On May 21, members of the School of Medicine’s Class of ’23 stepped into the next stage of their careers—and all the responsibility that comes with it—as they gathered with loved ones at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall for Diploma Day.

“As the newest participants in the health and biomedical system, you’ve also been empowered to help change its future,” said keynote speaker Victor J. Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine. “Maybe it sounds a little grandiose, but I believe that in so doing you shape the future of the nation, as well.”

He encouraged the graduates to serve not only individuals but their communities by helping to shape policy and speaking out against injustice. “I’ve often said, ‘There can be no health equity without social equity.’”

Austin Walker Anthony, class president, who gave the Senior Medical Student Address, reminded his classmates that the health care system hasn’t always instilled trust in those it’s meant to serve. “It is our responsibility to continue to rebuild that trust,” he said.

“In the coming months, as time becomes scarce, I hope that we will remember that we are not simply called to care for patients, but more importantly, we must care about them.”

Read more from the Summer 2023 issue.