PCOM graduates will go on to serve in numerous professional fields including healthcare, education, forensics and more.
On Friday, July 26, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) graduated 257 master’s and doctorate-level students. These graduates will go on to serve in a number of professional fields including healthcare, education, mental health counseling, forensics and public health.
During the ceremony, Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, encouraged the graduates to remember their time at PCOM and reflect on the healthcare professionals they will now become. “No matter your role, you must strive to be focused on the whole person,” said Dr. Feldstein. “Feel pride in your work and always proffer a sense of compassion.”
Philip C. Kendall, PhD, ABPP, Distinguished University Professor and Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology at Temple University, delivered the ceremony’s commencement address. “Be honest, be human and speak truth to power,” shared Dr. Kendall. Throughout his address, Dr. Kendall encouraged the graduates to always stand up for what’s right and focus on pursuing progress through scientific testing. He was awarded an honorary degree from PCOM.
PCOM also awarded honorary degrees to Thomas A. Wadden, PhD, professor of psychology in psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and John R. Wallace, PhD, professor of biology at Millersville University.
Gary J. Beard, PhD ’19, was the College’s first recipient of a doctor of philosophy in educational psychology degree.
PCOM also awarded the following degrees: Master of Science in Forensic Medicine, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in School Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Aging and Long-Term Care Administration, Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration, Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology, Educational Specialist in School Psychology and Master of Science in Health Sciences – 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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