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.
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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