Albany Medical College Celebrates the Class of 2026

More than 200 degrees were awarded today during Albany Medical College’s 188th Commencement ceremonies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Medical degrees (MD) were awarded to 148 new physicians. In addition, 42 graduates received Master of Science degrees in Physician Assistant Studies, 10 received either Master of Science or doctoral degrees in the biomedical sciences, and 24 received a doctoral degree in nursing practice from the Center for Nurse Anesthesiology. The Alden March Bioethics Institute awarded 13 Master of Science degrees and four doctoral degrees. One student received a Master of Science from the Clinical Investigation Program, and one student received a Master of Science in Human Anatomy.

The keynote speaker was David Langer, MD, chair of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and a professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Langer is recognized globally as one of the nation’s leading cerebral bypass surgeons and is the creative force behind the Netflix docuseries Lenox Hill and Emergency NYC.

Dr. Langer recounted his own experience with a serious ski accident that left him temporarily paralyzed and how it changed his sense of purpose. He encouraged graduates to reconnect with their passions, to cherish relationships, and to remember that caring for others is the greatest form of humanity.

Dr. Langer received an honorary degree. Also receiving an honorary degree was Harold Singer, PhD, long-time professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albany Medical College.
The graduates were also addressed by Alan S. Boulos, MD ’94, The Lynne and Mark D. Groban, MD ’67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College; Raimundo Archibold Jr., chair of the Albany Med Health System Board of Directors; and student representatives of the Class of 2026.