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For the 33 students in the graduating class of 2026, the graduation celebration on May 16 marked more than a milestone. The event honored a remarkable five-year journey defined by perseverance, discovery, compassion and growth. Through the challenges and triumphs of medical school, these graduates have developed not only into future physician investigators but also into colleagues, mentors and advocates for their patients and one another.
Christine Warren, MD, MS (’09), Interim Executive Dean and Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, opened the celebration with gratitude for Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University leadership, faculty members, administrators and supporters, including Mrs. Norma Lerner and her late husband, Al Lerner.
Dr. Warren recognized Bud Isaacson, MD, Professor of Medicine and former Executive Dean of CCLCM, for his seven years of service to the college and many achievements, including last year’s full accreditation of the CWRU School of Medicine from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the maximum eight-year term.
She also honored Kendalle Cobb, MD, who passed away April 29. A Physician Advisor, Dr. Cobb was deeply invested in CCLCM and its students. She was a beloved doctor, colleague, mentor and friend to many, and we mourn her passing.
Dr. Warren noted the research impact that this class has made on the world, citing 300-plus unique peer-reviewed publications, 475-plus abstracts and presentations, and nine elite fellowships, including the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program, Sarnoff Fellowship Program and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Fellowship.
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Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, Professor of Surgery, addressed the students via video. “As the future leaders of healthcare, you join the ranks of physician-scientists who step forward to serve. We are especially proud that some of you will continue to train here with us,” he said. As is tradition, he reminded them that they will always have a job at Cleveland Clinic after residency.
Kelsey Ouyang and Claudia Sierra Walker Arefeayne 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 Alan Gordillo, comprised donations to the Child Life Fund at Cleveland Clinic. The gift represents a way to give back to the patients who inspire the students’ work every day and will help to provide resources, programs and support that bring comfort, joy and healing to children during their medical care.
August Culbert introduced the student video, a reflection on the students’ last five years. View the student video.
This year’s faculty speaker was Rahul Damania, MD, MS Ed, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, who gifted each of the students a pocket notebook and instructed them to write their name, along with their upcoming credentials, on the inside cover.
“As you move forward into residency, recognize that learning isn't just about memorizing facts. It's about catching the moments around the facts,” said Dr. Damania. “When a patient teaches you something a textbook never could or an attending says one quiet sentence that reframes how you clinically reason, write it down. Slow down the chaos we call residency. These microlearning moments you will capture are what will forge you to become the most intentional, deliberate and thoughtful physician-scientist.”
This year’s student speaker was Conor Reid, who shared one of the best pieces of advice he’s received: Happiness won’t come from reaching a destination you think you’ll love, but from learning to love the journey you’re on. “I feel unbelievably lucky to have gone through this with all of you,” he said. “There hasn’t been a day these past five years where I haven’t been amazed by how brilliant, motivated, resilient and genuinely kind you all are.”
Several faculty members were recognized with awards:
Kaiser-Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award for the Lerner College Program: This once-in-a-lifetime honor recognizes faculty members' exceptional contributions to student learning and professional development:
Outstanding Faculty Contribution Award: This award is presented by each graduating class to the faculty member who most embodies the ideals of CCLCM and demonstrates the highest level of commitment to students:
Outstanding Administrative Contribution Award: This award is presented by each graduating class to the non-faculty member who most embodies the ideals of CCLCM and demonstrates the highest level of commitment to students:
Excellence in Research Award: Established in 2010, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to student learning and professional development in research:
Elaine F. Dannefer, PhD Award: 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)
Bioethics (MA)
Biomedical Engineering (MS)
Genetics (PhD)
Nutrition (MS)
Public Health (MPH)
Systems Biology & Bioinformatics (MS)
Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Wellness and Preventive Care Pathway Program
On behalf of the entire Lerner College of Medicine, we congratulate the Class of 2026. During the past five years, you have met the standards of an institution that demands nothing less than excellence. Now a new opportunity begins, one of lifelong learning and the pursuit of mastery. May your life and work always reflect the highest standards of Cleveland Clinic and the medical profession.
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Photo credit: Don Gerda
