One hundred forty-eight Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and 18 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degrees were conferred in the School of Osteopathic Medicine’s fifth Commencement Ceremony today at Barker-Lane Stadium.
The commencement exercises are the University’s first in the Spring 2021 graduation week celebrations and marks a return to in-person celebrations while still observing health safety precautions with limited attendance and social distancing requirements. All health care providers and educators, graduates, faculty, and staff have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Jim Powers, associate dean for clinical integration, welcomed the graduates.
“We are so proud of each of you – the amazing things you have accomplished, your hard work, your persistence, dedication and resilience. Most importantly we are proud of who you are as caring compassionate people with a genuine heart for serving others.”
“Not only have you completed incredibly rigorous academic programs, but you have done it in the on-going SARS COV-2 pandemic – the greatest public health emergency in over a century. In the face of this adversity, you stepped up. You overcame so many challenges, and you grew in ways you never imagined.”
Dr. J. Bradley Creed, president of the university, commended the graduates for their embodiment of school motto over the past year – ad astra per aspera – “to the stars through difficulty”.
“This year has an added bonus within it – you have had a front row seat. Your attention has been arrested in ways it would not have been otherwise when you studied immunology, epidemiology, infectious disease, comorbidities, and public health. It has accentuated your learning and as you look back you will remember this as a time when history was made. We will continue to learn from this year, and we are excited about the days ahead for you.”
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, physician to the President of the United States, delivered the keynote address reminding the students they share this accomplishment with their loved ones who supported and cheered them on to this day and asked them to be good doctors.
“Unlike many ceremonial walks, this one changes who you are. When you exit stage right, you are a doctor.”
“Be a good doctor…to be a good doctor is different than being a skilled doctor. Hopefully, you will be both, but good is more important. The things that make you good are the intangibles – good doctors make eye contact, good doctors are active listeners, good doctors truly empathize…good doctors genuinely love their patients. Love your patients with abandon.”
Dr. Brian Kessler, dean of the school of osteopathic medicine, closed the ceremony with words of advice and led the graduates in taking the Osteopathic Oath.
“You are now given the responsibility to change the world, always remain honest, and work with others to move medicine forward in a positive light….Learn and improve each day, and rest and refresh each day as well. I wish everyone good luck and Godspeed as you step into your next great adventure.”
For more information on where the DO graduates will continue their training in residency, visit our Match Day news release: https://news.campbell.edu/articles/campbell-medicine-celebrates-2021-match-day/
For more information on the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, visit our webpage: https://medicine.campbell.edu/academics/degrees/biomedical-sciences-msbs/