Commencement 42nd
Saturday, the Sixteenth of May
Two Thousand Twenty Six Nine o’clock in the Morning
Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College
Program
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO, Morehouse School of Medicine
Presiding
Prelude
Call to Order
*Processional
Invocation
National Anthem
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
Fred Bock
Rita Finley, PhD
Grand Marshal
Associate Dean, Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Medical Education
“War March of the Priests”
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Marvin L. Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
Chaplain
Professor of Medicine
Senior Pastor
First Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
Performed by Morehouse College Glee Club
Words by Francis Scott Key
The Occasion
Greetings
Class Remarks
Musical Selection
Introduction of the Speaker
Commencement Address
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Performed by Morehouse College Glee Club
Words by James Weldon Johnson
Music by John Rosamond Johnson
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Morehouse School of Medicine
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer, Tishman Speyer
Jeromey Beaman
SGA President
MD Class of 2026
“Just and Right Is God”
Performed by Morehouse College Glee Club
Arranged by Donald Morrow
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Congressman Rich McCormick, MD, MBA
U.S. Representative, Georgia’s 7th Congressional District
Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2010
* The audience is requested to remain seated during the processional and recessional so all may see the graduates. The audience is requested not to come forward to take pictures during the ceremony. The school’s photographer will take individual photos of graduates.
+ You may enter the amphitheater at this time.
Conferring of Degrees
Master of Public Health
International Declaration of Health Rights
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Doctor of Health Administration
Healthcare Administrators Pledge
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Education
Assistant Director, Master of Public Health Program
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Alicia A. Chatman, DHA, MBA, MHA
Program Director, Doctor of Health Administration Program
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Physician Assistant Professional Oath
Master of Science in Biomedical Research
Master of Science in Clinical Research
Master of Science in Medical Sciences
Master of Science in Neuroscience
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
A Scientist’s Pledge
Sheila Young-Mercado, MD
Director, Student Success Graduate Education in Physician Assistant Studies
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Science
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Doctor of Medicine
Oath of Hippocrates
Alumni Induction
Charge to the Class
The Morehouse School of Medicine Hymn
Benediction
*Recessional
Postlude
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Martha L. Elks, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE
Senior Associate Dean, Educational Affairs
Professor of Medical Education
Professor of Medicine
Bonzo Reddick, MD ‘02, MPH, FAAFP
President, Morehouse School of Medicine
National Alumni Association
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Morehouse School of Medicine
“SOAR”
Morehouse College Glee Club
Words and Music by Jerry E. Peters
Marvin L. Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
“Pomp and Circumstance, No. 1”
Composed by Sir Edward Elgar
“Jesus Shall Reign”
Words and Music by Keith Gentry
Performed by David E. Oliver, DMA
Marshals
Aaron Alford, MD, FACS
Morris Benveniste, PhD
Alicia Best, PhD, MPH, CHES
Christye Brown, PhD, MPH
Christine Castater, MD, FACS
Eboni Dotson, PhD, MBA, MPA
Christopher Ervin, MD
Organist
David E. Oliver, DMA
Morehouse College
Jaleesa Garth, PhD
Gemechu Gerbi, PhD, MSc
Janice Herbert-Carter, MD, MGA, FACP
John Patrickson, PhD
Quentin Smith, MD, DLFAPA
Kimberly Redding, MD, MPH, FCAP, FASCP
Angela Wimes, EdD, MA
Overview
Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1975 as the Medical Education Program at Morehouse College. In 1981, Morehouse School of Medicine became an independently chartered institution. Morehouse School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians and was recently recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its social mission. Morehouse School of Medicine faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research and public policy. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Council on Education for Public Health, Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mission
We exist to:
• Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities;
• Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce;
• Address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service;
With emphasis on people of color and those systemically excluded in urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation and the world.
Vision
Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.
Commencement Speaker
Congressman Rich McCormick, MD, MBA
U.S. Representative, Georgia’s 7th Congressional District
Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2010
Dr. Rich McCormick is a decorated veteran and emergency room physician serving Georgia’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has spent the majority of his life in service to his country as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot deployed to combat zones in Africa, the Persian Gulf, and in the Navy as the head of Emergency Medicine in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Between deployments, he earned an MBA from National University, served as a Marine Officer Instructor at Georgia Tech and Morehouse College and earned an MD from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2010, where he served as student body president.
He completed residency at Emory and practiced at Northside Hospital after retiring at the rank of Commander. In Congress, he serves on the Armed Services, Oversight and Government Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology Committees. He is the proud father of three sons.
The selection of an elected official to serve as Morehouse School of Medicine’s (MSM) commencement speaker is not an endorsement of that individual’s political views, policy positions, or party affiliation. MSM is a non-partisan institution, and our mission to advance health equity is unwavering.
Class of 2026
Master of Public Health
Victor Aaron Bowden, MD
Research Title: Flexitarian Dietary Patterns and Obesity Risk in Adults in the United States
Quantez D. Brooks
Research Title: A Sustainability Based Comparison of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium: A Geographic Information System (GIS) Study of Transportation
Victoria Elizabeth Brown
Research Title: Determinants of Cognitive Decline Among Adults Aged 18 and Older in the United States
Johnathan Carey
Research Title: “It’s for the Culture”: A Strategic Framework for Developing Culturally Centered, Outcomes-Driven Health and Fitness Programming in Black Civic and Social Organizations
Jenae Alexis Farrington
Research Title: Bridging Minds to Care: Improving Adolescent Mental Health Access Through School-Based Intervention
Kirsten Suzana Francis
Research Title: The BALANCE Initiative: Supporting Mental Health in Collegiate Athletics
Natajha Kendra Graham
Research Title: Characteristics of Women Who Self-Reported a Lack of HPV Vaccination Ages 15 to 49 in the United States Between 2022 and 2023
Pilar Maria Jackson
Research Title: Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Urban Low-Income Communities: The Role of Social and Structural Determinants
Nicollette Nicole Lewis, MD
Research Title: Educational Attainment and Pregnancy-Related Deaths Among Non-Hispanic Black Women Aged 45 to 64 in the United States
Bianca Kelly McAlister
Research Title: Disparities in Breast and Cervical Cancer Outcomes
Alexis Rene McCowin
Research Title: Using GIS to Identify Public Health Need: An Exploratory Analysis in the Atlanta Metro Area
Jennifer Ashley Moore
Research Title: Mindful Minds: A Depression and Anxiety Health Communications Campaign for Black High School Girls in Metro Atlanta, Georgia
Barisien E. Mtuanwi
Research Title: Examining How Demographics and Chronic Diseases Influence Self-Reported Activity Limitation Among U.S. Adults
Bailey Kennedy Norman
Research Title: Improving Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Pediatric Residency Training
James Donté Prayer
Research Title: Strike a Pose, Save a Life: Leveraging Fashion, Culture, and Community to Advance HIV Awareness Among Black Same-Gender-Loving Males
Jimmie Javonté Price
Research Title: Assessing Urban Flooding in Leila Valley Using GIS
Kayla Seals
Research Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of MD Pipeline Programs: A Literature Review to Inform Benchmarking of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Pipeline Programs
Shaylyn Sullivan
Research Title: Sociodemographic and Health-Related Associations with Self-Reported Depression History in U.S. Women
Taylor R. Ware
Research Title: Characteristics Associated with Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in the United States Aged 18 Years and Older
Jaisha Iman White
Research Title: Federal Student Loan Caps and the Maternal Health Workforce: Structural Barriers to Addressing Maternity Care Deserts
Hakeem Jamal White
Research Title: Examining PrEP Uptake and Adherence in Key Populations: A Multilevel Approach
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Angel Champion
Samara Lynell Frazier
Melika King
Avion Kimberlee Levermore
Sadelle Danasia Smith
Candace Yvette Turner
Ineil Darnett Viruet
Doctor of Health Administration
Edmund L. Allen, Sr.
White Paper Title: Answering the Urgent Call for Reforming: Prior Authorization
Michaëlle Aristide
White Paper Title: Where the State Cannot Reach: A Community Model for Hypertension Prevention and Reduction in Haiti
Jennifer Michelle Carter
White Paper Title: Improving Maternal Health Outcomes: Postpartum Care Redesign for Minority Women
Shanique Shante’ Clark
White Paper Title: Barriers to Care: Structural Determinants Limiting Healthcare Access in Homeless Communities
Javette Collins
White Paper Title: Smart Health Pod Systems: Equitable Preventive Care Access
Robert Brian M. Edwards
White Paper Title: Operationalizing Equity in Accountable Care: An Equity-Centered Lean Six Sigma Framework for ACO Performance Improvement
Natasha Janelle Greene
White Paper Title: Remodeling A Solution: Multidisciplinary Care Model for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Alle Victoria Hayes
White Paper Title: Cultural Competence in Healthcare: Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Minority Populations
April Kennelle Johnson-Suggs
White Paper Title: Equitable Senior Living for Baby Boomers: Analysis of Solutions
Rekiat E. Olabiyi
White Paper Title: Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage: Effects on Patient Access, Provider Financial Performance, and Health Equity
Shalana Parker Page
White Paper Title: Implementing a Patient Education Team: Transforming Patient Education into a Therapeutic, Measurable Intervention
Mereya Quintana
White Paper Title: Bridging the Gap: Technology-Based Mental Health Treatment and Recidivism Among Violent Offenders
Natalie Sanchez
White Paper Title: Strengthening Equity-Centered Referral Coordination to Support Chronic Disease Management in Safety-Net Healthcare Settings: A Composite Conceptual Case Study
Justin Bancroft Searcy
White Paper Title: Community in Care: Community-Based HIV Prevention and Care Engagement Among African Americans in the Deep South
Angela Sharma
White Paper Title: When Children Can’t Speak: Designing Pediatric Care Families Can Trust
Steven Courtney Thomas, Jr.
White Paper Title: Advancing Health Equity: Addressing Social Drivers of Health in African Americans
Peter L. Tran
White Paper Title: Bridging Language Barriers: A Hybrid Model for Equitable Primary Care in Georgia
Ronald Joe Turner II
White Paper Title: Mental Health First Aid and its Impact on Rural Mississippi Communities
Brandon Anthony Williams-Walker, Sr.
White Paper Title: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Now: Culture and Engagement in Medical Education Recruitment
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Alexis Blount
Deja Imani Booker
Master of Science in Biomedical Research
Damani Christion Andre
Thesis Title: Predictive Modeling of Mutation Dynamics in Antimicrobial Resistant Genes Using Temporal Genomic Data Research Advisor: Kenneth Onyedibe, PhD
Timothy Ray Brantley, Jr.
Thesis Title: Ancestry-Specific APOB and LDLR Variants in Hypercholesterolemia and Heart Disease Risk Research Advisor: K. Sean Kimbro, PhD
Ariana Lashae Colson
Thesis Title: The Role of Fumaric Acid on Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity Research Advisor: Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Keturah J. Eaves
Thesis Title: PBDE-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Through Nrf2 Signaling in Trophoblast Cells
Research Advisors: Erica Johnson, PhD; Carmen Dickerson-Copeland, PhD
Sydni Kimble
Thesis Title: Integrative Variant Annotation and Functional Prediction of DNA Repair Genes in the African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer Cohort Research Advisor: Cheryl Cropp, PhD
Tia A’Miracle La’Shaye Sadler
Thesis Title: Integrating Area Deprivation Index with Mutational Signatures and Circulating Biomarkers of Inflammation to Explore Breast Cancer Disparities Research Advisor: Melissa Davis, PhD
Danielle Annette Wright
Thesis Title: The Role of the Estrus Cycle in Chlamydia Pathogenesis Research Advisor: Yusuf Omosun, PhD
Master of Science in Clinical Research
Isabel Berhanu
Research Project Title: PharmForward: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Pharmacogenomics Service in Clinical Care
Research Advisor: Cheryl Cropp, PhD
Shaila Elyce Day, D.O.
Research Project Title: Towards an Antiracist Continuing Medical Education Curriculum for Primary Care Physicians
Research Advisor: Robina Josiah Willock, PhD
Master of Science in Medical Sciences
Sydnae Becton
Destini Lashawn Carmichael
L’oren Nicol Carter
Summer Soleil Elizabeth Clemons
Nasya Zuri Cooper
Keeren Daya
Maya Annise Ginyard
Nicholas Greene
Nevaeh Leigh Patillo Herndon
Keneisha John
Amiyah Kelly
Lauren Michelle Kelly
Brandon Marshall
Damari Joshua Massey
Sharon Mbugua
Olina Mohamed
Alexandra Norwood
Chelsey Onwuzuruike
Emilia Poma
Fadila Sassil
Amari Tiller
Laini Ibinka Lewars Tuboku-Metzger
Yovanni Andres Vera Pimentel
Temple R. White
Jasmin Elizabeth Woodruff
Master of Science in Neuroscience
Holland Hubert
Thesis Title: The Role of Iron on Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Neurotoxicity
Research Advisor: Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Mikaili Zoe Senwah
Thesis Title: The Role of Bmal1 in Regulating Mitochondrial Calcium Levels in 661W Photoreceptor-like Cells
Research Advisor: Kenkichi Baba, PhD
MacKenzie J. White
Thesis Title: A Role for the Endocannabinoid System in Regulating Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Research Advisor: J. Chris Ehlen, PhD
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
Aliyah Divine Anderson
Dissertation Title: Differential Influence of Age and Sex on Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability, Inflammatory Mediators and Mortality following Traumatic Brain Injury
Research Advisor: Binu Tharakan, PhD
Eva-Jeneé Angelic Sebastian
Dissertation Title: Adaptive Reorganization of Local Sleep and Prelimbic Cortical Circuits Facilitates Behavioral Resilience to Social Defeat Stress
Research Advisor: J. Chris Ehlen, PhD
Kiam Lamont Preston, Jr.
Dissertation Title: ATF4 and BACH1 Modulate the Transcription Regulatory Function of Maf-Family bZIP Protein NRL in the Mammalian Retina
Research Advisors: Gianluca Tosini, PhD; Anand Swaroop, PhD
O’lisa Yaa Waithe
Dissertation Title: Mechanisms of Endothelial Cell Barrier Dysfunction in Simulated and Actual Microgravity
Research Advisor: Binu Tharakan, PhD
Doctor
of Medicine
Amiolaoluwa Abraham
Pediatrics
UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX
Montaser Ahmad Ahmad
Internal Medicine
UCSF Fresno Fresno, CA
Hannah Oghenefego Akpobiyeri
Psychiatry
St. Francis Emory Healthcare Columbus, GA
Keyera G. Ashe
Internal Medicine
Cook County Health Chicago, IL
Victoria Gibson Asuquo
Family Medicine
Cheyenne Regional University of Wyoming Cheyenne, WY
Justin Deion Baker
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Khaleel Bashir
Medicine Preliminary
Huntington Hospital Pasadena, CA
Jazmine Amelia Baylor
Family Medicine
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge, LA
Jeromey Chaderias Beaman
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Emily Elaine Bryant
Pediatrics Medical Genetics
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Phoenix, AZ
Dasia De’Shae Byas
Psychiatry
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Alexia Charlot
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Michara Chataigne
Family Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Angia Chen
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Emory University Atlanta, GA
Mari Mekhi Chiles
Medicine Pediatrics
UNC Hospitals
Chapel Hill, NC
Joshua Sam Christopher
Pediatrics
Brown University Rhode Island Hospital Providence, RI
Lyndsey J. Clark
Medicine Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Shaquenciana Deshaydra Clark
Family Medicine
WellStar Health System Marietta, GA
Eleanor Clarke
Family Medicine
Memorial Health Savannah, GA
Naomi Rene’ Coles-Strickland
Internal Medicine
Emory University Atlanta, GA
Aron Collier
Surgery Preliminary
University of Florida Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
Nina Simone Collier
Radiology Diagnostic
Baptist Health Birmingham, AL
Ethan Muir Collins
Psychiatry
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Camille Joy Molano David
To Be Announced
Adrian Darnell Day
Emergency Medicine
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD
Dieynabou Diallo
Surgery General
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Xiomara Diaz
Psychiatry Family Medicine
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Zion Alexandria Eberhart
Transitional Year
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Dermatology
University of Wisconsin Madison, WI
Alyssa Jade Edgar
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Dominic Christopher Enyart
Pediatrics
Memorial Health
Savannah, GA
Anaqa Fathima Faizer
Internal Medicine
MedStar Georgetown Washington, DC
Kusona Mumia Fortingo
Medicine Preliminary
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
Austin Travis Fretwell
Medicine Pediatrics
Prisma Health
Greenville, SC
Jarius Alexander Garner
Neurological Surgery
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL
Jessica C. Goodwin
Otolaryngology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Zada Denise Granberry
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Chelsea Ariana Green
Family Medicine
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
John Hammond
Family Medicine
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
Loren Shanta Hardeman
Psychiatry
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
Paige Alexandria Harper
Surgery General
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Nyah Hawkins Harrison
Surgery General
LSU
New Orleans, LA
Sean Austin Hector
Psychiatry
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
Aasha Cecily Henderson
Family Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Kiara Aliyah Huff
Anesthesiology
Rutgers RWJMS
New Brunswick, NJ
Deborah Chiamaka Ijebuonwu
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Anesthesiology
Mayo Clinic
Phoenix, AZ
Justin Ikenna Ikara
To Be Announced
Melissa Issa Boube
Surgery Preliminary
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Mikaela Angél Jarrell
Emergency Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Gakeria Keyon Kirton
Pediatrics
Childrens National Medical Center
Washington, DC
Kyelin Knowles
Transitional Year
Piedmont Athens Regional
Athens, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
Samuel Kouamen Kouatcheu
Family Medicine
Phoebe Putney Health System
Albany, GA
Anchal Kumar
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Alex Trenton Ladd
To Be Announced
Tamiah Beatrice Lewis
Psychiatry Family Medicine
University of Illinois
Chicago, IL
Lanxi Liu
Internal Medicine
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Alexander Jakub Martinek
Psychiatry
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Anahit Mehranian
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Tianna Dion Milligan
Emergency Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Jada Moore Urology
Southern Illinois University
Springfield, IL
Ayanna Muhammad
Pediatrics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Samiyyah Ayesha Muhammad Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Tyra Destiny Mussington
Pediatrics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Sarah Nicole Neault
Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Sam Madison Nelson
Pediatrics
UC Davis
Sacramento, CA
Garvic Kristopher Nelson
Psychiatry
Dell Medical School
Austin, TX
Hannah Le Nguyen Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Zhuri Ahmad Nisseau Bey
Surgery Preliminary
Nellis AFB UNLV
Las Vegas, NV
Nicole Njeru Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Jalen Khalid Norris
Vascular Surgery
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Edward Ikenna Ogbu
Family Medicine
Memorial Health
Savannah, GA
Janya Oglesby
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Chidinma Oguejiofor Internal Medicine
Medical City Healthcare
Dallas, TX
Onyinye Anthony Okonma Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Adaugo Chinenyenwa Okpareke
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Howard University
Washington, DC
Marcos Ortiz
Medicine Psychiatry
ECU Health
Greenville, NC
Lionel Kouankap Ouonkap
Surgery Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Brandon Andrew Parkinson
Family Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Tsvetomira Zhivkova Peykova
Pediatrics Preliminary
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
Alyssa Presley
Anesthesiology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Christina Presmy Psychiatry
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
Ayesha Quadri
Neurology
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Sydney Alexandra Ragland
Emergency Medicine
LSU
New Orleans, LA
Rachel Maria Reid
Family Medicine
Lexington Medical Center
West Columbia, SC
Edward Robinson
Neurological Surgery
University of Tennessee Memphis, TN
Kyra Ashley Robinson
Surgery Preliminary
Howard University
Washington, DC
Celena Marie Russell
Vascular Surgery
University of Miami Jackson
Miami, FL
Lauren Charis Ryan
Medicine Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Berlandson Saint Julien
Internal Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Simone L. Salter
To Be Announced
Jeremey Nehemiah Isaiah Shropshire
Internal Medicine
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
Mikalah Unique Thomas
Family Medicine
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Josiah Matthew Thulé
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Kyra Tito
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
AdventHealth
Orlando, FL
Kamryn Janeé Toney
Child Neurology
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Alexander Uche
Transitional Year
Cape Fear Vally Health
Fayetteville, NC
Julia Valeria Vasquez Gonzalez
Surgery General
University of Miami Miami, FL
Byron Anthony Joseph Ward, Jr.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Rush University
Chicago, IL
Dominique Tiara White
Family Medicine
Spartanburg Medical Center
Spartanburg, SC
Devan Tenner Williams
Internal Medicine
University of Chicago Chicago, IL
Zoe Dominica Wilson
Neurology
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Prishae Myshia Wilson
Otolaryngology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
JaNia Stefani Yates
Transitional Year
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Simon Young Transitional Year
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
Jonassie Leila Zamor
Family Medicine
Phoebe Putney Health System
Albany, GA
International Declaration of Health Rights
HEALTH REQUIRES PEACEFUL AND EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENTAND COLLABORATION OF ALL PEOPLE
The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. It is not a privilege for those with power, money or social standing.
Health is more than the absence of disease, but includes prevention of illness, development of individual potential, a positive sense of physical, mental and social well-being.
Health care should be based on dialogue and collaboration between citizens, professions, communities and policy makers. Health service should be affordable, accessible, effective, efficient and convenient.
Health begins with healthy development of the child and a positive family environment.
Health must be sustained by the active role of men and women in health and development. The role of women and their welfare must be recognized and addressed.
Health care for the elderly should preserve dignity, respect and concern for a sustainable environment with balanced human populations growth and preservation of cultural diversity.
Health depends on availability to people of basic elements: Food, safe water, housing, education, productive employment, protection from pollution and prevention of social alienation.
Health depends on protection from exploitation without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
OATH: WE as people concerned about health improvement in the world do hereby commit ourselves to advocacy and action to promote the health rights of all human beings.
Healthcare Administrators Pledge
As a Healthcare Administrator, I will serve the greater good by bringing people and healthcare resources together to create value that no single individual can create alone. Therefore, I will seek a course that enhances the value my enterprise can create for society over the long term. I recognize my decisions can have far-reaching consequences that affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my enterprise, today and in the future. As I reconcile the interests of different constituencies, I will face choices that are not easy for me and others.
Therefore, I promise:
I will act with the utmost integrity and pursue my work in an ethical manner.
I will safeguard the interests of my shareholders, co-workers, customers and the society in which we operate.
I will seek to include the voices and needs of the underserved or disenfranchised people of the communities I serve to support the creation and advancement of health equity.
I will manage my enterprise in good faith, guarding against decisions and behavior that advance my own narrow ambitions but harm the enterprise and the societies it serves.
I will understand and uphold, both in letter and in spirit, the laws and contracts governing my own conduct and that of my enterprise.
I will take responsibility for my actions, and I will represent the performance and risks of my enterprise accurately and honestly.
I will develop both myself and other managers under my supervision so that the profession continues to grow and contribute to the well-being of society.
I will strive to create sustainable economic, social and environmental prosperity for the enterprise I lead and the communities I serve.
I will be accountable to my peers, shareholders, co-workers and patients for living by this pledge.
This pledge I make freely, and upon my honor.
Physician Assistant Professional Oath
I PLEDGE TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES WITH HONESTY AND DEDICATION:
I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice.
I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
A Scientist’s Pledge
I accept this opportunity to follow the difficult and rewarding path of biomedical science and clinical research.
I will endeavor to honor all those who have contributed to this opportunity by always working to the utmost of my abilities and by increasing those abilities when possible.
I will strive to advance fundamental knowledge about all living things.
I pledge to use my energy, intellect and education to enhance the lives of all mankind, understanding that often the greatest strides are made through efforts to assist the dispossessed and underprivileged in our world.
I will carefully consider and remain mindful of the ethical implications of my work.
I will never use my gifts and skills to intentionally harm any individual, or group.
In planning and carrying out my work, I will treat this planet and all its life forms with honor and respect.
I will honor and respect the efforts of my teachers, taking great care always to give credit where credit is due and always humbly understanding that all that I see, I see by standing on the shoulders of the many scientists who have gone before me.
I will also honor and respect my students and all who rely on that which have learned, striving to truthfully and openly disclose all my methods, findings and conclusions.
So long as I adhere to this pledge, may I have continued success in the field of biomedical science and clinical research.
Oath of Hippocrates
THE OATH OF HIPPOCRATES WAS DEMANDED OF THE YOUNG PHYSICIAN OF ANCIENT GREECE AS HE WAS ABOUT TO ENTER HIS PROFESSION. THE FOLLOWING IS A MODERN VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL.
I solemnly swear that as a graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep the following oath:
I will consider dear to me those who have taught me this art and will teach the art to all those who qualify as students;
I will follow that method of treatment which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous;
I will preserve the purity of my life and my art. In every house where I come, I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself from all intentional ill doing and seduction;
All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal;
If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all people and in all times; but if I trespass and violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot.
Board of Trustees
Arthur R. Collins
Managing Partner, theGROUP Chairman of the Board
Susan Grant
Retired, Former Executive Vice President of CNN News Services
Vice Chairman of the Board
Camille Davis-Williams, MD, FACOG
Greater Atlanta Women’s Healthcare
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer, Tishman Speyer
Sandy Gordon
Vice President of Employee Experience and Relations for Global Operations, Amazon
Lawrence V. Jackson
Chairman, SourceMark LLC
Jeromey Beaman
Morehouse School of Medicine
Student Government Association President (Student Representative)
Lisa LeCointe-Cephas, Esq.
Chief Compliance Officer
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, LLP
Douglas Love
Esq President and CEO, Annexon Biosciences
Sylvester McRae, MD, FACOG Assistant Professor, Director of St. Francis OBGYN Physician Partners
Woodrow W. McWilliams III, MD
John B. Amos Cancer Center, Radiology and Oncology
Glenn W. Mitchell, III Managing Partner, Ernest & Young LLP
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO, Morehouse School of Medicine
Marvin O’Quinn, BSc, MBA, PhD Retired Retired, President/Chief Operations Officer CommonSpirit Health
Kimberly Evans Paige
C-Suite Executive, Investor and Board Director
Claire Pomeroy, MD, MBA President, Albert, and Mary Lasker Foundation
Bonzo Reddick, MD, MPH
District Health Director for the Coastal Health District
Ex-Officio Trustee representing the Morehouse School of Medicine
Alumni Association
Rita Finley, PhD
Associate Dean, Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Medical Education
Neeraj Tolmare
Global Chief Information Officer the Coca-Cola Company
John Whyte, MD, MPH
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, American Medical Association
Platform Party
President’s Party
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO —Presiding Officer Morehouse School of Medicine
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Congressman Rich McCormick, MD, MBA
U.S. Representative, Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2010
Marvin Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
Professor, Internal Medicine
Senior Pastor, First Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer, Tishman Speyer
Lisa LeCointe-Cephas, Esq.
Chief Compliance Officer Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, LLP
Bonzo Reddick, MD, MPH
District Health Director for the Coastal Health District
Ex-Officio Trustee representing the Morehouse School of Medicine Alumni Association
Grand Marshal
Rita Finley, PhD
Associate Dean, Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Medical Education
Academic Decanal/ Other Senior Leadership
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Renee McLeod-Sordjan, DNP, PhD, FAAN Dean of Graduate Nursing Education
Gloria Richard-Davis, MD, MBA, NCMP, FACOG
Regional Dean, Seattle & Puget Sound Virginia Mason Franciscan Health More in Common Alliance (MiCA)
Mukta Panda, MD, MACP, FRCP
Regional Dean, Chattanooga Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Errol Crook, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Chief Medical Officer Morehouse Healthcare
Kevin S. Smith, MD, FACOG
Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Martha Elks, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE
Senior Associate Dean, Educational Affairs Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education Professor of Medicine
Norberto Fas MD MBA FACP CPE
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs- VA Professor of Medicine
Franklyn Geary, Jr., MD, FACOG
Associate Dean for Admissions Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rick Kittles, PhD
Senior Vice President for Research Professor of Community Health and Preventive Medicine
James Lillard, PhD, MBA
Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Commercialization
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean of Student Affairs Professor of Medicine
Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Priscilla E. Pemu, MBBS, MSCR, FACP
Associate Dean, Clinical Research Director, Clinical Research Center Medicine
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Science
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Chinedu Ivonye, MD
Angela Richard-Eaglin, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Gianluca Tosini, PhD
Chief Scientific Research Officer
Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Roland Matthews, MD
Professor and Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Folashade Omole, MD Professor and Sarah and William Hambrecht Chair, Family Medicine
Lynn Gardner, MD, FAAP
Chair and Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Winston Thompson, PhD
Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, Mentoring Academy
Professor and Chair, Physiology
Janice Herbert-Carter, MD, MGA
Chair and Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Jonathan K. Stiles, PhD
Chair and Professor, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology
Commencement Committee Members
Cinnamon D. Bradley, MD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Ngozi Anachebe
Shante Anderson
Elaine Archie-Booker
DeMario Baker
Mieshia Baker
Dean Ballas
Jamille Bradfield
Jeromey Beaman
Dorothy Bouldrick
Quantez Brooks
LaShunda Campbell
Aise Cannon
Felicia Carson
Joseph Chevalier
Naomi Coles-Strickland
Tony Collier
Shondria Covington
Pangela Dawson
Danita Eatman-Daniels
Dieynabou Diallo
Zipporah Dorsey
Dayna Edmonds
Martha Elks
Rita Finley
Jarius Garner
Hanna Ghirmay
Stephanie Gonzalez
Janice Herbert-Carter
Allen Hightower
Brenna Johnson
Regena Johnson
Teiko Johnson
David Jones
Shawntel Jordon
Demetrios Lambros
Robert Landers
Amanda Magdalenski
Michael Martin
Sharon McKay
Tambria McLaurin
Divad Miles
Stephanie Miles-Richardson
Bridget Miller
Candice Morris
Creshema Murray
Aaliyah Numa
Ayomide Olayiwola
Sheridawn Peden
Nadia Powell
Brenton Powers
Cirena Rolling
Defforest Robinson
Matt Rose
Kennie Shepherd
Chatise Smith
Kahli Smith
Marla Thompson
National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key
Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
James Weldon Johnson
Lift ev’ry voice and sing ’Til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty, Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list’ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us;
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun
Of our new day begun, Let us march on ’til victory is won.
Morehouse School of Medicine made every effort to provide a complete and accurate listing of graduates and academic honors. Please accept our sincere apologies if we have committed an error or omission.
“Soar”
Jerry E. Peters
Solemnly, we are poised to pursue
Our journey to that privileged place
Humbly, we will answer to our call
As we walk through these hallowed halls of hope
For with our hearts, willed to serve by commitment
And with our minds built to solve mysteries
Though we seem bound for one endless destination
Yet we will boldly spread our wings as we soar to the highest place of dreams
Proudly, we will stand forever tall
As we face the giants of life
Then watch them fall
Bravely, we will fight to endure
As we seek some earthly cure
For all mankind
For as we stand on the shoulders of others
Whom all have graced this noble place from ages past
We know with God on our side
We can broadly take our strides
As we soar to the highest place of dreams
As we soar to the highest place of dreams
As we soar to the highest place of dreams
Soar Morehouse, Soar