Levin delivered the keynote address to a cohort of 84 graduates at M&T Bank Arena on Friday afternoon before Ellen Pearlman, MD, senior associate dean for education at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, led them in reciting the Quinnipiac Netter Physician’s Pledge to mark the symbolic end of their academic journeys.
But learning and growing as compassionate physicians is a journey that never really ends — an ethos shared by the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine and the Gold Foundation.
“This is a very difficult time in the history of America, in the history of medicine, in the history of the world,” said Levin, who currently serves as a senior adviser to the president of the Gold Foundation. “Trust in doctors and nurses has fallen dramatically since the pandemic. For the prior 100 years, these two professions were the most trusted. This is one of your mandates, shared by the 26,000 graduates of American medical schools this year — to restore this trust.”
Noting the barriers that technology can create between doctors and patients, Levin stressed the importance of being a bedside presence.
“The care and compassion that you first learned here will raise you up for the rest of your lives,” Levin said.
President Judy Olian lauded the graduates for “for adapting and adjusting with grace and generosity” to the COVID-19 pandemic and the myriad challenges it presented inside and outside the classroom. She challenged them to keep drawing upon “the resilience to turn adversity into advantage.”
Olian also congratulated Dean Phillip Boiselle, MD, who “spearheaded an equity-focused strategic plan,” raised $1.6 million for scholarships and achieved numerous other milestones across his distinguished tenure.
“When I look at this class, I see the trailblazers of tomorrow who are prepared to embrace accelerated change, and to do more than that — you will lead change in fields of medicine, including: internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, psychiatry, radiology, neurology and more,” Olian said. “And you will practice with the humanistic values, the driven purpose to heal others, the passion for achieving health equity in access and treatment, all that you’ve internalized through your time at Quinnipiac.”
In his final address as dean, Boiselle praised the new doctors for navigating a global pandemic and a fast-evolving healthcare landscape with “admirable grace and grit.” The graduates “remained focused on caring for the needs of our patients, our greater community and one another,” he added.
“While many things have changed, one truth remains constant: medicine is love,” Boiselle said. He quoted Dr. Eunice J. Minford, who said of the profession: “May everyone everywhere come to know and feel that the true foundation and soul of medicine is love — not just as a theory or a philosophy, but because they know it and live it for themselves.”
Boiselle wrapped his remarks with a reminder about the standard of compassion set by the school’s namesake.
“[Dr. Netter’s] medical illustrations not only depicted disease processes but also portrayed them as life challenges faced by individual patients, reminding us of the unique human experience behind every diagnosis,” Boiselle said. “As dean, it’s my privilege to welcome you into the profession of love. And remember, no matter where your future career paths take you, you will always be part of our Netter family.”
After degrees were conferred, Colin Uyeki, MD ’25, delivered the student address. Uyeki and three of his Quinnipiac Netter classmates — Aaron Marcel, Jake Baekey and Zak Foster — co-founded the local nonprofit Hockey Haven, combining their love of sports with community outreach.
“Becoming a doctor doesn’t just take knowledge,” Uyeki said. “It certainly doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence. It takes resilience. And quite honestly, it often looks a lot less like brilliance and a lot more like stumbling, falling, failing and learning to get back up — time and time again.”
Elizabeth Landry, MD ’25, performed a stirring rendition of the national anthem after an introduction from Provost Debra Liebowitz, who introduced Olian. Paul Calamita, MBA ’92, president of alumni association board, delivered the alumni welcome address.
Next up for the new doctors are residencies in 20 different specialties and subspecialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, primary care and urology. The residencies span 18 states and the District of Columbia.
Photo Gallery
Elizabeth Landry, MD ‘25, sang the national anthem.
Colin Uyeki, MD ‘25, delivered remarks on behalf of the Class of 2025.
Watch the School of Medicine Ceremony
Watch the livestream recording of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Commencement.
Friday, May 9, 1 p.m.
Order of Exercises
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost
National Anthem
Elizabeth Landry, MD ‘25
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Dean’s Remarks
Phillip M. Boiselle, MD
Dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
R. Ellen Pearlman, MD
Senior Associate Dean of Education
Commencement Address
Richard Levin, MD
Senior Adviser, Arnold P. Gold Foundation
Presentation of Candidates for Medical Degrees and Conferral of Hoods
Phillip M. Boiselle
Renu Boatright, MD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Student Remarks
Colin Uyeki, MD ‘25
QU Netter School of Medicine Physician’s Pledge
R. Ellen Pearlman
Alumni Welcome
Paul Calamita, MBA ‘92
President, Alumni Association Board
Recessional
Amor Vittorioso | G. Gastoldi
March | A. Valenti
Richard Levin, MD
Former president and CEO, current senior adviser, Arnold P. Gold Foundation
Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Ceremony | Friday, May 9, 1 p.m.
Dr. Richard Levin is an accomplished leader in medical education and a passionate advocate for humanism in healthcare. He is the former president and CEO of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and currently serves as a senior advisor to the president.
Levin's career is marked by a deep commitment to fostering compassionate and patient-centered care. A graduate of the New York University School of Medicine, Levin served as president and CEO of the Gold Foundation for more than a decade.
Under his leadership, the foundation expanded its reach and impact, supporting initiatives that instill empathy, communication skills and cultural humility in future physicians. His efforts have been instrumental in shaping a generation of healthcare professionals who prioritize their patients’ dignity.
Prior to his role at the Gold Foundation, Levin held a variety of significant leadership positions at NYU and McGill University in Canada. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and is the recipient of numerous honors, including a Clinician Scientist Award from the National Institutes of Health and an honorary doctorate from Wake Forest University.
Greetings from President Olian
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 as you celebrate the culmination of four years of hard work and rigorous commitment to succeeding in medicine. As you embark on residencies in 19 states (including the District of Columbia) and 20 unique specialties, you are well prepared to be leaders in your community and to practice truly compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
As graduates of Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, you’ve been guided by outstanding faculty and dedicated staff who are proud to stand beside you today. All that you’ve learned—and the many ways in which you’ve grown—will serve you well in your chosen fields of medicine and in your communities. In addition, you’ve gained new understanding and perspectives from one another during this profoundly transformative time in your lives. Stay connected to your Bobcat family, visit us often, and draw on the friendships and mentor relationships you’ve formed.
This day is shared with your families and friends — those who’ve supported you every step of the way. They’re bursting with pride on the milestone you achieve today. Savor this moment as you begin this next chapter and know we’ll be cheering for you as your Bobcat family.
Warmly,
Judy D. Olian, PhD
A Message from Dean Boiselle
Dear Graduates of the QU Netter Class of 2025,
Congratulations on your remarkable achievement!
Four years ago, you began medical school in the midst of a global pandemic — an extraordinary and uncertain time. With resilience and determination, you’ve met challenges that tested your strength and deepened your commitment to medicine. Throughout this journey, your compassion — for patients, for one another, and for the communities you serve — has remained steadfast.
Now, as you step into your professional careers, you enter a healthcare landscape that has transformed during your time at Netter. You are not only prepared to meet its demands—you are equipped to shape its future. Let compassion continue to guide you—in how you lead, how you heal, and how you show up for others.
You are part of a proud legacy of physicians who strive to make a meaningful difference. Wherever your path takes you, stay rooted in purpose, lead with empathy, and never underestimate the power of listening, presence, and care. You will always be part of the QU Netter family. We look forward to following your journey and celebrating the impact you will make.
Wishing you all the best — good luck and Godspeed!
With immense pride and admiration,
Phillip Boiselle, MD
Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Physician’s Pledge
AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
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I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
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THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
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I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
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I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
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I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;
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I WILL ADVOCATE for social, economic, educational, and political changes that ameliorate suffering and contribute to the well-being of my patients and the communities I serve;
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I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
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I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;
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I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;
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I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;
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I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;
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I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;
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I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
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I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.
Adapted from the WMA Declaration of Geneva Updated October 2017 (The Physician’s Pledge) and the AMA Declaration of Professional Responsibility
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