The 26^th Convocation of Manipal Academy of Higher education (MAHE) concluded at the Dr TMA Pai Convention Centre in Mangalore on May 17, 2019 with Professor William W Pinsky, President and CEO, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) advising the graduating students to, “Be in charge of your future and seek out opportunities and experiences”.

With that, the curtain came down on MAHE’s 26^th edition of the Convocation which is held twice every academic year – November in Manipal and May in Mangalore.   

A total of 1156 graduands were conferred degrees including 568 in absentia. Thirty four PhD scholars were also awarded degrees.

The Dr TMA Pai gold medal for the most outstanding student was bagged by Dr Sachin Krishan Raj of Kasturba Medical College Mangalore.  Vice Chancellor, Dr H. Vinod Bhat gave an overview of the University, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr V Surendra Shetty welcomed the gathering and Dean Dental College, Mangalore, Dr Dilip Naik gave the vote of thanks. 

Prof William Pinsky, who is also Chairman, Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education & Research (FAIMER), University of Queensland, USA, drew deep from his own experiences, from the time he began medical studies, to advise the students on how to pursue professional careers successfully.

He encouraged them through lessons -- all to be learnt the hard way. “Your career as a physician cannot be shaped by you alone. Seek out mentors, role models at different times in your career. You will need and benefit from different types of mentors.” That was lesson number one. And there were four more.

Click to read his speech