UAB Synopsis, Vol. 28, No. 25, June 29, 2009
The UAB School of Medicine (SOM) Commencement Ceremony saluted 161 members of the class of 2009. Seventy-five of the graduates will remain in Alabama for their first postgraduate year training.
Convened at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center’s Concert Hall on May 17, the ceremony featured Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, as guest speaker.
Dr. Kirch, a distinguished physician, educator, and medical scientist, is a noted authority on the organization and management of academic medical centers.
Following the ceremony, graduates celebrated at a reception in the Birmingham Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel, where a photographer took pictures of graduates with family and friends.
“During their studies our graduates have learned the significance of compassionate and respectful treatment of patients and gained an appreciation and understanding of scientific investigation, the impact it has on the advancement of medical knowledge, and their roles as physicians,” says Associate Dean for Students Laura B. Kezar, MD. “We know they will do well in any area of medicine they choose to pursue.”