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.
Established 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, 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.
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