This May, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of over 800 graduates across its three campuses. Commencement ceremonies honored students from all doctoral and graduate programs within the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Professional and Applied Psychology, the School of Health Professions and Sciences and the School of Pharmacy, marking a meaningful milestone as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their careers.
The celebrations began on May 15 at PCOM South Georgia, where graduates gathered at the John Hunt Auditorium. Joseph Anthony Giaimo, DO '87, FCCP, MACOI, a Navy veteran and former president of the American Osteopathic Association, delivered the keynote address. He reflected on decades of experience in health care and leadership, inspiring graduates from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Health Professions and Sciences.
PCOM Georgia followed on May 20 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. Carol H. Burrell, retired president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System, addressed the crowd, drawing on more than 40 years of healthcare leadership. Graduates from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Health Professions and Sciences were recognized. The ceremony also honored longtime faculty member William Delp, DO, with the title of professor emeritus.
The final celebration for PCOM took place on May 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Jack Lynch, FACHE, president and CEO of Main Line Health, delivered the keynote ahead of his retirement from Main Line Health on June 30. Lynch emphasized the importance of equity, patient-centered care and servant leadership. The event recognized graduates across all doctoral and graduate programs, and Denah Appelt, PhD, was named professor emerita in recognition of more than 20 years of service to the College.
Across all campuses, PCOM's newest graduates were honored for their resilience, compassion and commitment to enter their chosen vocation. Among Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students, 99% secured postgraduate placement, including nearly half entering primary care specialties. The Class of 2025 is poised to make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
This year's class was diverse in more ways than one. The youngest graduate was just 22 years old, with the oldest being 60. The most popular first names were Hannah and Daniel, with Patel topping the list of common last names. And in a fun twist, eight graduates had the letters P-C-O-M in their names—a fitting tribute to the institution that shaped their journey.
As these graduates begin their professional journeys in medicine, pharmacy, psychology and health sciences, they carry forward the values and training that define PCOM's mission: to serve the healthcare needs of their communities with skill, empathy and purpose.
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.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
© 2025 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
