Before crossing the stage to receive her diploma, Dami Omojola, ‘26 MD, reflected on how far she’s come since beginning her medical school journey four years ago. Having grown up in Nigeria and then navigating the U.S. as a young immigrant, Omojola said becoming a physician is a lifelong dream come true.
“To be standing here now, having made it through four years of Feinberg, is something I don’t take lightly. It also means witnessing firsthand how much change is possible through this profession, through research, through community work, through showing up for patients who have been historically overlooked,” said Omojola, who will go on to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Medicine is this beautiful calling that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day and graduating means I’m finally stepping fully into that.”
Feinberg honored the MD Class of 2026 during this year’s commencement ceremony held in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier on May 18.
This year’s commencement began with remarks from Eric G. Neilson, MD, vice president for Medical Affairs and Lewis Landsberg Dean, who welcomed graduating medical students, faculty, family and friends to the ceremony.
“You are entering a brave new world of managing priorities, cultural divisiveness and a society struggling to learn how to better engage with each other, a world where keeping people of all walks of life as healthy as we can becomes a collective responsibility,” Neilson said.
Henry S. Bienen, PhD, interim president and president emeritus of Northwestern University, welcomed the new graduates to the Northwestern alumni community.
“You are graduating from one of the world’s great medical schools. This milestone moment is a reflection of more than your years at Northwestern. It’s the result of a lifetime of hard work and dedication,” Bienen said.
Robert J. Lefkowitz, MD, the Duke Health Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine, delivered the commencement address, reminding students of the importance of following and responding to their true calling as they embark on their professional journeys in medicine.
“One of the wonderful things about a career in medicine is that the journey has so many possible itineraries and so many possible destinations. I would hope that none of you will ever feel confined by the choices that you have made early on,” Lefkowitz said.
Rohan Chalasani, ‘26 MD, ‘26 MBA, delivered the senior class message and reaffirmed to his classmates the importance of building and preserving trust with their patients as they become physicians.
“Today, we’re not just adding two letters to the end of our names. We’re accepting the privilege of calling ourselves physicians and stepping into a life of profound purpose. The underpinning of our profession is trust — it’s the deep, often unquestioning trust of our patients and our communities” said Chalasani, who after graduation will begin his residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Concluding the ceremony, Neilson led the new graduates in reciting the Declaration of Geneva, the modern declaration of the physician’s oath, and the same they took as first-year medical students at Founders’ Day.
Thirty-two graduating students were also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Many students also received Latin honors for their academic achievement and/or completion of a second degree while pursuing their medical degree: Twenty students received Magna Cum Laude in Scientia Experimentali, and 12 received Cum Laude in Scientia Experimentali. Seven students graduated Summa Cum Laude, eight graduated Magna Cum Laude, and eight graduated Cum Laude.
Many graduates also completed Feinberg’s dual-degree programs: 10 graduates received a master’s degree in business administration, five received a master’s degree in medical humanities and bioethics, six received a master’s degree in public health and 17 completed a PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).
“Graduating from medical school means a culmination of dreams, goals, hard work and resilience throughout the years. I am excited to be at the point of my career where I am the one responsible for the care of my patients, and that I will be a colleague alongside of all of the incredible mentors and role-models I have had over the years,” said Stephen Lander, ‘26 MD, ‘26 PhD, who will soon begin his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at University of California, Davis.
Johna Joseph, ‘26 MD, said the training and mentorship he received at Feinberg have laid the foundation for him to begin his residency Diagnostic Radiology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
“For all those who have supported me, I am endlessly grateful. I wouldn’t trade the amazing classmates I had here for anything on earth. Although he is now passed, my best friend was a pillar of support in this journey. Many blessings to all the faculty at AWOME who looked out for me and the great faculty at NMH, as well as Lurie, who guided me into my specialty and, of course, I thank my family who inspire my resilience and a special thanks to my parents who sacrificed everything to give me this chance,” Joseph said.
