Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Commencement 2026
May 08, 2026
May 08, 2026
Monique Nugent, MD, MPH, will deliver the keynote address. Nugent is a healthcare educator and speaker who teaches patients, families and medical professionals how to better understand hospital care and navigate complex healthcare systems. She is also the author of “Prescription for Admission,” a guide that helps patients and families accomplish these important goals.
Watch the livestream of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Commencement.
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost
Addison Prunier
Marie C. Hardin, PhD
President
Lisa D. Coplit, MD
Dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
R. Ellen Pearlman, MD
Senior Associate Dean of Education
Monique Nugent, MD, MPH
Hospitalist and Author
Lisa D. Coplit, MD
Renu Boatright, MD
Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Marie C. Hardin
Paulina Naser-Saravia, MD ‘26
R. Ellen Pearlman
Robert Passero ‘70
Alumni Association Board
Amor Vittorioso | G. Gastoldi
March | A. Valenti
Physican, Author, Educator and Speaker
Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Ceremony | Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.
Dr. Monique Nugent is a healthcare educator and speaker who teaches patients, families and medical professionals how to better understand hospital care and navigate complex healthcare systems. She is also the author of “Prescription for Admission,” a guide that helps patients and families accomplish these important goals.
With years of frontline experience, Nugent has witnessed the challenges and opportunities within hospitals. She is committed to bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient advocacy. Her mission is to make healthcare more accessible, understandable and effective for everyone.
Whether through her book, public speaking engagements or thought leadership in medical education, Nugent is dedicated to empowering both patients and providers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. As a practicing hospitalist, Nugent works daily with patients and healthcare teams to improve hospital-based care.
Her experience spans patient-centered care, medical education and training, and healthcare leadership and policy. Along with a board certification in internal medicine, Nugent earned her MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and her MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She also completed a fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as we celebrate this important milestone in your lives. We are delighted to welcome your families and friends to Quinnipiac today to share in your success and the promise that awaits you.
Your journey to this day is more than a ceremony. It is a testament to your hard work, your dedication and your commitment to the highest standards of health care. Your education has prepared you well for residencies that launch careers as impactful doctors and leaders of patient-centered health care teams.
You also learned the values of empathy, compassion and resilience from an extraordinary faculty and a dedicated staff. At the same time, you learned from each other, whether it was studying for exams or working on group assignments. I encourage you to nurture and maintain those friendships as you embark on your next chapter.
As graduates of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, we are so very proud of you. We know the future of medicine is in good hands with you, the doctors of tomorrow.
Warmly
Marie C. Hardin, PhD
Dear Graduates of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Class of 2026,
Congratulations on this extraordinary milestone. It is a true honor to celebrate this moment with you — made even more meaningful as my first commencement as Dean and as someone who has had the privilege of being part of this community since its early days.
You began your medical education during a time of profound uncertainty, and throughout your journey, you demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to one another and to your patients. These qualities have not only shaped who you are as individuals, but have strengthened the fabric of our community.
You enter the profession of medicine at a time of both challenge and possibility. You are exceptionally well prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of science and healthcare and to lead with integrity, curiosity, and compassion. The way you care for patients, support your colleagues, and engage with your communities will define your impact as a physician and I know that you will do so with care and purpose.
As a member of the QU Netter community, you carry forward a legacy grounded in humanism, service, and a deep commitment to improving the health of others. Wherever your path leads, remain curious, embrace challenges, and continue to grow.
You will always be part of the QU Netter family. We are immensely proud of you and look forward to following your journey and celebrating the many ways that you will make a difference.
With warmest congratulations,
Lisa Coplit, MD
AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
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;
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;
I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;
I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;
I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;
I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;
I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;
I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
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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