The University of Manitoba will hold a Convocation Ceremony for medical graduates today, May 10, 2012.  The Faculty of Medicine Convocation will take place at 10:30 a.m. at University of Manitoba Brodie Centre Atrium, 727 McDermot Avenue.

Degrees will be conferred on 103 medical school graduates: 50 females and 53 males, including three Aboriginal students and 23 with rural backgrounds. Among this year’s exceptional graduates are a rural Manitoba Aboriginal student who is the first in his family to graduate with an MD and plans to practice in a rural Manitoba community after completing family medicine residency in Dauphin; a former nurse and flight attendant who is embarking on a career in anesthesiology; an inner-city resident who beat the odds of going on to post-secondary education; and a Winnipegger heading up north to complete a Northern & Remote family medicine residency.

“We are proud of the achievement of the 103 MDs graduating today. They represent the future of medicine,” said Brian Postl [MD/76], Dean, Faculty of Medicine. “As Manitoba’s only medical school, we are dedicated to educating and training physicians who are compassionate, socially accountable, professional and who will serve communities across the province. My congratulations to the graduates, their families and friends on this momentous day.”

“It is a proud day for these students and their families. After many years of hard work and sacrifice, this is their moment to shine,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. “These dedicated individuals are pursuing a career that will help Manitoba families with what matters most:  getting the best medical care  when they need it.”

The Convocation also includes the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate degree to University of Manitoba alumnus George Yee [MD/60].

George E. Yee, M.D.(Man); F.R.C.P. (C)

A celebrated physician and philanthropist, Dr. George E. Yee is recognized for his commitment to medicine, to his community and to the support of young doctors.  Dr. Yee grew up in one of Winnipeg’s poorest neighbourhoods and in 1960, graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine. During medical school he received a bursary and vowed to give back if ever fortunate enough to do so. He kept his promise.  Dr. Yee has supported Class of 1960 Bursary and Entrance Scholarship funds, and created the Charles and Pauline Yee Bursary in Medicine at the University of Manitoba. In 2008, thanks to his generosity, the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation was established at the University of Manitoba, a centre that fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration aimed at improving patient care and safety. Since 1966, Dr. Yee has served as the CEO and Laboratory Director of Medical Laboratories of Windsor, Ontario, the busiest laboratory in Canada.  He has served as President of the Ontario Association of Pathologists, and from 1992-2002 as Inspector for the College of American Pathologists. Dr. Yee received the Ontario Medical Association Life Membership Award (2001) and Advocate for Student Awards (2007) and the Canadian Medical Association’s Senior Membership Award (2002).

Media are invited to obtain photos of the Class of 2012 during their procession at 10:25 a.m. or during the Hippocratic Oath near the end of the convocation.

For more information contact Ilana Simon, Director of Communications & Marketing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, (204) 789-3427 or cell (204) 295-6777 or ilana.simon@med.umanitoba.ca