UF College of Medicine welcomes M.D. Class of 2030
140 students begin their medical studies in July
Aug. 10, 2026 –– “Medicine is the most humane of the sciences, the most empiric of the arts, the most scientific of the humanities,” James Lynch, M.D., associate dean of admissions, stated to the 140 medical students in the University of Florida Class of 2030. “What we get to do transcends all of these disciplines and draws them all into one role.”
The future physicians listened closely, filling every seat in the learning studio of the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building on the second day of their orientation July 28. Lynch’s “Who is the Class of 2030?” speech followed a rapport-building exercise where the class formed groups and bonded over their commonalities.
James Lynch, M.D., speaks to the medical student Class of 2030, which boasts the highest average MCAT score in the college's history.
Charles Poulton
Out of a competitive pool of thousands of applicants, the cohort was carefully chosen by the admissions committee for their adherence to the College of Medicine’s philosophy of altruism, teamwork and resilience. Diane Howell, M.D., the associate dean of student affairs, read excerpts from several student applications embodying these ideals.
“What the committee does is … bring a vision to life of what the class could be when we get the right people together,” Howell said.
Caring for the sick is a noble privilege, Lynch said, and not one that should be taken lightly. He shared the guiding principle of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society: the Greek “axios opheleo algos,” which translates to “be worthy to serve the suffering.” Like joining the special forces, he said, pursuing medicine is a lifetime calling that requires a high degree of selflessness.
“Each time you walk into the classroom or clinic, ask yourself, ‘Am I worthy to care for the sick?’” said Lynch, who in addition to his role in admissions teaches students and treats patients with cancer. “That will change your entire perspective on your education.”
Charles Poulton
As they grow in their careers, the students will develop their professional identities, Lynch said. This voluntary process begins with the deconstruction of their current identity, leaving space to rebuild their character as a physician epitomizing their chosen set of values.
“You must willingly internalize not just the knowledge and skills, but the culture of being a doctor,” Lynch said.
A bridge between physicians and patients
To jump start their professional evolution, each medical student was gifted a new stethoscope. The Littman Cardiology IVs, tools symbolizing the role they aspire to fill, were purchased thanks to donations from alumni and friends of the college.
Patricia McFall Calhoun, M.D. ’89, a family medicine physician at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida, and the president of the Medical Alumni Board of Directors, presented the stethoscopes to the Class of 2030.
“The stethoscope inherently helps you achieve two clinical skills: presence and listening,” she said, framing the device as a physical bridge between physicians and their patients. “It is our hope that by the time you cross the stage to graduation less than four years from now, this simple gift will have helped you develop and define your future.”
As the medical students set the foundations of their professional identities, they will build an edifice of what it means to be a doctor, Lynch said. Each stone will be gathered from their studies and rotations, from observing their mentors and peers –– and when the time comes to serve others with graceful self-forgetfulness, they will learn the most from listening to their patients.
Incoming medical students each received a stethoscope funded by donations from alumni and friends of the college.
Charles Poulton
Meet a few students in the Class of 2030:
Chris and Donovan Lyon
Danielle Ivanov
Brothers Chris and Donovan Lyon were raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where they witnessed the dedication of their father, a family medicine physician, and their mother, a dietitian.
“This exposure to the medical field, along with my family’s emphasis on the values of servant leadership and human connection, left a lasting impact on me,” Donovan Lyon said. “I want to pursue a career that allows me to follow in the footsteps of my family role models and continue their legacy of selfless service in healthcare.”
While both brothers ultimately sought a career in medicine, they took several gap years to gain leadership skills by serving their country in the U.S. Navy. Over the course of five years, Chris Lyon served two tours split between Rota, Spain, and Mayport, Florida. His brother completed seven years of active duty as a lieutenant, nuclear engineer and medical planner. They are now transitioning out of active duty and into the Navy Reserves with a degree of resilience and selflessness they will channel into their future careers as physicians.
“After five years of service, I knew I desired a more direct, personal connection to those I served, which ultimately led me back to medical school,” Chris Lyon said.
At the UF College of Medicine, the brothers will be part of the college’s new Jacksonville regional medical campus, where they will spend the first two years of their education in Gainesville and then transition to Jacksonville for their third and fourth years of clinical training. During their UF application process, the brothers felt a strong sense of belonging and purpose, Donovan Lyon said. The university’s humanistic approach and supportive staff made campus feel like home to them when they visited for Second Look Weekend.
“We were both amazed at how collegial and inspiring our future classmates were,” Chris Lyon said.
The brothers were drawn to the Jacksonville regional medical campus program to explore social determinants of health while advocating for underserved populations, much like their father, who based his work in urban Milwaukee.
They stay active by spending much of their free time outdoors. Donovan Lyon enjoys camping, sports and capturing natural beauty with his camera. Chris Lyon raises hens and loves to share the produce of his planting projects with his neighbors. They look forward to forming meaningful relationships within the UF College of Medicine’s academic community.
“Having lived and served in the Jacksonville area, I would love to further invest myself in a place that I call home,” Donovan Lyon said. “I look forward to working toward the betterment of such a special and vibrant community.”
Grace Vargas
Danielle Ivanov
Grace Vargas, a double-gator from Weston, Florida, faced several formative experiences early on with the healthcare system that solidified her interest in medicine.
“Losing my grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease sparked a passion for compassionate, human-centered care and conveyed the importance of maintaining patient autonomy in medicine,” she said. “When I went through a spinal fracture from a sports injury, I was introduced to the collaborative environment of medicine. The ability to understand the different perspectives as a family member and a patient inspired me to pursue medicine.”
Vargas studied microbiology and cell science at UF for her undergraduate degree, delving into neurotrauma research under the tutelage of Prodip Bose, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology. There, she tested conservative treatments for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Vargas also worked as a support technician in the medical intermediate care unit at UF Health Shands Hospital. While bonding with patients on her floor, she gained a deeper understanding of the collaborative relationship between providers and their patients.
In 2024, Vargas co-founded To BEHOLD, a community initiative that stands for “Believing Everyone Has the Opportunity to Lift Dreams.” Its mission is to teach Alachua County residents transferable skills such as crocheting or cooking and donate created items to underserved communities.
Vargas values compassion and was drawn to UF’s M.D. program because of its holistic approach.
“The UF M.D. program is all-encompassing –– whether through fostering a humanistic medical education or creating a collaborative environment, this program made me the most excited to start my journey in becoming a physician,” Vargas said.
When she has time to relax, Vargas can be found crocheting or reading horror novels. She also enjoys exploring nature, listening to music and traveling to immerse herself in new sights and cultures. She is excited to join the UF College of Medicine and step closer to her dream with the financial support of a merit scholarship.
“This award lifts a weight off my shoulders that most medical students must face,” Vargas said. “I am incredibly grateful to have less financial pressure while attending medical school, as this will allow me to focus more on my studies and future as a physician. I am forever appreciative to UF for genuinely caring about their students and offering resources and support.”
Jahbari Bowen
Danielle Ivanov
Jahbari Bowen’s curiosity in medicine began with the tragic passing of his older brother, Nigel, from a ruptured appendix. Years later, Bowen and his sister would tag along on jobs with their mother to meet the patients she cared for as a home health aide.
“Seeing how much her warmth, humor and optimism would cheer her patients up regardless of what they were going through lit a fire in me,” Bowen said. “I knew my mother would have been an amazing physician if she had the resources to pursue it, and I wanted to make people feel just like how my mother made them feel.”
During his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Florida State University, Bowen worked with patients struggling with substance abuse.
“Being able to make sure they know that people genuinely care about their well-being when it feels like the world has turned their back on them made me feel the same feelings I felt many years ago, watching my mother put a big ol’ smile on her patients’ faces,” Bowen said.
Bowen conducted research at Hope Neurology in Atlanta to more accurately diagnose concussions in patients who had been in motor vehicle collisions, as well as research focused on structural biology, organic chemistry and material science. While connecting with a professor, he was elated to learn about UF’s M.D.-Ph.D. degree through the Medical Scientist Training Program.
“UF’s M.D. program focuses on keeping the physician-patient relationship in the center of its training,” he said. “This was one of the biggest selling points for me. The last seller was the M.D.-Ph.D. program and its faculty I met during my first look –– there are so many great people with amazing personalities and lots of research opportunities!”
Bowen spends his free time listening to music, since he views it as a universal language that connects people. He exercises at the gym, makes video edits and always tries his hardest to make people laugh.
“I am looking forward to learning more about the college town, meeting tons of new people and making a positive impact on the Gainesville community as a whole with my service and my humor,” Bowen said.
