Some of the world’s brightest medical students received their MD degrees on commencement day at NYU Long Island School of Medicine. The graduating class of 25 students became doctors at a ceremony at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University. They were surrounded by family members who have traveled from as far as Gambia, West Africa, to see the Class of 2023 receive their coveted degrees.

“We are so proud of this year’s graduating class and how they reflect our medical school’s mission to improve healthcare in the community. They will be pursuing their passion, while helping to alleviate the growing shortage of doctors nationwide,” said Gladys M. Ayala, MD, MPH, dean of NYU Long Island School of Medicine.

Dr. David Skorton, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), was the keynote speaker at this year’s commencement. The association estimates that the United States could see a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034, including shortfalls in both primary and specialty care.

For graduate Mustapha Touray, whose family emigrated here from Gambia, West Africa, becoming a doctor is a historic moment. Touray is the first in his family to receive an advanced degree. He will begin his residency at NYU Langone Health in internal medicine before specializing in neurology.

The day was also a family affair for Lauren Jansma, who was a nurse for several years in Colorado before enrolling at NYU Long Island School of Medicine. Jansma not only got married, but also had two children while in the accelerated program. She will be doing her residency in psychiatry, a specialty that is experiencing a growing shortage and substantial demand.

“We applaud the Class of 2023, and the dedication and compassion they will bring to the field of medicine. We look forward to seeing the amazing things they will do to provide excellence in patient care,” said Joseph J. Greco, MD, executive vice president and chief of hospital operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island.

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