Medical school dean Malcolm Reed paid tribute to 121 newly qualified doctors from six countries in front of their families and friends.
Professor Reed, dean of Brighton and Sussex Medical School, said: “We are immensely proud of all those graduating today.
“They are the doctors, health professionals and leaders of the future. Their work will help to transform lives and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve.”
The 121 graduates received their degrees and took the Hippocratic oath at a ceremony where 15 postgraduate and research students were also recognised.
Two honorary awards were also made at the ceremony.
Professor Valerie Lund, professor of rhinology at the Ear Institute, University College London, and honorary consultant at the Royal National Throat Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College Hospital was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine in recognition of her major worldwide contribution to the field of medicine and the promotion of women in surgery.
Professor Jon Cohen, the founding dean of Brighton and Sussex Medical School was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine in recognition of his major contribution to the field of science.
A portrait of Professor Cohen was unveiled after the ceremony and will hang in the medical school foyer to commemorate his contribution to the school.
Four staff were honoured too with teaching excellence awards. They were
- Catherine Hennessy – teaching fellow in anatomy
- Joanna Lawrence – senior lecturer
- Dr Julia Montgomery – senior clinical teaching fellow
- Dr Claire Smith – head of anatomy