Our Speaker: Patricia Beach, MD UTMB Department of Pediatrics
Patricia Beach is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and former director of the Division of General Academic Pediatrics and the ABC Child Safety and Protection Team at UTMB. She graduated from medical school at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed her residency and chief residency at UTMB.
Dr. Beach spent many years as a pediatric educator. She was a consultant to the National Board of Medical Examiners and received the Edith J. Levit Distinguished Service Award. She is a member of the University of Texas Ken Shine Academy of Health Science Education. She was a key consultant in the development of the Academic Pediatrics Association Guidelines for Residency Training in General Pediatrics. Her professional focus shifted to Child Abuse in 2013, and in 2016 as she accepted responsibility as the Director Department of Pediatrics child maltreatment program. She is a member of the Academic Pediatrics Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Texas Pediatric Society and its Committees on Child Abuse and Neglect and Foster Care and the Ray E. Helfer Society, an honorary society of physicians seeking to provide medical leadership regarding the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research concerning child abuse and neglect.
Dr. Beach has been honored for her teaching excellence with many awards and honors. She takes great joy and satisfaction from the accomplishments of the many learners she has mentored. She is an emeritus member and past chair of the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine at UTMB, an entity charged with sustaining a culture that values and practices principles of scientifically based compassionate care.
Location and Event Day Parking
Arrival and Seating
Each student in the Class of 2027 may invited up to eight guests. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will close once the venue reaches maximum capacity, as determined by the fire marshal.
Accessibility Services
UTMB is committed to ensuring all students and guests can fully participate in the ceremony. Students, family members, and guests who require ADA accommodations are welcome; however, advanced arrangements are required to confirm appropriate seating. One companion may sit with each individual requiring accommodation, and both will be provided assigned seating in a designated area. Additional family members and friends will be seated in the general audience.
To request accommodation, please email Courtney Zapata by Monday, May 19th, 2026.
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