Sandra Oh just became a doctor, and fans of Grey’s Anatomy were quick to celebrate. She received an honorary doctorate of arts from Dartmouth College and gave the commencement speech.
Oh, who played Dr Cristina Yang on the long-running medical drama, spoke to the graduating class with a message inspired by her character. She said: “When the world gets hard, or when it’s good – especially when it’s good, like today – by yourself, with people you love, with strangers, always take the time to dance it out!”
After her speech, the crowd of more than 10,000 people joined her and danced as David Guetta’s song “Titanium” played. The moment brought big reactions from fans online, especially those who remembered the “dance it out” ritual from the show.
One fan said it felt like Cristina Yang had returned for a moment. Others posted about how iconic and emotional the moment was, calling it perfect.
On Instagram, Sandra shared the news with a photo and said: “A Dr. for real reals!! (Okay, honorary) @DartmouthCollege for letting me DANCE IT OUT w/ the Dartmouth Grads of ‘25 & the privilege of giving this yrs Commencement Speech.”
In her speech, she also talked about the value of discomfort. She said: “Nothing has taught me more than being with discomfort. It can be our greatest learning opportunity. And it is also inevitable.”
Oh added: “If you can train yourself not to turn away, but instead learn to be with your discomfort and trust that it might be telling you something you don’t yet know. It can help you develop an inner strength that will enable you to face the challenges life presents you with, without losing your values or your sense of self along the way.”
For fans who watched her as Cristina Yang, the whole thing felt like a full-circle moment. Even though it was honorary, Sandra Oh being called doctor again meant something extra.