PCOM Celebrates 23rd Annual Graduate Programs Commencement

August 2, 2022

On July 29, 2022, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) celebrated its 23rd annual graduate programs commencement to award students who've completed master's and doctorate-level coursework. These graduates will go on to work in professional fields including psychology, healthcare, education and public health. The event was hosted at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

Jay Feldstein, DO '81, PCOM's president and CEO, addressed the graduates and reflected on the unique challenges these students experienced during their time at PCOM. “You navigated your graduate studies amid a pandemic, unlike anything the world has seen in a century. You experienced how a novel virus could divide our nation. You witnessed how it could take the lives of more than a million Americans, and 15 million people around the globe, and leave countless others to suffer long-term health and mental health effects,” shared Dr. Feldstein. He encouraged these graduates to lead by example and shared some important advice, “Respect diversity and promote inclusion. Stand with dignity and purpose. Be driven by kindness, compassion, and empathy.”

Francisco J. Diaz, MD, FCAP, FASCP, one of the country's foremost experts in forensic pathology, delivered this year's commencement address. During his speech, Dr. Diaz reflected on the importance of society having professionals skilled in fields like mental health and biomedical sciences. “The future is people. The future is not an iPad or computers, the future is people. What we do is a reflection of what society is and your education is something that no one can take away from you. I can say, as an immigrant, you can take that knowledge with you anywhere and survive,” shared Dr. Diaz. Dr. Diaz is currently the chief medical examiner at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Washington, D.C.

Both students and faculty alike shared in the excitement and acknowledged the hard work and commitment that was needed to arrive at graduation. Kara Steck, MS/PA '22, class president of the physician assistant studies program shared, “Every graduate here today has persevered in the face of unforeseen adversity to reach this milestone, and I could not be more proud of my fellow classmates.” Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, chair of the Department of School Psychology, applauded the students' flexibility, saying, “Many of the students graduating today were in the first year of their program when the pandemic started. Their ability to adapt and remain committed was crucial to their success.”

At this ceremony, PCOM 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 Organizational Development and Leadership, Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration, Master of Science in Non Profit Leadership and Population Health Management, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, Educational Specialist in School Psychology and Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies.

William Richard Miller, PhD, was also awarded an honorary PCOM degree during the ceremony.

Guests were invited to view the ceremonies live on the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Facebook page and YouTube channel. PCOM followed the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the City of Philadelphia to ensure the safety of attendees.

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