HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine awarded 83 doctoral degrees and recognized 29 Master of Medical Science graduates at ceremonies Friday, May 8.  

At its 46th annual doctoral graduation and investiture, held at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, conferred 83 Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees, three Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in biomedical research and one combined M.D./Ph.D. degree. 

Members of the M.D. Class of 2026 matched to residency training programs at institutions including the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and George Washington University. Thirty-six graduates will remain in West Virginia to complete their residency training. 

Physician, ethicist and national leader in bioethics Lainie Ross, M.D., Ph.D., delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2026. Ali Oliashirazi, M.D., professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, was recognized as the school’s honorary alumnus. Class President Alec M. Phelps, M.D., delivered remarks to his class, and Joshua H. Eastman, M.D., was selected by classmates to lead the recitation of the Oath of Hippocrates. 

The Marshall University Physician Assistant (PA) Program celebrated its fourth graduating class Friday morning at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Stephen Wilson, M.D., professor of surgery and medical director of the PA program, and Benjamin Spurlock, M.S., PA-C, program director, recognized and hooded 29 graduates. Class President David Steele; David Gozal; McKenzie Lambiotte, PA-C, a graduate of the PA Class of 2024; and Carl Mummert, Ph.D., delivered remarks. Pi Alpha Honor Society inductees were also recognized. 

With their Master of Medical Science degrees, physician assistants are prepared to evaluate, diagnose and manage patients in primary and specialty care across all stages of life and in culturally diverse and rural settings. Marshall’s 28-month PA program, established in 2018, was created in response to growing demand for physician assistants nationwide. Degrees for PA graduates will be conferred May 9 during Marshall University’s commencement ceremony. 

MEDIA ASSETS

Livestream videos available at www.facebook.com/MUSOMWV and www.marshall.edu/livestream.  

Photos available at https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/Physician-Assistant-Hooding-Ceremony-2026 and https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/SOM-Graduation-Investiture. 

Date Posted: Friday, May 8, 2026