PCOM Georgia Commencement Ceremony

Attendees must receive a ticket from a PCOM student in order to enter the ceremony. Please visit our FAQ page to view answers to frequently asked questions about the Commencement Ceremony.

Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Those requiring additional seating assistance may enter at 11 a.m. Doors close at 12:45 p.m. Late arrivals will be required to wait outside the ceremony space until the conclusion of the processional.

Important Reminders

• Prior to the event, please be sure to designate an appropriate location for meeting your guests/student.
• Arrive early in preparation for additional security measures.
• Please allow adequate time to arrive, park, enter the facility, and be seated prior to the ceremony. The ceremony will start promptly at the advertised time.
• Each guest over the age of three (3) must have an individual ticket to enter the ceremony.
• Please have your ticket in hand or opened on your phone as you approach the entrance.
• The venue has a clear bag policy. Please plan accordingly.
• Limit the number of personal items brought inside the venue.
• You are allowed to enter the venue with a bottle of water and a snack if you have specific dietary needs.

JD Polk, DO, MS, MMM, CPE, FACOEP, FAsMA

Dr. Polk is the former dean of medicine for Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to his work at Des Moines University, Dr. Polk was the assistant secretary (acting) for health affairs and chief medical officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assuming this post after serving as the principal deputy assistant secretary for health affairs and deputy chief medical officer. Before coming to DHS, Dr. Polk was the chief of space medicine for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He is the former state emergency medical services medical director for the state of Ohio and former chief of Metro Life Flight in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Polk is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, fellow of the Aerospace Medicine Association, and fellow of Extreme and Wilderness Medicine.

Dr. Polk received his degree in osteopathic medicine from the A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri. He completed his residency in emergency medicine with the Mt. Sinai hospitals via Ohio University and completed his training in aerospace medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is triple board certified in emergency medicine and aerospace medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, the American Osteopath Board of Emergency Medicine, and the American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Polk holds a master in science in space studies from the American Military University, a master in medical management from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, and a master’s certificate in public health from the University of New England.

Dr. Polk is well published in the fields of emergency medicine, disaster medicine, space medicine, and medical management. He is a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has received numerous awards and commendations including citations from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, White House Medical Unit, Association of Air Medical Services, and U.S. Air Force, and he has received the NASA Center Director’s Commendation, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the National Security and International Affairs Medal, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.

Reprinted with permission from nasa.gov.

Free parking for the ceremony is available in Deck #1 [view map]. The name of the event is "PCOM Georgia" if you are asked by the parking attendant.

The Deck 1 parking garage is covered. There is also a covered drop-off area in the loop just outside the main entrance of the Gas South Convention Center. Visit the Gas South District parking page for additional information.

View Nearby Hotels

The Westin Hotel is attached to the Gas South Convention Center where Commencement will be held and will be offering PCOM guests a special rate. Additional details will be provided when available.

Use #PCOMgrad to share your PCOM Georgia commencement photos, videos, memories, well wishes and celebratory moments. View our social media directory to find a listing of PCOM Georgia's social media accounts or visit our social wall to see recent posts.

For questions regarding the commencement ceremony, contact studentaffairsevents@pcom.edu.