04-05-2025
406 new Upstate Medical University graduates
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Cheers and applause erupted Sunday as 406 new physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and scientists received their degrees during Upstate Medical University's commencement ceremony.
Graduates from all four of Upstate's colleges — Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing — were recognized.
The College of Graduate Studies awarded 23 degrees, including eight in biochemistry and one master's degree.
In addition, the College of Health Professions conferred 164 degrees: 53 Bachelor of Science, eight Bachelor of Professional Studies, 67 Master of Science and 36 Doctor of Physical Therapy. Programs in the college include behavior analysis, clinical perfusion, medical imaging and radiation sciences, medical technology, respiratory care, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and radiation therapy.
Among the graduates was Alaina Taylor, who completed the two-year radiation therapy program. While excited about her graduation, she's already focused on the next step.
'We have to take our boards for this program, so we all have those coming up,' Taylor said. 'Graduation is very exciting, but we also have the weight of that on our shoulders.'
After walking the stage, Taylor shared that she has accepted a position at Rochester Regional Health. As she begins her career in medicine, she reflected on the character and dedication required to succeed in health care.
'You have to have a passion for helping people,' she said. 'Everyone thinks that health care is what they want to get into — until they see what you actually have to do.'
As Taylor reflects on the dedication required to enter the health care field, the range of degrees awarded across Upstate's colleges underscores the diverse paths students take to serve in medicine.
The Norton College of Medicine awarded 172 degrees, including 156 Doctor of Medicine, 15 Master of Public Health and one public health certificate. Notably, three students earned dual M.D./M.P.H. degrees, while Akshay Patel and Adam Wegman completed both M.D. and Ph.D. programs.
The College of Nursing awarded 42 degrees and certificates: 19 Doctor of Nursing Practice, six Master of Science, 15 Bachelor of Science and two post-graduate certificates.
When asked if she had a message for her fellow graduates, Taylor kept it simple:
'Just congratulations,' she said. 'I know that everyone has worked really hard to be here. This school is not easy to get into, and it's not easy to complete.'
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