The event honored the achievements of members in the Class of 2025, who have navigated the complexities of medical education with resilience and dedication.
Chelsea Nash, chosen by classmates as the student speaker, reflected on the bond and solidarity the class developed from their shared experience.
The UC Davis School of Medicine Class of 2025 included 119 graduates.
During her remarks, Nash reflected on the profound impact her community had on her journey through medical school. She shared heartfelt stories of how classmates lifted her during difficult moments — not with easy words, but with the kind of tough love that speaks to deep care.
She spoke of faculty who not only taught but truly listened, offering unwavering support when it mattered most. At times, she admitted, simply showing up felt like a triumph in itself — a quiet but powerful reminder that perseverance often begins with presence.
“Medicine isn’t just about knowledge and resilience — it’s about community and the courage to be honest when things get hard,” concluded Nash.
The 119 new physicians will begin medical residencies this summer. Most will stay in California, 82%, and 19% will train at UC Davis Health. Nearly two thirds of the class are on track to becoming primary care doctors, such as internal medicine and family medicine.
Be a ROC!
California Surgeon General Diana Ramos delivered the keynote.
Her message to the graduates was simple: “Be a ROC.”
R for Resilience: It is a superpower. The ability to keep going with purpose.
O for Oxygen: Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
C for Curiosity: Medicine evolves, patients change, science moves forward.
Ramos gave each graduate with a rock to remind them of the greatness each of them has, and the gift of healing they have been bestowed.
“Use your lived experience to raise the bar and set the highest possible standards of quality care,” Ramos advised.
Finishing their journey
As is UC Davis School of Medicine tradition, each student was recognized in a personal way by having their name announced as they walked across the stage, arm-and-arm with their loved ones.
Following the presentation, the Class of 2025 participated in reciting The Physician’s Oath. Reflecting the richness of the school’s diversity, the oath was read in English and in 19 other languages native to the students or their families.
