Medical class of 1994 alumna Maureen G. Phipps, M.D., M.P.H., has been selected as commencement speaker for the Larner College of Medicine graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ira Allen Chapel. 

Phipps is a physician executive with expertise in academic medicine, quality improvement, women’s health research, nonprofit management, and advocacy leadership. She is professor emerita of obstetrics and gynecology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and chief executive officer of MGP Strategies, LLC. She collaborates with physician leaders, health care executives, and organizations to clarify objectives, design strategies, address obstacles, and navigate challenges with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment.

While at UVM, Phipps served as vice president of the Medical Student Council and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, composed of fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, research, professionalism, service to the school and community, and clinical acumen. She also received the Carbee Award for Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Upon graduation, she completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, followed by a fellowship with the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar Program at the University of Michigan, where she earned a master of public health degree.

During her tenure at Brown University, Phipps served as chair of obstetrics and gynecology, assistant dean for teaching and research in women’s health, and executive chief of women’s health for the Care New England Health System. Phipps spearheaded numerous initiatives in research, education, policy, and program development. Her leadership included directing the National Institutes of Health–funded Women’s Reproductive Health Research Scholars Program, advancing strategic programs, leading the Rhode Island Task Force on Premature Birth, and overseeing the Brown and Women & Infants Hospital National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. She served as CEO of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists from 2019 to 2023. She has participated in multiple leadership development programs and is a certified executive coach. Her research and academic contributions fostered collaboration across departments, hospitals, and state agencies. She has received numerous distinguished teaching and mentoring awards for her dedication to nurturing future leaders in medicine and women’s health.

Graduating medical student Rachel Thompson from Maynard, Massachusetts, will also address the class. During medical school, Thompson led the Here to Help Student Interest Group, which provides monthly service days for homeless community members in Burlington with free meals, clothing, haircuts, toiletries, and access to showers. In addition, Thompson was selected for an Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, which immerses medical and graduate students in a mentored experiential learning and leadership program focusing on addressing the health needs of underserved people. Additionally, she advocated for survivors of domestic violence in Connecticut and conducted research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Rup Tandan, M.D., lab in Burlington. Thompson will begin a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mount Sinai Hospital in July.

The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded.

View the 2025 Larner Commencement Ceremony livestream May 18 at 3:00 p.m.