More than 400 students from Touro University California’s Class of 2026 have graduated, transitioning into professional roles across the health care and education sectors. The university held three days of commencement ceremonies starting May 18 in Sacramento and Vallejo, celebrating a new generation of clinicians and researchers entering a workforce that urgently needs their skills.
The graduating class included students from a wide array of disciplines, including osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, nursing, public health, and education. The ceremonies marked the culmination of years of intensive study and preparation, sending these new practitioners into communities across the state and beyond.
A new generation of healers
The graduation comes at a critical time for the American health care system. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States could see a shortfall of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034, with significant shortages in both primary and specialty care. The diverse group of professionals from Touro are poised to help address these gaps, particularly with their training in patient-centred, holistic approaches.
For 29 years, Touro University California has proudly prepared healthcare professionals, educators, and leaders who are committed to improving the lives of the communities they serve. This year’s commencement ceremonies were a powerful reflection of that mission in action. Watching graduates from osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, nursing, public health, education, medical health sciences, and diagnostic medical sonography cross the stage was both inspiring and deeply meaningful, not only because of the tremendous hard work and resilience it took to get there, but because of the impact they are now poised to make in the world.
Dr. Tami Hendriksz, who serves as Provost, Chief Academic Officer, and Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro, reflected on the significance of the ceremonies. As a 2006 graduate of Touro’s osteopathic programme herself, Hendriksz highlighted the university's long-standing mission to train professionals dedicated to community service.
The university, which has operated for 29 years, has a well-established reputation for producing graduates focused on improving health equity. This year's class is expected to continue that legacy, bringing fresh perspectives and advanced training to clinics, hospitals, and educational institutions. From providing primary care in underserved areas to conducting vital public health research, their impact will be felt widely. For those seeking healthcare providers, understanding how to choose a local practitioner is essential, as detailed in the Arch Hill health guide.
Insights from the front lines
The commencement series began on the evening of May 18 with the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) ceremony at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. The event was anchored by a keynote address from Dr. Benjamin N. Abo, an emergency physician, toxinologist, and a 2011 graduate of the college.
Dr. Abo offered the new doctors a candid look at the realities of modern medicine. He drew from his extensive experience in high-stakes emergency environments, challenging the graduates to remain flexible and committed to the core principles of osteopathic care. This philosophy, which emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, is a cornerstone of a Touro education and is seen as essential for navigating the complexities of clinical practice. His address underscored the importance of maintaining a humanistic approach even in the most chaotic settings.
Historic firsts and milestones
A joint ceremony was held on the morning of May 19 for the College of Pharmacy and the College of Education and Health Sciences, marking a day of significant firsts for the university. The event celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography programme, sending the first TUC-trained specialists in this field into the health care landscape.
These highly skilled sonographers will help fill a crucial need for advanced diagnostic imaging, a vital component of modern medicine that impacts everything from prenatal care to chronic disease management. Their specialized training provides a much-needed boost to local and regional diagnostic capabilities.
The College of Pharmacy also experienced a unique and historic moment. The ceremony saw the final graduating cohort of the accelerated three-year PharmD programme cross the stage alongside the inaugural graduating class of the new four-year programme. This convergence created an unusually large and diverse group of new pharmacy alumni, ready to enter roles in clinical, research, and community pharmacy settings. While some students are keen to find summer activities to help them cool off after their intense studies, they now form a vibrant network of professionals prepared to tackle the evolving challenges of medication management and patient care.
Forging pathways to future success
The commencement events concluded on May 20 with the ceremony for graduates of the Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences (MSMHS) programme. Many students in this programme use it as a rigorous stepping stone toward doctoral training, including medical and dental school. The demanding curriculum is designed to build a strong academic foundation for success in a variety of post-graduate university programmes.
Dr. Yasmin Bains, who graduated from the MSMHS programme in 2016 and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programme in 2021, returned as the guest speaker. She spoke to the graduates about the resilience and dedication required to navigate the arduous path of graduate medical education. Drawing on her own journey, Bains emphasized how the skills and knowledge gained on Mare Island prepared her for the challenges of becoming a physician.
With their tassels turned and degrees in hand, the more than 400 members of the Class of 2026 have now officially joined Touro University California's extensive alumni network, embarking on careers dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and education in their communities.
