UMSOP Celebrates Nation’s First PhD Graduates in Palliative Care, Alongside MS and Certificate Recipients

Graduates poised to lead, innovate, and improve care for patients and families facing serious illness.

By Pam Carder
August 13, 2025

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) marked a historic milestone on Aug. 8, as the Graduate Studies in Palliative Care program celebrated its Class of 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP).

In total, 45 graduates were recognized, including 36 Master of Science in Palliative Care recipients, seven certificate holders, and the two graduates of the PhD in Palliative Care, making them the first in United States with this doctoral degree – a groundbreaking achievement for both the field and the university.

“This is the culmination of all your blood, sweat, and tears,” said Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, executive director of advanced post-graduate education in palliative care and a professor of practice, science, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR) at UMSOP. “The number of our graduates continues to grow, having an unimaginable impact on caring for people living with serious illness. You’ve jumped into the great unknown and embraced the idea that we must live as if we were to die tomorrow and learn as if we were to live forever.”

See the full photo album on Flickr.

Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean of UMSOP and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, praised the graduates for their perseverance, compassion, and leadership. “When thinking about our MS and certificates in palliative care graduates, and our first cohort of PhD graduates, several words come to mind – brave, intrepid, daring, caring, and innovative,” she said.

Michel continued, “There is no limit to what you can achieve,” she said. “You are beginning your career at a time when your skills and expertise are sorely needed. We are proud of what you’ve accomplished and even more excited for what you’ll do next.”

Additional speakers included Kenneth Wong, PhD, UMB’s vice provost for graduate education and dean of the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies, and Jill Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FNAP, professor and chair of P-SHOR.

Wong emphasized the enduring value of knowledge and the vital role that human connection plays in the age of rapid technological change. “This knowledge you’ve gained is a precious gift, built on generations of science, innovation, and discovery,” he said. “In a time when technology, including AI, is rapidly transforming health care, your ability to offer empathy, to connect, and to walk alongside patients in difficult moments is more essential than ever.”

Morgan reflected on the evolution of the palliative care program and applauded the graduates’ commitment to excellence and collaboration. “You are paving the way for future generations in palliative care,” she said. “This program was built with interprofessional teamwork at its core, and you’ve exemplified that beautifully. We are so proud of the clinicians, educators, and innovators you’ve become.”

During the ceremony, Patricia Moyle Wright, PhD, CHPN, was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to the program.

“Although my role is to share my expertise, I have learned as much from my students as I have shared with them,” said Wright. “In light, there is hope. In hope, there is room for a dream… This is the path you have traversed – ultimately achieving your dreams today.”

Moving messages from the graduating class were delivered by Arlen Gaines, PhD ‘25, and Barbarita Lee, MS ‘25, RN, who reflected on the unique challenges and transformative experiences of the program.

“The power of interprofessional education moved me out of my comfort zone and launched me to a higher elevation – like seeing above the clouds,” said Gaines, one of the two PhD in palliative care graduates. “We’ve been given the gift of seeing beyond the horizon, and now we must keep elevating.”

Lee, an MS graduate from Mexico and incoming PhD student, reflected on her journey to build palliative care infrastructure in her region.

“This program allowed me to keep working in my country, keep focusing on that goal, without having to uproot my family. We leave here as leaders. Let’s commit to lead and teach others with compassion, grace, and empathy.”

Lee concluded with a message that resonated across time zones. “Our online program may be ending – just like the journeys we help our patients and families navigate – but we leave here and step into the world. Now, as leaders in palliative care.”

Housed within UMSOP, the Graduate Studies in Palliative Care program is designed for working professionals across disciplines. Its interprofessional, team-based model and customizable curriculum equip graduates with tools to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing life-limiting illness.

The ceremony concluded with a final address from McPherson, who urged the graduates to stay connected to the program and to each other. “When I think of the impact you will all have in your careers caring for people at the most vulnerable point in their lives, I actually get goosebumps,” she said. “As Mother Teresa said, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.’ You’ve already started creating those ripples.”

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