PCOM Celebrates DO Class of 2019 Commencement
May 30, 2019
260 graduates will go on to join the more than 100,000 osteopathic physicians that
are currently in practice in the United States.
On Friday, May 24th, PCOM graduated 260 osteopathic physicians in a ceremony that highlighted the importance of collaboration and patient understanding
in the ever-changing world of healthcare. These graduates will go on to join the more
than 100,000 doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) that are currently in practice
in the US.
“The best physicians are those that strive to develop and retain compassion in the
face of constant exposure to human pain and suffering,” said Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and CEO of PCOM, in his address to the graduates. “Compassion is the embodiment
of the wholeness of our osteopathic philosophy, the true recognition of the person’s
mind, body and spirit,” he continued.
The graduates were also addressed by commencement speaker Daniel J. Hilferty, CEO
of Independence Health Group, parent of Independence Blue Cross, one of the nation’s
leading health insurers. “You are one of a very special group, one who answered the
call of the world’s greatest and highest impact profession,” said Mr. Hilferty. “Be
the one to transform how we care for one another in your own authentic way.”
As a thought leader in healthcare, Mr. Hilferty also spoke about the importance of
collaboration between physicians and healthcare organizations and the need to expand
affordable healthcare for all Americans. He also invited the graduates to meet with
the team at Independence Health Group to help the company better understand the unique
needs of today’s physicians.
At the ceremony, the College also presented Charlotte Greene, PhD, and John Simelaro,
DO ’71, with the honor of professors emeriti, in appreciation of their continued service
to the PCOM community and recognition of excellence in their respective fields.
You May Also Like:
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