MD, PhD, and Dual Degree Commencement | Icahn School of Medicine

COMMENCEMENT
- MD, PhD, Dual Degree Commencement
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Celebrating the 57th MD, PhD and Dual Degree Commencement Ceremony

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai held its 57th Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 5, at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai celebrated its 57th Commencement Ceremony by honoring the Class of 2026’s academic and research achievements, its commitment to compassionately care for patients, and its determination to pursue scientific and medical advancements.

Highlights of the MD, PhD, and Dual Degree Ceremony

In his opening address, Mount Sinai Health System Chief Executive Officer Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, spoke about the increased pace and scale of technological change across all industries. “There's always been a march forward, but it does feel different this time. We're talking about a massive shift in how we learn, how we discover, how we care for others, how we heal.”

He assured graduates of his confidence in their capacity to make a difference. “I know that you will democratize information, that you will empower people, that you'll elevate our professions, that you'll decrease the cost of care and improve the quality. I think you'll discover, I know you'll cure, and I think you'll decrease health disparities and make the world a better place.”

Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine and Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, spoke on courage and compassion, reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic ending just as most graduating students began their studies. “You witnessed an epic battle with medical professionals valiantly caring for COVID-19 patients and scientists relentlessly working to understand and conquer the virus. In the process, our inspiring workforce reinforced Mount Sinai's reputation as an institution built on courage and compassion.”

He told the Class of 2026 that they would need to embrace courage and compassion throughout their careers. “For scientists, that means being courageous and tackling the most complicated scientific questions facing humanity. Courageous in not being intimidated by failures or by the enormity of a bold and risky undertaking. For physicians, that means being courageous in assuming responsibility for the care of your patients, even in the most difficult cases.”

Noting the public’s decreased trust in scientists and doctors and the politicization of science, Dr. Nestler urged graduates to remain committed to the truth in their work. “As physicians and scientists, you will need to resist distortion and oversimplification. Defend the facts. And exercise the courage to stand up for your work. You are entering a community of service, of honor, and integrity. That calls upon you to do all you can to better understand human health and disease, heal patients, and insist upon equity in care.”

Reshma Kewalramani, MD, FASN, Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, delivered the Commencement Address, speaking on the importance of challenging assumptions. “Here's the uncomfortable truth. Most of the limits that shape our lives are not imposed by intelligence, talent, or opportunity,” Dr. Kewalramani said. “They are imposed by assumptions.”

She urged the Class of 2026 to study the limitations rather than pretend they don’t exist. “You are entering your fields at a moment when invisible lines have rarely mattered more. Lines drawn through healthcare systems along race and class, where life expectancy travels with your zip code, and the same diagnosis can carry a very different prognosis. You are uniquely positioned to cover and shorten that distance.”

Dr. Kewalramani received an honorary degree from the Icahn School of Medicine. Other honorary degree recipients were Hasso Plattner, Chairman of SAP SE and Founder of the Hasso Plattner Institute, which was accepted by Professor, Doctor Lothar H. Wieler, Co-Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai and Chair of Digital Global Public Health at Hasso Plattner Institute; Regina Barzilay, PhD, School of Engineering Distinguished Professor for AI and Health at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Craig M. Crews, PhD, American Cancer Society Professor, John C. Malone Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Yale University.

The Icahn School of Medicine granted a total of 192 degrees to graduates in the following programs: 110 MD, 54 PhD, 28 Dual Degree (16 MD-PhD, 4 MD/Master of Public Health; 8 MD/Master of Science in Clinical Research). In addition to graduating with high distinction, the Class of 2026 has made scientific discoveries that have advanced the understanding of complex diseases of the brain; the pathogenesis of infectious agents; and identified causes and treatments for cancer, and many other chronic illnesses.

The Class has also worked to improve community health around the globe and has provided free health care to local patients in need through the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership.

The Class of 2026 joins a network of highly accomplished graduates. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s alumni are known the world over for their clinical and research excellence, altruism, and integrity.