HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine awarded 61 doctoral degrees and recognized 23 Master of Medical Science graduates at ceremonies this week. 

At its 44th annual doctoral graduation and investiture Friday, April 26, at the Marshall Health Network Arena in Huntington, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president of health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, conferred 58 Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees, two Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in biomedical research and one combined M.D./Ph.D. degree.  

Members of the M.D. class matched to residency training programs at locations including Duke University Medical Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, University of Florida College of Medicine and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Two Marshall students matched in military residency programs and one student matched in Marshall’s new rural psychiatry residency program. Thirty-one students will remain in West Virginia to complete their residency training.

Vineet Arora, M.D., MAPP, professor and dean for medical education for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2024. Caroline B. Briggs, president of the class of 2024, delivered remarks, and Kelsey A. Matusic, M.D., was selected by her classmates to lead the recitation of the Oath of Hippocrates.  

The ceremony also included recognition of Monica A. Valentovic, Ph.D., professor of biomedical sciences, as the School of Medicine Alumni Association 2024 honorary alumna. Valentovic's contributions to the field of pharmacology and toxicology have not only shaped the landscape of scientific inquiry but have also left an enduring legacy of inspiration and discovery among the hundreds of Marshall students she has guided and mentored during the past 40 years. Through an endowed scholarship established in memory of her parents and her continuous support of Marshall Medical Outreach her generosity extends throughout the School of Medicine.

The Marshall University Physician Assistant (PA) Program celebrated its second graduating class Friday morning at the Marshall Health Network Arena. Stephen Wilson, M.D., professor of surgery and medical director of the PA program, recognized and hooded 23 graduates from the program. Grace Edmunds, president of the class of 2024, Dean Gozal, and Marshall University Assistant Provost Carl Mummert, Ph.D., delivered remarks. Members of the Pi Alpha Honor Society inductees were also recognized.   

With their Master of Medical Science degrees, PAs 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 was established in 2018 in response to increased demand for physician assistants across the nation’s health care workforce. The degrees for the PA graduates will be conferred April 27 during the Marshall University commencement ceremony.   

The event was streamed live and is available for viewing at www.facebook.com/MUSOMWV and www.marshall.edu/livestream. 

Date Posted: Friday, April 26, 2024