The ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ School of Medicine (UNR Med) honored its newest class of physicians during the held on May 14, 2025, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. The event recognized the 59 graduates’ unwavering dedication, compassion and perseverance in reaching this significant milestone in their journey to becoming doctors.
The Class of 2025 marked a milestone moment at their Doctor of Medicine Commencement Ceremony, surrounded by proud faculty, staff, family and friends who cheered them on every step of the way.The ceremony opened with remarks from Vice Dean Tim Baker, M.D. ‘04, who welcomed the graduates and their loved ones, both in person and virtually.
"Gathered here today are many people who have shared in the success of these graduates, and it is a great gift that you are here with us,” Dr. Baker said. “This is a celebration not only of their achievements, but also a testament of your love, encouragement and support that made this day possible.”
Andrew Cobourn being hooded by his wife and fellow graduate Kallie Cobourn.That sentiment echoed throughout the ceremony, as proud faculty, staff, families and friends filled the theater - many of whom had supported the graduates through years marked by immense academic challenges, personal sacrifices and global disruption. ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ President Brian Sandoval took the stage to reflect on the collective strength of the graduating class.
"This is a very big day for all of you, as we celebrate the 2025 Doctor of Medicine Commencement Ceremony,” Sandoval said. “You’ve all traveled a long, sometimes challenging, and ultimately fulfilling road in order to reach this moment... Throughout your four years at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ School of Medicine, you were never a number. You were a hopeful face. A story of accomplishment and determination to reach medical school. A personal amalgam of experiences, perspectives, wishes and dreams and hopes that combined make you who you are today.”
He continued, recognizing their endurance through the pandemic and the pressures of medical training, emphasizing that the lessons they’ve learned extend far beyond the classroom or clinic.
"You are going to do extraordinary things in your profession. You will save lives and cultivate relationships that will last a lifetime. Your time with us has made us a better place,” President Sandoval said.
"You are going to do extraordinary things in your profession. You will save lives and cultivate relationships that will last a lifetime. Your time with us has made us a better place,” he said. “On behalf of the entire University, I wish to congratulate you all on reaching this incredibly important moment in your lives. Congratulations and GO PACK!”
UNR Med Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., echoed Sandoval’s sentiments, reminding graduates of their duty to patients and the communities they serve.
"My advice: Work hard on behalf of your patients, stay positive, show up early and be leaders,” Dr. Hauptman said. “It may all seem daunting to you at this time, but as physicians, we can do this. We can make the health care system work better for our patients and frankly for our families and friends too.”
Keynote speaker Janet Elizabeth (Betsy) Tuttle, M.D., a distinguished medical officer at the National Transportation Safety Board, encouraged the graduates to embrace kindness and advocacy in every patient interaction.
"Most people do not remember the graduation speeches they hear, but they will remember the feeling - similar to the patients you will have the privilege to care for,” Dr. Tuttle said. “True patient advocacy is treatment of disease, relief of suffering, and more often than not, just kindness. Kindness to them, to their families, your colleagues and other members of the care team.”
Representing her peers, Class of 2025 President Erika Thys offered a message of deep gratitude to those who supported them throughout medical school.
"With my final moments as Class President, I’d like to emphasize two words to all the families, friends, faculty, and loved ones who are here to celebrate with us today – thank you,” Thys emphasized. “You’ll be hearing those words a great deal today and I hope I can convey to you the weight of those words. Every supportive word, every tear that you wiped away, every hug of encouragement, every shoulder you let us lean on, those are all the things we are hoping to thank you for.”
The formal ceremony continued with the presentation of doctoral hoods, introduced by Cherie Singer, Ph.D. Hooding was assisted by Neda Etezadi, M.D. ‘02, and David Howard, M.D. ‘04, with presenters including beloved mentors, faculty and family members.
In keeping with medical tradition, the class stood to recite the Physician’s Oath, led by Lisa Calvo, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, pledging themselves to a career of ethical practice and service to patients.
The newly conferred physicians recited the Physician’s Oath, pledging their commitment to compassionate and ethical care.To conclude the ceremony, President Sandoval officially conferred the Doctor of Medicine degrees upon the Class of 2025, marking their transition from medical students to physicians. As the crowd poured out of the theater, there were hugs, joyful tears and camera flashes - reminders of the journey behind them and the new chapter ahead. For the UNR Med Class of 2025, this was not just a ceremony, but a celebration of purpose, connection and the promise of impact to come.
