Lewis First, M.D., M.S., chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont (UVM) Health, and medical student Maisie Laud ’26 will address the graduating class at this year’s Commencement ceremony for the Larner College of Medicine, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 3 p.m. in the Ira Allen Chapel on the University of Vermont campus.
Dr. First is a Harvard-trained pediatrician and epidemiologist who has served UVM for more than three decades, making him the longest-serving pediatric chair in the nation. A nationally recognized leader in medical education, he helped create the Vermont Integrated Curriculum and spent 16 years as editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics.
Many in Vermont are familiar with Dr. First for his long-running weekly media segments “First with Kids,” which provide trusted guidance to families. His contributions to children’s health have been recognized with the Holroyd Sherry Award and the 2024 Friend of Broadcasters Award from the Vermont Association of Broadcasters, making him only the sixth recipient in the award’s 29-year history.
Dr. First has received numerous local and national honors for his teaching, mentorship, and leadership, including the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Robert J. Glazier Distinguished Teacher Award, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ National Medical Education Award, and the Miller-Sarkin Mentoring Award. He was recognized for his media contributions to children’s health with the Holroyd-Sherry Award and later received the Joseph W. Saint Geme Jr. Leadership Award and UVM’s George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award—the first medical school faculty member to earn this university-wide distinction. He was named chair emeritus and honorary member for life of the National Board of Medical Examiners, selected as an inaugural member of the National Academy of Distinguished Educators in Pediatrics, and most recently received the Larner College of Medicine Teaching Academy’s Distinguished Service Award. He has authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications and co-edited five textbooks.
Dr. First is celebrated throughout the state as a tireless, compassionate leader who transformed children’s health care in Vermont, built top-tier training programs, supported families and colleagues through their hardest moments, and led with humor, humanity, and an unwavering focus on what’s best for kids and families. He is retiring at the end of June 2026.
Graduating medical student Maisie Laud will also address the class. Throughout her time at Larner, Laud held active roles and several campus leadership positions and pursued research in medical education and quality improvement, with a focus on gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. She has presented her work at regional and national academic conferences. Laud also contributed to the medical school community through her involvement in the arts—specifically stand-up comedy. Drawing on her background in theatre, she has been an advocate for the integration of the humanities in medical education and for fostering community and resilience among both peers and patients.
Laud most recently received the H. Gordon Page, M.D.’45 Award for Excellence in Surgery at the college’s annual Honors Night on May 12. This award is given to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated exceptional aptitude, skill, and promise in the field of surgery. Laud will pursue her residency in general surgery at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
The ceremony will also include remarks from UVM President Marlene Tromp, Ph.D., Larner Dean and UVM Chief Medical Affairs Officer Richard L. Page, M.D., and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Christa Zehle, M.D.