COSWD Addresses Graduates of CUNY School of Medicine

Bernard, at CUNY podium, with stage guest seated behind her.

Dr. Marie Bernard, NIH chief officer for scientific workforce diversity, gives the keynote at CUNY School of Medicine’s 2023 commencement.

Dressed in graduation robes and caps, Green and Bernard smile into camera.

CUNY Med Dean Dr. Carmen Renée Green (l) greets Bernard.

Bernard, seated at table with three young people.

Bernard chats with students at a roundtable event.

Dr. Marie Bernard, NIH chief officer for scientific workforce diversity, was the keynote speaker at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine’s 2023 B.S. Commencement and White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 3. CUNY Med’s mission is to address health care inequities in New York City and beyond and to increase diversity and representation in medicine.

“It’ll be your job to make sure that biases are limited, that your patients’ voices are heard, that different ways of seeing and receiving things are appreciated,” Bernard told the graduates. She also shared her five rules for success: listen, take every opportunity to learn, be generous, take care of yourself and your loved ones and enjoy the ride.

Bernard also encouraged the students to consider a career at NIH, noting that the acting director of NIH is a CUNY graduate. Dr. Lawrence Tabak graduated from CUNY in 1972.