The Indiana University School of Medicine released the next wave of physicians, scientists and health care professionals into the world at its 2026 graduation ceremony, held Friday at the Indiana Convention Center.
"Commencement is one of the most meaningful events at Indiana University School of Medicine because it is both a remarkable accomplishment, as well as an important next step," said Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, executive vice president for university clinical affairs and dean of the IU School of Medicine. "As I conclude my tenure as dean next month, I am especially proud to celebrate this extraordinary class of graduates and the impact they will have on patients, communities and the future of medicine. Their dedication gives me tremendous confidence in the future."
Hess, one of the longest-serving medical school deans in the country, also served as keynote speaker at his final graduation ceremony.
Mychael Spencer addressed his fellow graduating MD students, while Ivana Daniels served as the PhD student speaker.
The school awarded 354 medical and 37 Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Thirteen students graduated with both degrees.
Fifty-five students graduated with a Master’s of Science degree (50 in the Biomedical Science Program and five from the Clinical Research Program). An additional 14 students graduated with a Master’s in Medical Science degree.
These student scientists were active researchers during their time at the IU School of Medicine. They contributed 156 publications and book chapters during their careers. They also received 43 fellowships and scholarships and 24 awards for scholarly achievement, outstanding research and civic engagement.
About the Indiana University School of Medicine
The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 13 in 2024 National Institutes of Health funding among all public medical schools in the country.
For more news, visit the IU School of Medicine Newsroom: medicine.iu.edu/news