Four years ago, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’s graduating class started medical school from home. It was 2020, and just a few months earlier, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic- the worst the world had seen in a century.
For the Class of 2024, it meant embarking on their medical journey virtually. They met their instructors and classmates on Zoom. They had to wait months for the traditional ceremony where medical students receive their first white coats— their official entry into the medical profession.
The wait is over. The transformation from medical student to physician is now complete for the Class of 2024. “I can’t believe it. Time has flown by,” said Anais Iglesias, who is off to UF Health Shands Hospital to train as a pediatrician.
Commencement was held on May 1 at the FIU Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Newly-minted doctor, Maria Kolesova, a future internist, called it “the best day of my life.”
View 2024 Commencement Photo Album
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Juan Cendan, the medical school dean, noted that these graduates have completed what has always been a difficult and challenging curriculum at a particularly difficult and challenging time. “I believe these challenges will make you better physicians who can react and pivot when faced with adversity and empathize with patients confronting similar hardships,” said Cendan.
Next Up: Residency Training
For the second consecutive year, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine achieved a 100% residency placement rate, with all 113 graduating medical students securing residency programs where they will continue their medical training. On July 1, when most of these programs start, they will officially report to work as physicians in 23 states across the nation.
For the next 3 to 7 years—depending on their choice of specialty- they will hone their skills to become pediatricians, gynecologists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, urologists, dermatologists, and surgeons, among others.
Notably, 42% of the class will pursue residency training in Florida and nearly a third in South Florida. This is important because there is a critical physician shortage nationwide, and young doctors tend to set up practice in the area where they perform their residency.
Dr. Cendan advised graduates that the life of a physician is intense, and it starts today. “Today and for the rest of your lives, 24-7… When someone screams, ‘We need a doctor here,’ you will step up and go to work. Because you are a physician. A healer. And you took an oath.”
Dr. Herbert Wertheim, the college’s namesake and benefactor echoed the dean’s sentiment that medicine is a privileged profession.“ What a joy to have a profession where you are helping mankind,” said Wertheim.
“I’m ready. I’m ready,” said Brenda Abreu Molnar, who after five years—she added a research year to her medical school education– is finally on the way to realizing her dream of becoming a dermatologist. She will soon start her residency training at Vanderbilt University.
Jose Redondo II was chosen by his classmates to give the keynote speech. Redondo reminded fellow graduates their success was made possible by “a village” of supporters, from family to mentors. But it also required personal determination and sacrifice. “The letters after your name. They were not given to you. It was something that you earned,” he said.
Congratulations to all the new MDs!