Ohio State medical student convocation celebrates Class of 2026

On May 7, the next generation of physicians crossed the threshold from student to doctor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s annual convocation ceremony.

During the college’s annual convocation ceremony at Mershon Auditorium, nearly 200 graduating medical students were recognized and hooded in a celebration shared with classmates, faculty mentors and loved ones who supported them along the way.

Although coursework and clinical rotations have been completed and residency placements finalized, the hooding ceremony marks an important and poignant milestone after years of hard work.

“This is the moment when, for the very first time, we get to call you ‘doctor,’” said Amy M. Moore, MD, interim dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine, as she addressed the students.

Together, the class brought a wide range of experiences to Ohio State. Carefully selected from more than 7,000 applicants, they arrived from 76 different universities, representing 54 undergraduate majors and speaking 25 languages.

Throughout their time at the College of Medicine, members of the class distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership and service. Sixteen students pursued dual degrees, including 12 MD/PhDs. Thirty-nine students were inducted into the national medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha while 23 were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognizes medical students, physicians and other leaders for compassionate care. Fifty-five learners were inducted into the Landacre Honor Society, which recognizes medical students’ academic achievements and research activities.

Additionally, Andrew Peachman was honored during a military promotion ceremony, where he was sworn in to his new rank of captain in the U.S. Army. He will go on to serve at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

Megan Conroy, MD, assistant professor of Internal Medicine, received the 2026 Professor of the Year Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has significantly impacted the training of the graduating class. Among her advice for the graduates, she urged them to always remember why they chose to become physicians, and to strive to always do their best and be at their best.

“You already know how to do your best – that is what has gotten you here,” Dr. Conroy said. “In the years ahead, when the stakes are higher, the stress is greater and the hours are longer, it is being at your best – your professionalism, your empathy and your conduct – that will define you.”

As they leave medical school, the graduates will continue their training in 27 specialties across 29 states and Washington, D.C., with 37 staying at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

As these graduates prepare to begin residency programs across the country, Dr. Moore reminded them that wherever they go, they remain a part of the Ohio State community.

“Wherever you go, wherever your next chapter is, Ohio State will always be with you,” she said. “You will always be a Buckeye, carrying that Buckeye Spirit.”

The MD graduates joined another 742 learners graduating from other College of Medicine undergraduate and graduate programs this spring, including 651 graduates from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, which is celebrating its largest-ever graduating class. Another 27 students from different disciplines also earned their PhDs this academic year while working in College of Medicine laboratories.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!