This year, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) celebrates both the many achievements of its graduates and the College's historic 125th anniversary. From its inception to the present day, PCOM has remained dedicated to the principles of osteopathic medicine, embodying narratives of growth and achievement that have been reflected in the milestone moments of Commencement ceremonies throughout its history.
As the Class of 2024 steps into the future, let's reflect on those who laid PCOM’s foundation.
In the fall of 1899, enrollment comprised 11 students, and the College awarded its first degree to a transfer student.
W. B. Keene, DO 1900, and Gene G. Banker, DO 1900, were the first two original graduates of Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy (PCIO). Both were transfer students. Dr. Banker was PCIO's first woman student who practiced in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood until the 1960s.
PCIO held its first formal and public Commencement on June 26, 1902. The Philadelphia Orchestra played as the Class of 1902, faculty and speakers, clad in academic gowns, marched upon the platform in Witherspoon Hall.
In September 1902, graduates of the first three classes called a meeting with a view to "promoting the prosperity, and extending the influence of their Alma Mater." They adopted an organizational plan that became the beginning of the PCOM Alumni Association, which has operated continuously since.
Meta L. Christy, DO 1921, graduated as the College’s first African American student and the first African American doctor of osteopathic medicine in the nation, as recognized by the American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Barth addressed the class of 1958 at the College's 67th Commencement exercises and said: "The spirit of our college is alert and vibrant… I wish to emphasize that we are progressing because we are a family, and ever since this college was founded in 1899, members of this family have been giving of themselves, their knowledge, and their substance to further our common cause."
The class of 1973 completed their course just as Evans Hall was dedicated. This year witnessed PCOM's campus move to City Avenue. Its inaugural Commencement exercises were held at Philadelphia's Academy of Music.
PCOM's 100th graduating class was awarded their degrees on June 2, 1991, at the Academy of Music.
After nearly a century of training physicians, PCOM launched its first graduate program, the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 1993. This transformative era was marked with the graduation of its first five students in June 1995.
Former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina delivered an inspiring Commencement address to the class of 1999 during PCOM's centennial celebrations.
Responding to a growing need for healthcare providers in the South, PCOM established a new, state-of-the-art branch campus in Suwanee, Georgia, in 2005. PCOM Georgia's first graduating class of 78 new physicians received their diplomas on May 17, 2009.
PCOM South Georgia opened in Moultrie, Georgia, in 2019 as the only medical school in southwest Georgia. The Class of 2023 were the first doctors of osteopathic medicine to graduate from the teaching location.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We invite you to celebrate your accomplishments on social media and join the Commencement conversation. Use #PCOMgrad to share your PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia photos, videos, memories, well wishes and celebratory moments.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Kristen Hopf
Communications Content Specialist
Email: kristenho1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6303
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine