FAU Celebrates Largest Class of M.D. Graduates in its History

Joshua S. Sohmer, M.D., class of 2026 student council president, is hooded by his wife Sabina Fridman, M.D., '23, an FAU College of Medicine alumna, and Neil M. Masangkay, M.D, assistant dean for student affairs.

Florida Atlantic University 's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine held its commencement ceremony today for the class of 2026 - its largest in history, with 79 graduates - at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium. The ceremony marked their transition into the nation's newest physicians and also recognized 19 graduates of the biomedical sciences master's program.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and guests, the ceremony underscored the essential role these graduates will play in advancing healthcare and scientific discovery, as they work to address diseases and conditions affecting communities worldwide.

As part of the ceremony, the class of 2026 took center stage, where they were "hooded" - a cherished tradition symbolizing the passing of the mantle from one generation of physicians to the next - and formally awarded their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees. Keeping it in the family, 10 of the graduates were hooded by physician relatives - including parents, siblings, in-laws and a spouse - passing the torch to the next generation."

Of particular note, Joshua S. Sohmer, M.D., class of 2026 student council president, was hooded by his wife and FAU College of Medicine alumna, Sabina Fridman, M.D.,'23. Karishma Lukose, M.D., was hooded by her brother and FAU College of Medicine alumnus, Kevin Lukose, M.D., '22. In addition, Christopher Haff, M.D., was hooded by his twin brother, William Haff, D.O.

"This accomplishment may feel individual, but it was never ours alone," said Sohmer as he addressed the graduates. "Behind each of us are the people whose care, sacrifice and belief helped carry us here."

FAU President Adam Hasner addressed the graduates and conferred degrees to the class of 2026 and the master's graduates. As the former majority leader of the Florida House of Representatives, he championed the multi-year effort to secure funding and approvals to establish FAU's independent medical school in 2010, helping lay the foundation to reshape healthcare in the region.

This year's keynote address was delivered by Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. A distinguished physician-scientist with more than three decades of experience, he is a leading expert in hematologic malignancies and holds multiple leadership roles at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He previously spent two decades at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

"Today marks the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice and growth - reflected in a historic class that is exceptionally prepared for what comes next. You are entering a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape shaped by innovation and AI, filled with both complexity and opportunity," said Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., dean and chief of health affairs, Schmidt College of Medicine. "While technical knowledge will guide your decisions, it is human connection that will define your impact. Wherever your path leads, never lose sight of the question that matters most: not just 'What's wrong?' but 'What matters?'"

During the ceremony, Larry Brickman, M.D., an associate professor of surgery in the Schmidt College of Medicine and a veteran of the U.S. Army, administered the "Officer's Oath" to Jacob Abulencia, M.D., class of 2026, who will be serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.

"Commencement reflects the perseverance, resilience and sense of purpose that have guided your journey," said Jennifer Caceres, M.D., vice dean for medical education and professor of medicine at the Schmidt College of Medicine. "Today celebrates not only your achievements, but the physicians and leaders you have become. You leave here prepared with the knowledge, compassion and integrity to serve your patients and communities with excellence."

Among the class of 2026's distinguished graduates is Ugoma Onubogu, who completed the M.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program through a partnership between the Schmidt College of Medicine and Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology. A dedicated advocate for underserved communities, she also co-founded "The Cytokines," a medical school band that has performed at official events and local venues since 2018. Onubogu received the Ira J. Gelb, M.D. Award for Exemplary Service at commencement, and will enter residency in radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In March, the class of 2026 matched into residency training programs that highlight both a strong commitment to Florida and success on the national stage. More than half of the graduates (53%) will remain in Florida and matched across 21 institutions statewide. Notably, 33% of the class will enter primary care fields, including internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics - areas of critical need within our communities.

At the same time, the class of 2026 achieved impressive residency match outcomes in both highly competitive specialties, including dermatology, neurological surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery and urology, and at prestigious academic institutions, underscoring both the breadth and strength of their education.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests celebrated with a reception in the Live Oak Pavilion, generously sponsored by Michael T.B. Dennis, M.D., founding chair of the advisory board for the Schmidt College of Medicine and former member of the FAU Board of Trustees.

From left, Larry Brickman, M.D., administers the "Officer's Oath," to Jacob Abulencia, M.D.

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine class of 2026.

-FAU-