Seven DO graduates receive military promotions

Seven Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine candidates received military promotions in the United States Army, Navy and Air Force at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual Military Promotion Ceremony held on Wednesday.

Attention to Orders was delivered by Maj. Adam I. Coates, station officer in charge, Raleigh Army Health Care Recruiting, and each student doctor took an Oath of Office for the respective branch of the military where they will complete their medical residency.

Former major Dr. Don Maharty, regional associate dean for Campbell Medicine at Cape Fear Valley Health, presided over the ceremony and introduced keynote speaker Col. (Ret.) Dr. David D. Ellis.  Dr. Ellis encouraged the soon-to-be military physicians to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities military medicine will provide them as well as the comradery.

“Think about choosing those rotations that make you stretch – they are a little more difficult and will take you into areas outside your comfort zone.  In the future, it will serve you so well…[Later in your career,]  you might take on leadership positions, but continue to see patients and practice your skill because whatever you do that knowledge and experience will help you beyond anything you can study in a book.”

“The experience with your fellow residents and staff through the years, there is no price tag on that.  Those friendships are forever and are in the context of serving our country, and in some cases deploying to places where you are serving – when that happens, you have a friend for life.”

University President, Dr. J. Bradley Creed brought words of congratulations and also his thoughts on the opportunities before the military graduates.

“In the 135 years of this place, Campbell University has been providing opportunities…my father served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict.  He was a medical officer in southern Japan, and for a boy who grew up in a small town in Arkansas, that service opened up a whole new world for him.”

“He saw a part of the world and cultures he had never seen before. He met people he would never have met – many of whom are life long friends to this day.  It allowed him to practice his profession, for which he had diligently and fervently studied, and it gave him the opportunity and honor to serve his country.” 

“I hope we have made good on our promise to give you an opportunity to pursue a dream that you harbored in your heart and now your country gives you an opportunity for even greater service.” 

“Today, I give you my congratulations on your academic achievements, and I also give you my respect for the service you are already doing for our country.  We’re so very proud of you.”

“God bless you, and Go Camels!”

Class of 2022 Graduation Military Promotees