The graduate programs commencement ceremony was held at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth on July 27, 2021.
Seventy-seven graduate students received their diplomas from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) President Jay S. Feldstein, DO ‘81, at PCOM Georgia’s commencement ceremony held Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The event, attended by family, friends and faculty members took place at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.
The graduate class of 2021 included 49 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences students and 28 MS in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant Studies students.
Gregory McDonald, DO ‘89, dean of the School of Health Sciences, noted, “The advances in the behavioral, social and health science fields that will occur in the career span of these graduates will eclipse that of previous generations.”
Dr. Feldstein addressed the graduates saying, “Your class is different in ways that I cannot fathom. You had to navigate your graduate studies amid a global pandemic, amid uncommon political unrest, amid sweeping movements against racism and for equity and justice; yet, you did so with grace determination, dignity and courage.”
Lori Redmond, PhD, director of the biomedical sciences program and a professor of anatomy, said she knew there were big smiles under the graduates’ masked faces as they sat in socially distanced chairs.
Redmond quoted a fellow faculty member’s observation who said, “I was amazed by how much the students learned and am inspired by their resilience. They keep me optimistic about our future and I am more grateful than they know for that gift.” She then challenged the students to make personal and professional growth a lifelong goal.
“Be kind. Be humble. Be respectful. Speak for those without a voice.” This was the charge Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C, chair and professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, presented.
She said, “The work was not easy because being a healthcare provider is not easy. The responsibility you will bear for patients is tremendous. You have chosen a rigorous, but noble profession, and you have earned the right to practice.”
The theme of hope and sacrifice permeated keynote speaker John Fleischmann, EdD, MBA, MPA’s remarks. The retired founding chief executive officer of PCOM Georgia also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the college for his “demonstrated commitment to quality performance and leadership in education” through his 30-year career, not only with PCOM Georgia, but also with Georgia State University and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
After answering their final roll call, the class of 2021 turned their tassels from right to left as the audience erupted in applause.
Lauren Miller, MS/PA ‘21, described her feelings about graduation. She said, “I am very lucky to have been a part of the class of 2021. The students, the faculty have all been wonderful and I think we’ve all shown our resilience, our flexibility and the ability to overcome what we have been through over the past year. It’s really amazing and special that we get to be here today celebrating in person together before we embark on our careers.”
Other graduates shared their plans for next year. John Price, MS/PA ’21, will work in urology at a practice in Atlanta, and Kyle Mace, MS/PA ’21, will work as a physician assistant in the operating room at University Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. Laurie’l Latimer, MS/Biomed ’21, with a medical simulation concentration, will be a DO student at PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie this fall.
Prior to graduation, 23 students, members of the Alpha Psi chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda, a national honor society for graduate and professional school students, were honored at a graduation brunch.
In addition, seven biomedical sciences graduates received awards, while four physician assistant studies graduates were recognized, all for their distinguished academic performance and service to the College and the community.
Established in 2005, PCOM Georgia is a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education with a storied 125-year history dedicated to the healthcare professions. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
Jamesia Harrison, MS
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Email: jamesiaha@pcom.edu
Office: 678-225-7532 | Cell: 470-572-7558
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