Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated the College's 126th DO Commencement on June 3 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
PCOM graduated the latest group of osteopathic physicians in a ceremony filled with excitement and celebration on Saturday during the College’s 126th DO Commencement. Two-hundred fifty seven newly-minted doctors now join the more than 100,000 DOs currently practicing in the US.
Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and CEO, urged the graduates to consider what type of doctor they wanted to be—for themselves, and for their patients.
“How will they remember you? Were you kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and trustworthy?” he asked. “During your academic studies did you simultaneously engage in self-study? Today, do you have a better understanding of yourselves?”
Graduates also heard from physician-turned-entrepreneur Keith Leaphart, DO ’03, MBA, who presented present the Commencement address. Dr. Leaphart is president and CEO of Replica Creative and the founder of Wallsome, chair of the Board of Directors for the Lenfest Foundation, and practices medicine at the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. A proponent and practitioner of community service, Dr. Leaphart encouraged graduates to apply their training in osteopathic medicine to the world outside the medical profession.
“No one is better equipped at treating the whole person than a doctor of osteopathic medicine, and sometimes that treatment plan includes the work we do in the community,” he said. “Use your intellect and talents to help create a society that recognizes that we’re all interconnected on the health and strength of each other.”
The College also honored two professors emeriti: William A. Nickey, DO ’66, former professor, internal medicine and former co-chair of nephrology, and William Gilhool, DO, former professor, internal medicine former chair of gastroenterology, for their service to the institution and their contribution to their respective fields.
Dr. Feldstein sent the graduates out into the new world of healthcare—one that is focusing ever more on teamwork—with these thoughts: “Work hard, tackle challenges [and] position yourselves as healthcare leaders, but remember that your happiness is dictated by your relationships with others—in all areas of your lives.”
View a Facebook Live feed of the 2017 Commencement ceremony.
Read about the GA-PCOM Commencement ceremonies.
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.
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