By Maggie Lindenberg
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, the MD students in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Class of 2028 celebrated a major milestone with this year’s pinning ceremony, marking their transition from the classroom to the clinic.
“At the University of Pittsburgh, this pinning ceremony has represented a rite of passage and a transition in your professional identity formation, evolving into the best doctor that you can be,” said Abbas Hyderi, vice dean for education and professor of family medicine, in his opening remarks. “I hope you feel this is a special moment. You’ve earned it.”
Though frigid temperatures in the aftermath of a severe snowstorm kept the event from proceeding in person at Alan Magee Scaife Hall as planned, around 300 students, faculty, family and friends were able to share in that special moment on Zoom.
Attendees heard from Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean, School of Medicine, about the importance of compassionate caregiving.
“From now on, you are no longer just thinking about answering questions for your tests or your own self. From now on, you’ll be answering questions for someone who is in dire need of your help,” Shekhar said. “From now on, you’re going to be the person with whom a lot of people will share their deepest fears and challenges, and it’s a privilege to be able to hear that and be recognized as a potential caregiver for them.”
Pritha Workman (above), assistant professor and clerkship director for obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, School of Medicine, reflected on the weight of the life-changing experiences she had in her own clerkship experience assisting in a liver transplant, from both a professional and personal lens. She encouraged students to bring their whole, authentic self to patient care, reminding them that they will soon have a significant part to play.
“A lot of people here are welcoming you to the clinical spaces, but I’m here to tell you that you’re an essential part of the team. Never forget that,” said Workman. “This is not abstract; you are truly essential to the care that patients receive.”
In closing, amid a flurry of celebratory emojis on Zoom, the 159 second-year medical students turned on their cameras to recite the Declaration of Geneva, led by Paul Wallach, executive vice dean for academic affairs, School of Medicine.
“To this class, I am so excited for you. You are entering arguably the most important year of the medical school curriculum,” said Wallach. “You're entering as brilliant students, and you will leave it as caring physicians.”