Congratulations to the students graduating from the School of Medicine’s education and training programs this year! Students in a few programs will receive their degrees or certificates later this summer, but we are taking this opportunity to celebrate all the 2026 graduates. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to hearing about the great things they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Meet a few of this year’s graduates below. Click on each one for a full Q-and-A.

Ankita Ahluwalia with family members.

Ankita Ahluwalia, Master of Management in Clinical Informatics (MMCi)

Hometown, State Irvine, California What inspired you to pursue this degree? MMCi’s focus on bridging clinical informatics, technology, and leadership strongly aligns with my experiences and passions, which made it an exciting fit for my professional goals. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of MMCi's excellent cohort of Healthcare IT changemakers!
Holly Brown

Holly Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Hometown, State Birmingham, Alabama   What inspired you to pursue this degree? My mom is a physical therapist, so I was introduced to the field early on! I was drawn to physical therapy because it uniquely brings together my passions for empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and supporting diverse communities through their recovery journeys.
Fatima Al-Sarakbi Hernandez

Fatima Al-Sarakbi Hernandez, Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Hometown, State Redondo Beach, California What inspired you to pursue this degree? I have always been drawn to spaces where people are navigating barriers. Occupational therapy gave me a way to formalize that instinct. It provided me with the tools to do what I was already passionate about — helping people engage in meaningful occupations in ways that restore dignity, independence, and a sense of identity.
Alexandra Helms

Alexandra Helms, Pathologists' Assistant, Master of Health Science (MHS)

Hometown, State Kingsport, Tennessee What inspired you to pursue this degree? I have always been passionate about the biological sciences and pursuing a career in health care. After several formative semesters in my undergraduate anatomy course, shadowing a phenomenal PathA, and many years of being inspired by my mom, who has a career in the same field, I knew that this detailed, hands-on and rewarding world was for me.