“You are all stars -- you really are,” said Dr. Laurencin. “Remember to cherish each day. Take on challenges and opportunities and build your spiritual armor. Look to others who have gone before you, who are older, for inspiration and guidance.

"Don’t be afraid to stumble; to stumble is not to fall but to walk faster,” he added, referencing an African proverb.

Other highlights of the event were the reading of the graduates’ names, the symbolic cloaking in doctoral hoods, and the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. Students were “hooded” by their faculty advisors or by a first degree relative with a medical degree. William Kocher, MD, associate dean for admissions, led the reading of the Hippocratic Oath.

In a few weeks, CMSRU’s newly-minted doctors move on to the next phase of their medical education as first year residents. They join the 425 CMSRU alumni now training and providing healthcare at hospitals and medical centers across the country.

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