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Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Dean Valery Forbes, Ph.D., hosted the 23rd Future Doctors’ Reception on May 11, at the Owl’s Nest in the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence, on the university’s Boca Raton campus. The signature event brought college faculty and staff, along with students’ families, together to celebrate 60 students who were admitted to health professional graduate programs. This year, a record-breaking 16 members of the class of 2026 were accepted to Florida Atlantic’s Schmidt College of Medicine.

The evening featured a welcome address from Dean Forbes, along with congratulatory remarks from Florida Atlantic Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D.

“This momentous milestone has been years in the making, and it is a recognition of the relentless grit, scientific curiosity and discipline required to reach this moment,” stated Forbes. “Behind every student are thousands of hours of study and a steadfast commitment to the future of human health. But you are no longer just scholars of science—you are now the architects of the future of healthcare, and you represent the very best of Florida Atlantic.”

After dinner keynote speaker Britto Herard, a biological sciences major who graduated on May 8 and a distinguished �鶹Ů�� Molly Ford Scholar, delivered an inspirational speech to his fellow Future Doctors. Remarkably, Herard completed his degree in just three years, and he will soon begin at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

Gina Jones, director of the college’s Pre-Health Professions Office, and Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., the college’s senior associate dean for undergraduate studies, then conducted the traditional pinning ceremony. This symbolic rite of passage marks the transition from student to professional, and it represents the completion of rigorous academic and clinical training to formally welcome graduates into the health professions field.

“Seeing 60 of our students accepted medical and health professions programs this year is both inspiring and deeply meaningful,” said Jones. “Their journeys have not only shaped their futures, but they have also transformed the work we do in the Office of Pre-Health Professions at Florida Atlantic. They push us to grow, innovate and better support every student who aspires to become a physician.”

Student Acceptance: 2026 Designated Health Professions Programs

Medical Programs

• Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Creighton University School of Medicine
• Darthmouth - Geisel School of Medicine
• �鶹Ů�� Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
• Florida Gulf Coast University Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
• Florida State University College of Medicine
• Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama
• Georgetown University School - Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Howard University College of Medicine
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton Campus
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Elmira Campus
• Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
• Loma Linda College of Medicine
• Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
• Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – M.S.T.P.
• Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
• Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Nova Southeastern University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
• Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
• Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
• Ross University School of Medicine
• Rowan-Virtua College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
• St. George’s University School of Medicine
• The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Tufts University School of Medicine
• University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
• University of Chicago - Pritzker School of Medicine
• University of Central Florida College of Medicine
• University of Florida School of Medicine
• University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago – M.S.T.P.
• University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• University of South Florida – Health Morsani College of Medicine
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Wayne State University School of Medicine
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
• William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dental Programs

• Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
• Midwestern University School of Dentistry
• Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
• University of Florida College of Dentistry
• University of Oregon Health and Science Dental School

Veterinary Programs

• Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph

Medical Physics Programs

• Medical Physics Residency at Texas Oncology in Dallas
• Residency of the Medical University of South Carolina

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs

• Nova Southeastern University - Occupational and Physical Therapy Services
• University of St. Augustine - Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Florida International University - Doctor of Physical Therapy
• University of Florida - Doctor of Physical Therapy
• University of North Florida - Doctor of Physical Therapy