Dennis S. Charney, MD, at Commencement: A Final Address, a Career to Remember

Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, giving the Commencement address

In the 18 years that Dennis S. Charney, MD, has served as the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he has often applauded the achievements of graduating students during Commencement while calling upon them to be resilient during difficult times.

On Thursday, May 8, at the School’s 56th Commencement, the message of resilience resounded, but this time more aptly so—this was Dr. Charney’s last Commencement speech, and he reflected upon how staying the course in the face of challenges rang true throughout his life and career.

“Our school has faced hurdles along the way,” Dr. Charney told the crowd at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. He described the institution having to overcome its financial difficulties in 2003, navigating the Great Recession in 2008, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Yes, these are challenges, but we have prevailed in the past. And we shall prevail again,” he said.

In his final address as Dean, Dr. Charney imparted some wisdom to the Class of 2025. Here’s a look at the themes he brought up.

“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.”

Even as students, the Class of 2025 has made an impact. They have made important scientific discoveries about human disease, been passionate advocates for human rights, and shown potential to be exceptional physicians and scientists, said Dr. Charney.

However, the challenges do not stop once they leave the Icahn School. “You will face situations when you cannot heal a patient, or worse, where you cannot save a patient,” he said. “You will experience disappointment along the way as you try to make scientific breakthroughs. You may even experience skepticism and ridicule.”

Staying resilient in the face of challenges will be key. “What matters is how you meet disappointment and failure—which is far more important than how you embrace success,” said Dr. Charney. “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts,” he said, quoting Winston Churchill.