Trinity School of Medicine Celebrates the Class of 2026 at the Commencement Ceremony
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On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Trinity School of Medicine celebrated the accomplishments of its newest graduates during its commencement ceremony at Atlanta's Rialto Center for the Arts. Surrounded by faculty, family members, friends, and fellow classmates, graduates gathered to mark the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication as they prepared to begin residency training and the next chapter of their medical careers.
This year's ceremony recognized 100 graduates in attendance from a class that achieved a remarkable 98% residency placement rate. Members of the Class of 2026 matched into residency programs across 28 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, representing a diverse range of specialties and healthcare settings.
View our 2026 Match Report here.
"Experiencing my first commencement as President of Trinity School of Medicine was both inspiring and deeply meaningful," said Dean Sippel, President. "As I watched our graduates cross the stage, I saw not only the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, but also the beginning of careers dedicated to serving others. The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Trinity's mission, and I am honored to celebrate this milestone alongside them."
Graduates matched into 15 specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Diagnostic Radiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and General Surgery. Collectively, these physicians will help address healthcare needs in communities ranging from major academic medical centers to underserved and rural regions throughout North America.
Many graduates secured positions at university-affiliated and academic medical center residency programs, underscoring the strength of Trinity graduates' residency outcomes. Some top mentions include:
- Case Western Reserve University (Pediatrics-Medical Genetics)
- Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (Family Medicine)
- UMass Chan Medical School (Neurology)
- Indiana University School of Medicine (Family Medicine)
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Emergency Medicine)
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport (Emergency Medicine)
- University of Toledo (Obstetrics-Gynecology)
- University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (Pediatrics & IM)
- University of Manitoba (Psychiatry)
- Queen’s University (Pathology)
"The Class of 2026 exemplifies the resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence that define Trinity School of Medicine," said Dr. John Geisler, Dean and Provost. "These graduates have demonstrated not only academic achievement, but also the compassion, professionalism, and dedication required to serve patients and communities. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make throughout their careers."
The achievements of the Class of 2026 reflect years of academic preparation, clinical training, and personal growth. From foundational sciences through clinical rotations and residency preparation, students developed the knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary for a successful transition into graduate medical education.
“Commencement is a powerful reminder of how much our students grow during their time at Trinity,” said Dr. Mignonette Sotto. “From their earliest days studying the foundational sciences to their success on licensing examinations and securing residency positions, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning, service, and self-improvement. It is incredibly rewarding to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into the profession of medicine.”
Throughout their clinical training, members of the Class of 2026 demonstrated the adaptability, resilience, and dedication required to succeed in today's healthcare environment. Their residency placements reflect not only academic achievement but also the clinical skills and professionalism developed through years of patient-centered training.
"Watching students evolve into capable, confident future physicians is one of the most rewarding aspects of medical education," said Dr. Kelly Manahan, Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences and Curriculum. "Throughout their clinical training, this class consistently demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to patient care. They have earned the trust of their patients, faculty, and residency programs, and I am confident they are exceptionally well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead."
The ceremony also featured remarks from commencement speaker Dr. Shiayin Yang, Associate Professor of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In her address, Dr. Yang reminded graduates that while medicine continues to evolve through innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence, the physician-patient relationship remains at the heart of the profession.
"Despite all the innovation, technology, science, and artificial intelligence in this world, medicine at its core remains profoundly human," said Dr. Yang. "Your patients will remember if you listened, if you cared, and if you showed up for them in their worst times."
Dr. Yang encouraged graduates to remain humble, continue learning throughout their careers, support one another, and never lose sight of the human connection that defines the practice of medicine.
As the ceremony concluded, graduates crossed the stage not only as medical students completing their education, but as physicians entering a profession defined by service, sacrifice, and human connection. Their journey at Trinity may have reached its conclusion, but their calling as healers is only just beginning.
Watch the Commencement Highlights here:
Alumni Spotlights: 2026 Graduates
Discover the inspiring stories of 2026 Trinity alumni, their medical careers, and how Trinity’s education prepared them for success in various healthcare fields.
