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For the 32 students in the graduating class of 2025, the celebration on May 17 offered them a chance to reflect on their many accomplishments over the last five years and look forward to the next step in their medical career journey.
Bud Isaacson, MD, Professor of Medicine and Executive Dean of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, opened his address by reminding everyone that five years ago, on July 1, more than 10.3 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported to the World Health Organization, and, during the prior week, the number of new cases exceeded 160,000 on every single day.
At the same time, the Class of 2025 started their classes. Classes were fully virtual. The White Coat Ceremony was held outside, with masking and social distancing. “Somehow this class formed strong bonds, even in the virtual world, and as things loosened up a bit, they've only got stronger and stronger together,” he said.
Addressing the students, Dr. Isaacson shared some key pieces of advice:
“As you move forward on your career, hold on to these ideals. Let your professionalism be the unifying force that guides,” he said.
Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, Professor of Surgery, addressed the students via video. He noted that when the class started medical school, much of the world was on lockdown, yet that did not stop them from finding ways to connect. “You have already shown that you can lead with compassion, curiosity and resilience. No matter where your path takes you, you are part of the Cleveland Clinic family, and you will always have a job here after your residency,” he said.
Madeleine Blazel and Jesse Fajnzylber presented a thank-you book to Mrs. Norma Lerner and Dr. Mihaljevic for their long-standing support of the program and its students.
The alumni and class gift to the college, presented by Helena Baffoe-Bonnie, was a nourishment fund to support refreshments for Friday Advanced Research in Medicine sessions. “We hope this tradition not only helps future students stay focused and energized, but also that it reminds them that they're part of something bigger. This is a place where we look out for each other,” said Baffoe-Bonnie.
Priya Eppel introduced the student video, a reflection on the students’ last five years. View the student video.
This year’s faculty speaker was Christine Warren, MD, MS (’09), Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, who shared her perspectives about the CCLCM program and medical education. “A door was opened for us to enter that is not open for all. It may have been a parent, a teacher, a friend, a program, a scholarship that opened those doors,” she said, adding that “Education is something that can never be taken away from you.”
Dr. Warren also shared her experience as a Lerner College graduate. When given the opportunity to join a new medical school program, she was among the first to apply. “We formed a community, a place where curiosity, individual strength and shortcomings were valued within the curriculum, with the emphasis on continuous reflection, growth and improvement. We believed in the CCLCM experiment,” said Dr. Warren.
Toward the end of her presentation, Dr. Warren donned her “21-year-old CCLCM IRB experimental subject t-shirt,” noting that she was experimental subject 001. Since that time, 502 students have graduated from the program.
Dr. Isaacson chimed in, “I think that experiment is a success!”
This year’s student speaker was Rachel Schafer, who marveled at the resilience and adaptability of her fellow classmates, reminding them that their first class photo was taken from a drone. “Through it all, we lifted each other up, we pushed forward, and we just never lost sight about why we chose this path, and that's just to help heal,” she said. “We’re now caregivers who can be called upon at moments of crisis, the scientists pushing discovery and the advocates who hope to shape the future of healthcare.”
Several faculty members were recognized with awards:
This once-in-a-lifetime honor recognizes the faculty members' exceptional contributions to student learning and professional development:
These two awards are presented by each graduating class to the non-faculty and faculty members who most embody the ideals of CCLCM and demonstrate the highest level of commitment to students:
Established in 2010, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to student learning and professional development in research:
Established in 2017 in memory of Elaine F. Dannefer, PhD, this award recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies and advances the ideals of mentoring and reflective practice at CCLCM:
The following graduating students participated in advanced training or earned a degree in addition to their degree that reads “Medical Doctor with Special Qualifications in Biomedical Research”:
Clinical Research Scholars Program (MS)
Nutrition (MS)
Jessica MacWilliams
Public Health (MPH)
Systems Biology & Bioinformatics (MS)
Kaufman World Medicine Pathway Program
On behalf of the entire Lerner College of Medicine, we congratulate the Class of 2025. We are deeply proud of you — individually and collectively. May your life and work always reflect the highest standards of Cleveland Clinic and the medical profession.
