PCOM Celebrates 19th Graduate Programs Commencement
August 6, 2018
The ceremony also marked graduation of the inaugural class of the Aging and Long-Term
Care Administration program.
Two hundred forty-nine students received their advanced degrees from PCOM’s various
graduate programs on July 27, marking the transition into the next phase of their professional lives.
The ceremony also marked the graduation of the inaugural class of the MS program in
Aging and Long-Term Care Administration, launched in 2016 and aimed at professionals
who are interested in advancing their career in the growing field of aging services.
Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and CEO, called upon all the graduating students to apply the osteopathic philosophy to all that they do.
“No matter your role—as a clinical or school psychologist or mental health counselor;
as a forensic specialist; as an organizational leader; as a public health or long-term
care administrator; as a researcher, scientist, or toxicologist; or as a physician
assistant—you must strive to be focused on the whole person,” he said.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Judith S. Beck, PhD, is president of Beck Institute
for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). In this capacity, she is involved with administration,
teaching and supervising mental health professionals, treating patients, writing,
developing educational materials and consultation. She has been a consultant for research
studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and assists hospitals, residency
training programs, community mental health centers and other organizations set up
or improve their cognitive therapy programs. She also has written hundreds of articles,
chapters and books on the various applications of cognitive therapy.
In her keynote address, Dr. Beck explained to the graduating students how CBT could
be useful not only to their patients, but to themselves.
“I think people should pursue a life chock full of what is meaningful to them, which
can lead to a greater sense of well-being. That’s what CBT can help with,” said Dr.
Beck, noting that CBT could help reduce burnout, improve relationships and increase
problem-solving.
“For a sense of well-being and satisfaction, it’s important to live life according
to your values,” she added.
Students received doctorate or master’s degrees in the following programs: Clinical Psychology; School Psychology; Counseling and
Clinical Health Psychology; Mental Health Counseling; Organizational Development and
Leadership; Public Health Management and Administration; Aging and Long-Term Care
Administration; Forensic Medicine; Biomedical Sciences; and Physician Assistant Studies.
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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, 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 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, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
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.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360