135 new doctors graduate from McMaster’s School of Medicine

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/med_convo.jpg” caption=”Canadian humanitarian medical doctors Samantha Nutt and Eric Hoskins will receive Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from McMaster Friday.”]The largest ever group of doctors will graduate from McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine on Friday, May 20.
A total of 135 MD degrees will be conferred at the 2:30 p.m. ceremony at Hamilton Place. They are among the 263 health sciences graduates which will also include: Doctor of Philosophy (nine), Master of Science (18), Bachelor of Health Sciences (62), and Midwifery (16).
Diplomas will be awarded in Child Life Studies (12), and Occupational Health and Safety (11).
The first nursing graduates of the combined Mohawk, McMaster, Conestoga Nursing program will receive their Bachelor of Sciences (Nursing) degrees at a separate ceremony on June 9.
John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences, and dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, said: “This time of year is very exciting. I'm elated to see so many young people accomplish their goals, confident that they are graduating with a good foundation for a lifetime of learning.”
Canadian humanitarian medical doctors Samantha Nutt and Eric Hoskins will receive Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. The married couple, both graduates of McMaster's medical school, have worked extensively with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in some of the world's most heavily affected war zones. Nutt is the co-founder and executive director of War Child Canada and Hoskins is its president and general manager.
“McMaster was founded on a community-oriented and people-centred philosophy and both of these doctors are wonderful role models to young Canadians,” said Kelton. “This is the second time that we've had the pleasure of recognizing alumni who have devoted themselves to humanitarian efforts.”
Alumni Richard Heinzl and James Orbinski, both involved with Medecins sans frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) received honorary degrees in 2001.
Four President's Awards for Excellence will also be given out at the convocation.
A group of 18 facilitators and staff in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program will receive an award for Excellence in Teaching (Course or Resource Design) for the infusion of inquiry, the McMaster-developed learning style, into the program. Courses featuring inquiry compliment each other to enrich the learning environment.
In addition three students from the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program will receive President's Awards for Student Leadership: Jaimini Chauhan, St. Catherine's, ON; Elaine Cheng, North York, ON; and Avita Sooknanan, Whitby, ON.