On June 10, 2023, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine (SOM) celebrated its 153rd commencement ceremony, conferring 785 degrees to the Class of 2023.
A Diverse and Accomplished Class
The graduating class was a diverse and accomplished group, representing 107 undergraduate institutions and 23 states. The class included 49% women, 49% men, and 2% non-binary individuals. Additionally, 13% of the class identified as underrepresented minorities.
A Commitment to Excellence
UCSF SOM is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCSF SOM #2 in the nation for research and #3 for primary care.
The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in its graduates, who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of medicine. UCSF SOM alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in healthcare.
The Commencement Ceremony
The commencement ceremony was held at Chase Center in San Francisco. The ceremony featured speeches from UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MD; UCSF SOM Dean Catherine Lucey, MD; and student speaker Shreya Jani, MD.
Chancellor Hawgood’s Address
In his address, Chancellor Hawgood congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue to pursue excellence in their careers.
“You have the knowledge, the skills, and the compassion to make a difference in the world,” said Chancellor Hawgood. “I urge you to use your talents to improve the lives of others and to make our world a better place.”
Dean Lucey’s Address
In her address, Dean Lucey spoke about the importance of empathy in medicine.
“Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person,” said Dean Lucey. “It is essential for building strong relationships with patients and for providing compassionate care.”
Student Speaker Jani’s Address
In her speech, Dr. Jani reflected on the challenges and rewards of medical school.
“Medical school is a journey of growth and transformation,” said Dr. Jani. “It is a journey that has taught us the importance of perseverance, resilience, and collaboration.”
The Future of Medicine
The Class of 2023 is entering the healthcare field at a time of great change and innovation. The graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Tables
Table 1: UCSF SOM Class of 2023 by Gender
| Gender | Number of Graduates | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 388 | 49% |
| Men | 382 | 49% |
| Non-binary | 15 | 2% |
Table 2: UCSF SOM Class of 2023 by Race and Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Number of Graduates | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 398 | 51% |
| Asian | 268 | 34% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 49 | 6% |
| Black/African American | 35 | 4% |
| Native American/Alaska Native | 10 | 1% |
| Other | 25 | 3% |
Table 3: UCSF SOM Class of 2023 by Residency Match
| Specialty | Number of Graduates | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | 158 | 20% |
| Surgery | 123 | 16% |
| Pediatrics | 112 | 14% |
| Family Medicine | 87 | 11% |
| Anesthesiology | 76 | 10% |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 73 | 9% |
| Psychiatry | 64 | 8% |
| Emergency Medicine | 57 | 7% |
| Radiology | 43 | 5% |
| Other | 92 | 12% |
Table 4: UCSF SOM Class of 2023 by Career Goals
| Career Goal | Number of Graduates | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Practice | 492 | 63% |
| Research | 126 | 16% |
| Public Health | 63 | 8% |
| Education | 49 | 6% |
| Industry | 38 | 5% |
| Other | 17 | 2% |
Effective Strategies
Strategies for Success in Medical School
- Study regularly and effectively.
- Get involved in research and clinical experiences.
- Build relationships with faculty and mentors.
- Seek support from classmates and friends.
- Take care of your physical and mental health.
Strategies for Success as a Physician
- Develop strong communication skills.
- Be an advocate for your patients.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
- Pursue continuing medical education.
Tips and Tricks
Tips for Applying to Medical School
- Start your application early.
- Get strong letters of recommendation.
- Write a compelling personal statement.
- Prepare for the MCAT.
- Interview well.
Tips for Success as a Medical Student
- Set realistic goals.
- Study in a group.
- Use active learning techniques.
- Get feedback from faculty and peers.
- Take breaks and relax.
Tips for Success as a Physician
- Communicate effectively with patients and families.
- Stay organized and efficient.
- Delegate tasks to staff.
- Take time for self-care.
- Pursue your interests outside of medicine.
The Future of Healthcare
The future of healthcare is bright. The Class of 20