The commencement ceremony for the College of Medicine class of 2010 will take place this Saturday, May 22. It is certain to be an emotional and exciting day as 130 men and women receive their medical degrees and complete the first chapter of their medical careers. Here we will spotlight a small sample of our graduates in hopes of providing a glimpse of this exceptional class of medical students.

Although Julia Henry has enjoyed her time in medical school, she’s looking forward to her residency training, where she will finally be able to apply the quality education she has received at UF’s College of Medicine.

After graduation, Julie Henry, fourth-year medical student, will start her residency in at the University of North Carolina Health Care in Chapel Hill, N.C., specializing in pediatric neurology. Photo by Priscilla Santos

“I can’t wait to hopefully reach that day where I feel like I know – 100 percent — what I’m doing and exactly how to take care of patients on my own,” says Henry, who was raised in Orlando. “And I will have the College of Medicine and the faculty to thank for that.”

The 2010 graduate will begin her residency at University of North Carolina Health Care in Chapel Hillthis summer, specializing in pediatric neurology.

Henry always knew she wanted to work with children, but her interest in pediatric neurology unfolded during the neurology course she took her first year in medical school.

“Neurology just fascinated me from the start,” says Henry, who received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from UF in 2006.

Her decision to stay at UF to attend medical school was based on the quality of the reputation of the College of Medicine.

She doesn’t regret her choice one bit.

“I absolutely loved getting my medical training from the College of Medicine,” she says. “I will never forget the amazing staff, faculty and classmates I’ve had these past four years.”