At BCM commencement, graduates thank mentors who help navigate studies, early careers

Dr. Faith Sawyer has walked across one graduation stage in her lifetime – Baylor College of Medicine’s spring commencement where she received her doctorate from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Sawyer was homeschooled, and her college graduation from Dallas Baptist University was canceled in 2020 during the pandemic. Her graduation from Baylor is a memorable celebration but not only because it’s her first.

“It’s really memorable because I can see how hard I’ve worked through all these years culminating in this moment,” Sawyer, a research technician, said. “It’s special to know that what I’ve worked for and dreamed for has become a reality.”

She is one 88 Baylor graduates who received a Ph.D. during the May 21 ceremony at Smart Financial Centre. Sawyer will continue working with her mentor, Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Blutt, professor of molecular virology and microbiology, on scientific papers they hope to publish in the coming year. In addition to attending school, Sawyer has worked as a medical writer for a drug commercialization company.

“It’s been great to be face-to-face with my professors, including my mentor, who was very supportive,” she said. “(Baylor) has been a really great, welcoming community that I am so glad to be a part of.”

In the School of Medicine, 195 new physicians received their diploma, as well as 10 new counselors from the School of Health Professions’ Genetic Counseling Program. In the Graduate School, 88 students received their Ph.D. and six earned a master’s degree.

Mentorship among the schools and programs at Baylor is tantamount to the curriculum, and multiple graduates took a moment to thank their mentors during the ceremony.

Dr. Anne Cao, Dr. Aaron Pathak, Dr. Keji Fapohunda and Dr. Paul Klotman during the 2026 Military Commissioning Ceremony.

During his recorded speech, Dr. Aaron Pathak, School of Medicine class president, relayed a message he received from his mentor, Dr. Uzma Iqbal, associate professor of hematology and oncology.

“She said, ‘The world needs young leaders who have a kind heart and a keen mind. Enjoy your onwards and upwards journey, but don’t ever lose yourself on the way to becoming a physician,’” Pathak said. “This is not something I have to worry about at all. We have created such a beautiful culture of helping each other, showing up for each other and truly getting to know each other despite a changing curriculum and changing landscape of medical education.”

Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean, delivered a short address to the graduates and their families before four individuals received honorary degrees. This commencement was Klotman’s last before he retires June 1 after 16 years leading the College.

“This is probably the most exciting time in science,” Klotman told the graduates. “You’re about to enter a profession after being students forever; it’s very daunting and can be a scary thing. One reassuring thing to know is that you’re well-trained whether you’re a postdoc, genetic counselor or physician, and that will come with confidence.”

Dr. Thomas Coffman, professor and senior adviser of Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, delivered the keynote address. When he was a young physician, he worked with Klotman, who was chief resident during Coffman’s internship at Duke.

Coffman said mentorship is important even after graduation. Seasoned mentors will help guide and grow new doctors, counselors and physician-scientists, he said. And when it’s time, it will be their turn to help mentor the next generation.

“Healthcare is a team sport; working across disciplines is critical for success,” Coffman said. “I had a revelation beyond science on the powerful synergy that happens when clinicians and research scientists work side-by-side.”

For discoveries to rapidly develop into medical care that will best serve patients, people must work together and see different perspectives, he said. And humanity must remain paramount.

“Hold on to your humanity as human touch cannot be replaced by AI,” Koffman said. “May your hope bring amazing discoveries to the world.”

By Julie Garcia, senior communications associate in the Office of Communications and Community Outreach

A new physician hugs a family member at the 2026 Baylor College of Medicine spring commencement.

Graduates Per School

195 – School of Medicine
94 – Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
- 88 – Ph.D.
- 6 – M.S.
10 – School of Health Professions – Genetic Counseling Program

Dual Degree Program Graduates

8 – M.D./Ph.D.
5 – M.D./M.B.A.
7 – M.D./M.P.H.

Military Commissioning and Public Health Award Recipients

Capt. Keji Fapohunda, M.D., was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force.
Second Lieutenant Aaron Pathak, M.D., was recognized for his service in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Dr. Anne Cao received the Excellence in Public Health Award from the U.S. Public Health Service Physician Professional Advisory Committee.

National Societies Awarding Honors