MEDIA ADVISORY

 CONTACT: Doug Carlson, FSU College of Medicine
doug.carlson@med.fsu.edu

 May 14, 2020

 FSU COLLEGE OF MEDICINE TO HOLD VIRTUAL GRADUATION EVENT

The Florida State University College of Medicine will graduate its 16th class of medical students during a virtual commencement ceremony Saturday. Scott Rivkees, Florida’s Surgeon General, is the commencement speaker. His message was recently recorded, as were other remarks from participants including FSU President John Thrasher and College of Medicine Dean John P. Fogarty.

During the ceremony, which is planned to include interactive participation through social media, the college will graduate 115 new physicians. In addition, it will graduate its 11th class of students with the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Bridge to Clinical Medicine. By completing the program, the 11 Bridge students have qualified to begin medical school at Florida State on May 25 as members of the incoming Class of 2024.

 “While I know that not being together at graduation is a disappointment to each of our graduates, as well as to our faculty and staff, knowing how far these students have come reinforces our pride in seeing them reach their goal of becoming a physician,” Fogarty said. “The Class of 2020 has had its share of challenges – Zika, Ebola, hurricanes Irma and Michael, and now COVID-19. None of these kept them from their goal – and they are now prepared to go out into residency programs at a time when their presence is needed more than ever.”

 The commencement ceremony will take place:
 

SATURDAY, MAY 16
 
10 A.M.
 
MED.FSU.EDU (link on home page will go live at 9:30 A.M.)
 

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