Convocation Marks Class of 2026’s Final Step Toward Their Careers in Medicine

For the Class of 2026, Monday, May 11, symbolized more than just the beginning of another week in medical school. As they processed through the streets of downtown Phoenix to their Convocation, it was the moment they could officially acknowledge that their time as a physician-in-training had come to an end.

Entering the Orpheum Theatre to joyous applause from family, friends, faculty and fellow students, the sense of relief must have been immense for the medical students, as well as for the three graduates of the doctor of philosophy in Clinical Translational Sciences program. The last four years — even more for the MD/PhD students — were defined by hard work, determination and, as Dean Fred Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, noted in his opening, a hefty amount of grit. 

“I stand before you today to say that I believe grit is the cornerstone of a successful and fulfilling career as a physician. Love what you do and always strive to do it to the best of your abilities,” he said. “Your patients deserve the best, and they will always recognize and trust the physician who delivers that care.”

Along with Dean Wondisford, additional remarks were provided by Patricia A. Prelock, PhD, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University of Arizona, City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Doug Goodyear, chair of the Arizona Board of Regents — who provided the keynote. Each offered their hearty congratulations to the soon-to-be-graduates and stated their shared belief in the limitlessness of their collective potential.

“As you navigate the road ahead, I know you will continue to learn, educating yourselves on the latest innovations in your fields and preparing to tackle the greatest challenges of today to ensure a better future for tomorrow,” said Dr. Prelock.

For Mayor Gallego, the Class of 2026 — like those who graduated before them — is integral to the legacy of care in Arizona and beyond. “You build on the records of those who came before you,” she said. “Our history, but also our future, is in your hands.” She closed by expressing hope that even those who leave Arizona for training may one day return to help tackle the health issues facing the state.

Chair Goodyear focused on the shifting landscape in medicine, advising the students to capitalize on that evolution. “We are in an age of radical transformation — driven in no small part by artificial intelligence and the way it’s reshaping things — and I would urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. They don’t come along often,” he said. “Change is in the air. Use this moment to make changes that help patients and to help make your profession more gratifying and fulfilling for you personally.”

The day’s formal remarks concluded with the Student Address from Olivia Triplett. Chosen to represent the Class of 2026 by her peers, Triplett used the occasion to celebrate all they had been through and achieved together; and she cautioned them to continue leaning on one another, even as they head in different directions. “Medicine can be cold and isolating. Physicians have rates of loneliness that exceed their patients and non-medical peers. Loneliness can kill, the same as alcohol or cigarettes, but togetherness can heal,” she said. “I encourage you to remember the people next to you, cheering for you from the audience or over the livestream, who helped you through this … You have never been going through medicine alone, and that will continue.”

As the ceremony proceeded, each student — including the PhD graduates — was hooded, manifesting the impending conferral of their degrees on May 15 at the U of A’s Commencement in Tucson. And, for the first time, the college invited medical students with parents who are physicians to be hooded by them. It was a nice personal touch in a ceremony full of heartfelt moments.

Now, as the more than 100 medical students head to residency, they will look to live up to the words in their Class Oath — which they collectively wrote prior to their White Coat Ceremony and recited in unison to close Convocation.

"May the gravity of this moment never be lost but instead compel me to maintain the utmost respect and love for humanity." 

Videos and Photos

• Videos:
  • Class of 2026 Convocation Ceremony.
  • Class of 2026 Convocation Recap.
• Photos from Convocation (more to come).
  • Family photo booth (coming soon).

Class of 2026 Students