Nugent delivered the keynote address to a cohort of 95 graduates at M&T Bank Arena on Friday morning before Dr. Ellen Pearlman, senior associate dean for education at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, led them in reciting the Quinnipiac Netter School of Medicine’s Physician’s Pledge to mark the symbolic end of their academic journeys.

The art of medicine and the practice of medicine “aren’t always the same thing,” Dr. Nugent told the graduates, and understanding that distinction will serve them well. Nugent also stressed the importance of self-care, a measure that even the most seasoned physicians often neglect.

“You cannot treat whole human beings unless you are whole yourself,” said Nugent, an internal medicine hospitalist at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts, who earned her Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University in California. “Take care of yourself, whatever that may look like.”

Part of becoming a whole doctor, she added, is remembering to practice compassion and a humanistic touch — especially when helping patients navigate moments of despair. Netter’s drawings often depicted this critical lesson in detecting and reacting to subtle body language and social cues.

Reflecting on her own residency, Nugent recalled a time when she met with the husband of a critically ill patient. She clearly communicated his wife’s prognosis, but in doing so had failed to treat him with the kindness the moment demanded.

An attending physician in the room met the challenge by observing that the woman was not in pain.

“Don’t do what I did in that meeting and use medical truths to deprive people of hope,” Nugent said. “Please understand that the truth, though important, is not a prescription without side effects, and when given without love, truth can also be a weapon.”

In her first Commencement address at Quinnipiac, President Marie Hardin praised the graduates for the determination with which they “pushed the boundaries” of their academic pursuits.

“But ambition alone doesn’t set you apart,” Hardin said. “What makes this class truly remarkable is that your drive is matched by your kindness and inclusion. I’ve seen the way you support one another through exams and projects, the way you mentor your peers, and the genuine warmth and light you bring to our campus culture.”

Dr. Lisa Coplit, who was appointed dean of the Quinnipiac Netter School in October and is a founding faculty member at the school, praised the graduates for the way they “adapted and persevered and supported one another through uncertainty.”

Echoing her remarks from Match Day in March, she reminded them that “success is happiness,” a sentiment that will sustain them as they become “compassionate and resilient doctors, colleagues and leaders.”

“You will care for patients whose stories will stay with you,” Coplit said. “You will be challenged in ways that stretch you. And you will discover strengths you may not yet realize you have.”

Coplit ended her remarks by reminding the Quinnipiac Netter graduates that even as they prepare to depart a place that’s been a second home, the door will always be open to them.

“We hope you to stay connected to the Quinnipiac Netter School of Medicine — through mentorship, collaboration, the relationships you’ve built here and hopefully even as teachers and faculty,” Coplit said. “This is not goodbye, but the beginning of your lifelong connection to Quinnipiac and to one another.”

Paulina Naser-Saravia, MD ’26, delivered the student address after degrees were conferred. She expressed her immense pride for her Mexican heritage and the responsibility it brings.

“As a dual citizen, I do not share many of the fears that folks in my community face, and it is this very same privilege that allows me to amplify my voice and advocate for others,” she said. “There is privilege in representation, in seeing someone you identify with thriving, while doing what you aspire to do.”

Addison Prunier, a talented young vocalist at nearby North Haven High School who has been performing the national anthem at Quinnipiac Athletics events for several years, delivered a stirring rendition after an introduction from Provost Debra Liebowitz, who also introduced Hardin.

Robert Passero ’70, a member of the alumni association board, gave the alumni welcome address. He recognized the alumni family members in the room before leading the graduates in the tradition of moving their tassels from the right side to the left side of their caps.

“With this simple motion,” Passero said, “you officially transition from student to alumnus, joining a global network of Bobcats who will always be here to support and celebrate you.”

Next up for the new doctors are residencies in 21 different specialties and subspecialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics and urology. The residencies span 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Overall, 42% of the graduating class matched in primary care, while 20 graduates matched with programs in Connecticut, including Yale New Haven Hospital and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

In Focus

Watch the School of Medicine Ceremony

Medicine

School of Medicine Program and Order of Exercises

Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.

Download the program (PDF)

Order of Exercises

Trumpet Prelude and Processional

Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar

Call to Commencement

Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost

National Anthem

Addison Prunier

Greetings

Marie C. Hardin, PhD
President

Dean’s Remarks

Lisa D. Coplit, MD
Dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

Introduction of Commencement Speaker

R. Ellen Pearlman, MD
Senior Associate Dean of Education

Commencement Address

Monique Nugent, MD, MPH
Hospitalist and Author

Presentation of Candidates for Medical Degrees and Conferral of Hoods

Lisa D. Coplit, MD

Renu Boatright, MD
Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Conferral of Degrees

Marie C. Hardin

Student Remarks

Paulina Naser-Saravia, MD ‘26

QU Netter School of Medicine Physician’s Pledge

R. Ellen Pearlman

Alumni Welcome

Robert Passero ‘70
Alumni Association Board

Recessional

Amor Vittorioso | G. Gastoldi
March | A. Valenti

Monique Nugent, MD, MPH

Physican, Author, Educator and Speaker

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Ceremony | Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.

Dr. Monique Nugent is a healthcare educator and speaker who teaches patients, families and medical professionals how to better understand hospital care and navigate complex healthcare systems. She is also the author of “Prescription for Admission,” a guide that helps patients and families accomplish these important goals.

With years of frontline experience, Nugent has witnessed the challenges and opportunities within hospitals. She is committed to bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient advocacy. Her mission is to make healthcare more accessible, understandable and effective for everyone. 

Whether through her book, public speaking engagements or thought leadership in medical education, Nugent is dedicated to empowering both patients and providers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. As a practicing hospitalist, Nugent works daily with patients and healthcare teams to improve hospital-based care. 

Her experience spans patient-centered care, medical education and training, and healthcare leadership and policy. Along with a board certification in internal medicine, Nugent earned her MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and her MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She also completed a fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Greetings from President Hardin

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as we celebrate this important milestone in your lives. We are delighted to welcome your families and friends to Quinnipiac today to share in your success and the promise that awaits you.

Your journey to this day is more than a ceremony. It is a testament to your hard work, your dedication and your commitment to the highest standards of health care. Your education has prepared you well for residencies that launch careers as impactful doctors and leaders of patient-centered health care teams.

You also learned the values of empathy, compassion and resilience from an extraordinary faculty and a dedicated staff. At the same time, you learned from each other, whether it was studying for exams or working on group assignments. I encourage you to nurture and maintain those friendships as you embark on your next chapter. 

As graduates of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, we are so very proud of you. We know the future of medicine is in good hands with you, the doctors of tomorrow.

Warmly
Marie C. Hardin, PhD

A Message from Dean Coplit

Dear Graduates of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Class of 2026,

Congratulations on this extraordinary milestone. It is a true honor to celebrate this moment with you — made even more meaningful as my first commencement as Dean and as someone who has had the privilege of being part of this community since its early days.

You began your medical education during a time of profound uncertainty, and throughout your journey, you demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to one another and to your patients. These qualities have not only shaped who you are as individuals, but have strengthened the fabric of our community.

You enter the profession of medicine at a time of both challenge and possibility. You are exceptionally well prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of science and healthcare and to lead with integrity, curiosity, and compassion. The way you care for patients, support your colleagues, and engage with your communities will define your impact as a physician and I know that you will do so with care and purpose.

As a member of the QU Netter community, you carry forward a legacy grounded in humanism, service, and a deep commitment to improving the health of others. Wherever your path leads, remain curious, embrace challenges, and continue to grow.

You will always be part of the QU Netter family. We are immensely proud of you and look forward to following your journey and celebrating the many ways that you will make a difference.

With warmest congratulations,
Lisa Coplit, MD

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Physician’s Pledge

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:

• I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

• THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

• I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

• I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

• I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;

• I WILL ADVOCATE for social, economic, educational, and political changes that ameliorate suffering and contribute to the well-being of my patients and the communities I serve;

• I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

• I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

• I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;

• I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

• I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

• I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

• I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

• I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

Adapted from the WMA Declaration of Geneva Updated October 2017 (The Physician’s Pledge) and the AMA Declaration of Professional Responsibility

Download the program (PDF)