Medical Education

MD Program

Mission: We improve the health of individuals and populations through an innovative medical education program that emphasizes inclusion, humility, and personal growth.

Vision: We inspire diverse learners to become compassionate leaders in medicine and science by emphasizing collaboration, discovery and excellence.

Values: The URSMD MD program embraces the IICARE values of Integrity, Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (URSMD) is dedicated to training future humanistic physicians who are leaders in clinical medicine, research, and administration. The “Double Helix Curriculum—Translations and Transitions” integrates clinical and basic science throughout four years emphasizing the Biopsychosocial Model. Our curriculum includes instruction in the pillars of Collaborative Care, Technology in Medicine, and Professional Identity Formation. Our instruction utilizes a variety of modalities including problem based learning, small group experiences, simulation, and team based learning. Medical Humanities transcend our curriculum to facilitate education in innovative and creative ways. Outcomes assessments guide students in achieving excellence.

Numerous research opportunities, community service, elective pathways, and international opportunities assist students in achieving their long-term educational and career goals. The school is committed to setting the highest standards in medical education and serving as a national model for innovation and continuous improvement in medical student education. We welcome your exploration of our website which will allow you to appreciate the Rochester difference.

Celebrating the Class of 2023

University Commencement Ceremony

The University will celebrate all members of the Class of 2023 from all schools during the University Commencement Ceremony at 9:00am on Friday, May 12, 2023 in Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on the River Campus.

The Commencement Ceremony will mark the conferral of academic degrees for all undergraduate and graduate students.  This ceremony will include processions of students in regalia, faculty representatives, and a platform party of guests and dignitaries. Speakers will include President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, a representative of the University’s Board of Trustees, and a student representative.  Alumnus Josh Shapiro ’95, the newly inaugurated governor of Pennsylvania, will deliver the 2023 Commencement address.

While degrees will be formally conferred at the University Commencement, graduates will not cross the stage and diplomas will not be distributed this ceremony.

Online registration and weekend details are available on the Commencement Weekend website.

The live broadcast will be available on this page at 8:30 a.m. EST. The Commencement Ceremony will be captioned and translated to Spanish and Mandarin.

The School of Medicine and Dentistry (MD) Graduation Ceremony

The School of Medicine and Dentistry will hold a Graduation Ceremony specifically designed to honor our medical students on Saturday, May 13 at 12pm at the Eastman Theater in Kodak Hall and is expected to last 90 minutes.

The Graduation Ceremony will include a procession of MD graduates in regalia, faculty representatives, and a platform party of guests. This year’s keynote graduation ceremony speaker will be Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA. A 1994 graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, she is the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern Endowed Chair in Cardiology and Professor in Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), Admissions Dean for UCSF Medical School. Currently, she is the president of the American Heart Association and Director of the CeNter for the StUdy of AdveRsiTy and CardiovascUlaR DiseasE (NURTURE Center). The ceremony will also include, a medical student chosen faculty speaker, and a medical student chosen student representative.

During this ceremony students will be personally recognized as they cross the stage and receive their diploma.

Registration is not required to participate.

A Zoom broadcast link is available on the Commencement Weekend website for guests that cannot be at the Eastman Theatre in Kodak Hall.

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2023 Prizes and Awards honorees.