graduation

Decorated U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon and Pilot Inspires New Physicians at SWAG��ƵMilitary Promotion Ceremony

ebailey — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:44:08 +0000

Decorated U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon and Pilot Inspires New Physicians at SWAG��ƵMilitary Promotion Ceremony ebailey Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:44

Decorated U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon and Pilot Inspires New Physicians at SWAG��ƵMilitary Promotion Ceremony

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On Saturday, May 18, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia, held its annual Military Promotion Ceremony honoring the military graduates of the Class of 2024. Surrounded by classmates, friends, family, faculty, staff and administration, 12 graduates were promoted to the military ranks at which they will begin serving the United States Army, Navy and Air Force. These 12 service members were part of the 174 VCOM-Virginia graduates who received their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees at the college’s commencement ceremony, which was held the following day.

The new physicians had been recipients of the Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP) from the military branch in which they will serve and will repay the scholarship by working one year in their respective military branch for each year they received the scholarship.

This year’s military promotion ceremony featured remarks by former military physician Frederic A. Rawlins III, DO, advisor to the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) and a graduate of the SWAG��ƵClass of 2010. SWAG��ƵChairman of the Board John Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, delivered the invocation.

The keynote address was given by physician Captain Kris Belland, DO, MPH, MC, US Navy (Retired). Dr. Belland is a highly accomplished medical professional with a distinguished career. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he served more than 30 years in the US Navy. He was a rare dually-designated naval aviator and naval flight surgeon, as well as a surface warfare medical department officer. He accumulated 2,000 flight hours, 112 arrested landings and participated in 25 combat missions. His exceptional service earned him numerous prestigious awards. Captain Belland is board-certified in family practice and aerospace medicine, and he has been a fellow of the Aerospace Medicine Association and president of the International Association of Military Flight Surgeons and Pilots.

In his address, Dr. Belland called on the SWAG��Ƶgraduates to find their passion, as he did in the field of flight and aerospace medicine. He spoke of the responsibility and reward of providing medical care as a trusted physician and the importance of self-care when treating patients in the extreme conditions of military operations.

As the first osteopathic physician to lead the Aerospace Medical Association, Dr. Belland also highlighted the benefits of osteopathic training for these new doctors. “I love the osteopathic philosophy of looking at the patient as a whole. In our case, you might see an aviator who has to fly even though he or she is having family problems—you really have to look at that individual holistically,” Dr. Belland explained. He also noted that osteopathic manipulation is a valuable tool in treating the extreme conditions faced by pilots and soldiers, such as high gravitational forces and pain from long flight hours.

Beyond his military career, Dr. Belland has contributed significantly to aerospace medicine. He served as the southwest regional deputy flight surgeon for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), overseeing medical programs in five states and played a vital role in the Aerospace Medical Association's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

VCOM-Virginia was honored to have Dr. Belland visit campus to inspire these young physicians who have answered the call to military and medical service. Everyone at the College is deeply honored to have educated these graduates as they begin their service as United States military physicians.

graduation

Virginia

By Caroline Bennett -

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn Class of 2024: A New Era of Physicians Begins

ebailey — Tue, 28 May 2024 13:20:46 +0000

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn Class of 2024: A New Era of Physicians Begins ebailey Tue, 05/28/2024 - 09:20

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn Class of 2024: A New Era of Physicians Begins

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On May 11, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn celebrated the graduation of 146 new physicians. This remarkable cohort stands as a testament to VCOM-Auburn’s commitment to medical excellence and community service.

Fifteen students of the Class of 2024 graduated with research of distinction, underscoring VCOM-Auburn’s dedication to impactful research that benefits human health. These achievements highlight the institution’s focus on integrating academic rigor with practical medical training.

A standout feature of this year’s graduating class is their 100% match rate for residencies, a notable accomplishment that exceeds the national average. This success speaks volumes about the quality of education and comprehensive preparation students receive at VCOM-Auburn. Additionally, eleven graduates will fulfill their residencies in the U.S. Military, demonstrating a profound commitment to serving their country.

VCOM-Auburn prides itself on serving the local community, with over 80% of students coming from Alabama and surrounding states, primarily from rural or underserved areas. This regional focus ensures that many graduates will continue to contribute significantly to the health of their home communities.

The Class of 2024 embarked on their medical education during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Their journey included two years of rigorous on-campus coursework and laboratory learning, followed by two years of clinical rotations, all while adhering to necessary health protocols.

With this graduation, VCOM-Auburn’s alumni network has 900 physicians, all of whom are committed to providing exceptional care both nationally and globally. This year’s class is distinguished by a significant inclination toward primary care, with over 60% entering specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN and pediatrics.

Graduates will be completing their residencies in key states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana, further solidifying VCOM-Auburn’s influence in the region. The rigorous 200+ hours of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) additional training they have received ensures these new physicians are well-equipped to provide holistic and effective patient care.

The 2024 graduation ceremony highlighted VCOM-Auburn’s mission and values, celebrating a class poised to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and community wellness.

graduation

Auburn

By Brittany Lilla -

VCOM-Virginia Welcomes 176 New Alumni Physicians to its Ranks

ebailey — Tue, 21 May 2024 13:02:58 +0000

VCOM-Virginia Welcomes 176 New Alumni Physicians to its Ranks ebailey Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:02

VCOM-Virginia Welcomes 176 New Alumni Physicians to its Ranks

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On Sunday, May 19, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia, will celebrate the graduation of its Class of 2024, consisting of 176 new physicians.

Like all physicians, SWAG��Ƶgraduates complete four years of study, including two years of on-campus classroom and laboratory learning followed by two years of clinical rotations. The SWAG��ƵClass of 2024 began their medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks during their years of on-campus learning and rarely seeing the full faces of their classmates.

Despite that, this year’s class is among VCOM-Virginia’s best, with a 100% match rate to residencies from primary care to surgery and psychiatry. In fact, more than 60% of VCOM-Virginia’s Class of 2024 will head to primary care residencies—which include family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN and pediatrics. The top five states for this year’s VCOM-Virginia graduates are Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida and Ohio. Twelve graduates will complete residencies in the U.S. military.

Clearly, these excellent new physicians are committed to VCOM’s mission of providing care to medically underserved communities throughout the Appalachian and Delta regions of the United States. In fact, since VCOM-Virginia welcomed its first students in 2003, there has been an increase of 213% in the number of osteopathic physicians in Virginia, and more than 60% of VCOM-Virginia graduates are practicing in medically underserved areas of the state—significantly more than any other medical school in Virginia.

Also of note, 29 members of the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2024 will graduate with research distinction, reinforcing the SWAG��Ƶmission of engaging in research that benefits human health.

In addition, more than 400 VCOM-Virginia alumni completed their undergraduate degrees at Virginia Tech. SWAG��Ƶis incredibly proud of its continued collaboration with its university neighbor, both in welcoming Hokies to the SWAG��Ƶfamily and in the research projects the two institutions do together.

With the graduation of the Class of 2024, VCOM-Virginia will have nearly 3,100 alumni providing excellent care to thousands of patients across the United States and the globe.

graduation

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

VCOM-Louisiana Will Make History with First Osteopathic Graduation in Louisiana History

ebailey — Mon, 06 May 2024 20:34:47 +0000

VCOM-Louisiana Will Make History with First Osteopathic Graduation in Louisiana History ebailey Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:34

VCOM-Louisiana Will Make History with First Osteopathic Graduation in Louisiana History

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On May 10, 2024, VCOM-Louisiana will once again make history when it graduates the state’s first class of osteopathic physicians. The 139 graduates comprising the campus’s inaugural Class of 2024 will represent the first step toward resolving the physician shortage in Louisiana and the Delta region.

A New Philosophy on Medicine

While osteopathic medicine has been around since the late 1800s, it is still relatively new to Louisiana, which, in the early 2000s, was the 50th state to recognize those who held a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree as fully licensed physicians. Prior to that milestone, osteopathic physicians were unable to practice medicine within the state of Louisiana and would either commute to neighboring states to practice or move out of the state entirely. This only served to further the healthcare shortage in Louisiana.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs), like their allopathic (MD) counterparts, study all aspects of medicine and must undergo multiple comprehensive board exams in order to become licensed to practice medicine. One distinct difference between the two healthcare philosophies is in how they treat their patients. Traditionally, MDs are trained to treat their patients’ symptoms, while DOs are trained to treat their patients holistically.

Treating Patient Ailments at the Source

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is the hallmark of the osteopathic philosophy. DO students are required to complete 200+ hours of OMM during their four years of medical school, in which they become intricately familiar with the human body’s musculoskeletal system and the manipulations that can be done to the body to provide relief to patients for a variety of ailments. This practice is invaluable for primary care physicians who often provide care for their patients from birth to adulthood and beyond.

It is no surprise, then, that the majority of DOs practice in a primary care specialty, such as pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, internal medicine and geriatrics. Not all DOs practice primary care, however. In fact, DOs currently practice in every medical specialty and are qualified to provide the same medical care and services as their MD counterparts.

Bridging the Gap Between MDs and DOs

Despite the initially slow move to recognize osteopathic physicians across the country, there has been a strong push in recent years to move osteopathic medicine into the forefront of healthcare. In addition to a significant increase in the number of osteopathic medical colleges that have opened across the country, including VCOM’s own fourth campus in Monroe, Louisiana, there have also been changes in requirements for medical licensure and training nationwide.

Only a few short years ago, MD and DO licensure exams and residency programs were completely separate and distinct from one another, despite the fact that medical students in both MD and DO programs receive the same medical education. In fact, the only difference in training between allopathic and osteopathic medical schools is the 200+ hours of OMM training that DOs receive.

As osteopathic medicine has become more mainstream, the medical community at large has begun to recognize the value of OMM as a tool for helping better understand and treat their patients’ ailments. This has led many MDs to seek supplementary training in OMM to enhance their own practices.

Equal Opportunities for Osteopathic Medical Students

As the osteopathic philosophy of medicine has become more familiar and better understood by the public, there has been a push for better integration between allopathic and osteopathic licensure and training. Previously, osteopathic medical students were required to take the allopathic board examination (USMLE) in order to apply for MD residencies. However, a recent merger between the two programs has given the osteopathic board examination (COMLEX-USA) an equal weight with the USMLE in regard to post-graduation medical training.

The newly integrated residency placement program allows students from both allopathic and osteopathic schools to compete for the same residencies, rather than having MD-specific or DO-specific residencies. This collaboration is a huge step toward improving access to healthcare, as it opens up a significant number of residency opportunities for osteopathic students and allows them to continue their training in specific specialties and areas of the country that may have previously been unavailable to them. The impact of this has the potential for far-reaching positive effects, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas of the country.

A Medical School Unlike Any Other in Louisiana

As the only osteopathic medical school in the state, VCOM-Louisiana, with its focus on rural and medically underserved areas, is poised to make significant strides in the Delta region. Unlike many other medical schools, SWAG��Ƶrecruits students who come from rural and medically underserved communities where physicians are most needed. In fact, more than a third of VCOM-Louisiana’s students are from Louisiana, and nearly a quarter of SWAG��Ƶgraduates across its four campuses are practicing within 75 miles of where they grew up. The result of this recruiting focus is that a majority of SWAG��Ƶstudents share the College’s passion for the communities where they grew up. The increase in primary care physicians in other states where SWAG��Ƶhas campuses stands as a testament to the success of this recruiting strategy.

In just a few short weeks, VCOM’s newest campus will join the ranks of its sister campuses in sending out well-trained and highly qualified physicians who have a passion for medicine and making a difference in their communities. Every single one of these new graduates will be heading to a residence—a 100% match rate that is higher than the national average, a testament to the quality of the medical education available at VCOM-Louisiana. This is truly a special moment in time for a state that is very much in need of a change in its healthcare landscape.

graduation

Louisiana

By Desi Hammett -

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2024

ebailey — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 20:07:34 +0000

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2024 ebailey Mon, 01/22/2024 - 15:07

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2024

Tags: graduation

Location: Fant-Ewing Coliseum

Livestream on YouTube

Wednesday, May 8th

GRADUATION CHECK-IN*

8:00 am - 4:00 pm | MPR 129-132

Your graduation portraits with cap and gown will be taken at this time. The Registrar's office will distribute check-in times.

Thursday, May 9th

MILITARY PROMOTION CEREMONY

1:00 pm | Room 107

(Military graduates arrive at 12: 30 pm)

GRADUATION REHEARSAL*

3:30 - 4:30 pm | Fant-Ewing Coliseum

GRADUATION PRECEPTION

6:00 PM - 8:00 pm | Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus Awards reception, hors d’ oeuvres and live music

Friday, May 10th

GRADUATION CEREMONY*

10:00 am - 12;30 pm | Fant-Ewing Coliseum

(graduates with family hooders arrive by 9: 00 am)

The Coliseum is located on ULM’s Campus and parking is located at the facility. Attendance is required for all graduates.

GRADUATION RECEPTION

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | VCOM-Louisiana

Merch Fair, tours, dessert, and diploma pick-up

DIPLOMA PICK- UP*

12:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Lecture Halls 1 & 2

Note: diplomas will only be issued to the graduate and will not be mailed.

Events marked with * are mandatory

Order Student or Family Hooder Regalia

Order Faculty Regalia

Hotel Info (PDF)

Things to do in Monroe

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

SWAG��ƵDiploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

Campus: Louisiana

When: May 10, 2024 10:00am to 12:00pm CDT

Auburn Graduation Class of 2024

ebailey — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:05:37 +0000

Auburn Graduation Class of 2024 ebailey Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:05

Auburn Graduation Class of 2024

Tags: graduation

Location: Neville Arena (formerly Auburn University Arena)

Schedule of Graduation Events (PDF)

Livestream on YouTube

Information and Guidelines for Ordering Student Regalia for Graduation

Please click the link below to order your graduation regalia. This link will take you to the R. M. Hendrick Graduate Supply House website. The information you provide will help ensure that you receive appropriately sized regalia. The graduation fee you have already paid covers the cost of your regalia. On the ordering page, make sure to select “Yes” to the statement “I have reviewed my responses above to verify accuracy” before clicking the submit button. Additionally, you will be able to keep your regalia as a memento of your graduation from medical school. The deadline for placing your order is Monday, March 18, 2024, at midnight.

Website: www.gradsupply.com/vcom

(Once you are on the site, read through the information on the cover page, then click “Complete your Order” to go to the ordering page).

If you have any questions about ordering regalia, please contact Paige Oglesby at poglesby@auburn.vcom.edu or Meredithe Kelsoe at mkelsoe@auburn.vcom.edu.

Information and Guidelines for Ordering Family Hooder Regalia

SWAG��Ƶallows select family members to support you on stage as you are hooded during the graduation ceremony. While the President will present your D.O. hood and place it on you, certain family members are invited to be with you. This opportunity is only available to your spouse, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, aunts/uncles, and ONLY if they have a D.O. or M.D. degree. Family friends, mentors and family-like individuals are not included, and no other degrees are permitted. The cost for renting family hooder regalia is $76.00 and you can pay with a credit card online.

*Family regalia is rented and IS NOT to be kept. It must be turned in after the ceremony before you can receive your diploma!

Any student with a family hooder must complete this survey for the family hooder to participate in graduation: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVBnOZ1CO4

The deadline for placing the order for Family Hooder regalia is Monday, March 18 at midnight and family hooders will order and pay for their regalia directly on the website. The student will pick up the family member’s regalia when they pick up their own regalia.

*For questions about family hooders, please contact Paige Oglesby at poglesby@auburn.vcom.edu.

Each graduate will receive two copies of their diploma. You may choose to get both framed. This year we have two framing companies available for you to use based on your preference.

The first is Cameragraphics located in Auburn, AL. The second is a national vendor, Church Hill Classics. Both deliver exceptional quality framing. More information about both is listed below.

Cameragraphics

To Order

Orders are now closed. See below for Church Hill Classics Framing options

Order and Payment deadline: Monday, April 10, 2024, at 4 PM CST

After you submit your form, you will be directed to PayPal to pay for your order. If you have any issues with payment, please call CameraGraphics at (334) 821-2524 and ask for the Framing Department.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to pay for their order.

Cameragraphics is a local business in Auburn, Alabama. With over 40 years experience they are well known for their work with many businesses around town including Auburn University. Highlights of this service include:

Solid Wood Frames
Conservation UV Protective Glass
Acid-Free Materials
Dust Cover on Back with Hanger
SWAG��ƵMedal
Drawing Print of VCOM-Auburn

Framed Diploma(s) will be completed with diploma inserted and picked up graduation weekend after family regalia is returned.

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

SWAG��ƵDiploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

SWAG��Ƶis working with area hotels to accommodate traveling family and friends.

Hotel Info (PDF)

The Auburn / Opelika area has many beautiful sights, activities, restaurants, and places to stay for visiting guests. To explore options you have while visiting for graduation we highly recommend checking out AOTourism

AOTourism

AOTourism is a fantastic initiative through the local Chamber of Commerce that highlights everything offered in the Auburn / Opelika area.

To find specific information please follow the links below:

Lodging Accommodations: https://www.aotourism.com/Accommodations/
Dining Availability: https://www.aotourism.com/Dining/
Schedule of Local Events: https://www.aotourism.com/Calendar/
Shopping: https://www.aotourism.com/Shopping/
Directions for Traveling to Auburn / Opelika: https://www.aotourism.com/Meet/Getting-Here/
Transportation Services: https://www.aotourism.com/Transportation/

Campus: Auburn

When: May 11, 2024 1:00pm to 3:00pm CDT

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2024

ebailey — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:45:48 +0000

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2024 ebailey Thu, 01/11/2024 - 09:45

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2024

Tags: graduation

Location: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Dress: Business casual attire

Graduates, Faculty, Stage Party, and Family Hooders arrive by 9:15

Schedule of Events (PDF)

Livestream on YouTube

Order Student or Family Hooder Regalia

Order Faculty Regalia

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

SWAG��ƵDiploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

Hotel Block Info (PDF)

Campus: Carolinas

When: May 18, 2024 10:00am to 1:00pm EDT

Virginia Graduation Class of 2024

ebailey — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:04:31 +0000

Virginia Graduation Class of 2024 ebailey Mon, 12/11/2023 - 15:04

Virginia Graduation Class of 2024

Tags: graduation

Location: Cassell Coliseum
Dress: Business casual attire

Graduates, Faculty, Stage Party, and Family Hooders arrive by 12:15 PM

Schedule of Events (PDF)

Livestream on YouTube

Parking

Parking passes are not needed on Sundays (Do not park in Service Vehicle or handicap space unless proper tags are displayed). Ceremony attendees and participants can park in the lot at the corner of Washington and Beamer Way (aka Lot 1 or Coliseum West lot). Additional parking is available in Lot 2 and 4 on the other side of the football and softball fields.

Cassell Coliseum Parking (PDF)

Virginia Tech Parking Quick Guide Map (PDF)

Area Guide

VCOM's Guide to the New River Valley (PDF)

Order Student or Family Hooder Regalia

Order Faculty Regalia

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

SWAG��ƵDiploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

Residence Inn - $189
Book Here Or Call 540-750-4400

The Inn at VA Tech - $153 to $173
Book Here Or Call 540-231-8000

Courtyard by Marriot - $124 to $134
Book Here Or Call 540-552-5222

Hilton Garden Inn - $179
Book Here Or Call 844-202-4693

Hyatt Place - $189
Book Here Or Call 540-552-7500

SureStay By Best Western Christiansburg Blacksburg - $99 to $129
Book Here Or Call 540-381-0500

For reservations made over the phone, mention that you are traveling for VCOM’s Graduation Ceremony to receive the group rate.

Campus: Virginia

When: May 19, 2024 1:00pm to 4:00pm EDT

VCOM-Auburn Holds Graduation Events for Class of 2023

ebailey — Thu, 18 May 2023 20:36:44 +0000

VCOM-Auburn Holds Graduation Events for Class of 2023 ebailey Thu, 05/18/2023 - 16:36

VCOM-Auburn Holds Graduation Events for Class of 2023

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Graduation week festivities reached a crescendo in Neville Arena on Saturday, May 13, 2023, as 147 members of the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2023 were awarded their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees. An exceptionally enthusiastic crowd cheered students on as they crossed the stage to be ceremoniously hooded by campus Dean Heath Parker, DO.

In addition to the standard Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees, SWAG��Ƶawarded eight students DO with Research Distinction degrees. Students attained these distinctive degrees as a result of additional, reviewed, collaborative research efforts. All members of the class that participated in this year’s match process were placed into residencies. In fact, two married students, Bray Aron, DO, and Joshua Aron, DO, both placed into dermatology residencies in the same city -- a rare feat!

Graduation week activities included a Military Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 12, an event conducted to recognize graduating students entering the U.S. Armed Forces. Brig. Gen. Edward Casey, USAF, was the speaker at the Military Promotion Ceremony. Casey, who currently serves as chief of staff for the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery, gave an excellent presentation about leadership, responsibility and organizational teamwork. That same evening, a pre-graduation reception was held at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center for graduates and their families.

The keynote speaker for this year’s graduation ceremony was renowned Orthopaedic surgeon James R. Andrews, MD. Andrews is one of the founding members of Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He also serves as medical director and Orthopaedic surgeon for Auburn University intercollegiate athletics. Andrews gave sage advice to the graduating class about their upcoming medical careers, specifically urging graduates to take on the role of a humble servant. Following the graduation ceremony, a reception was held for graduates and their families on the lawn at the VCOM-Auburn campus.

“It was a bittersweet moment coming back to campus where we spent countless hours to celebrate our graduation,” said Fahad Uddin, DO, who also served as Vice President of the Class of 2023. “Being able to see our classmates again and meet their families on this joyous occasion is something I’ll cherish forever,” added Uddin.

“Dr. Andrews offered inspiring words of wisdom to our graduating class of 2023, and we have now successfully graduated our fifth class of students here at VCOM-Auburn,” said VCOM-Auburn campus Dean Heath Parker, DO. “The class of 2023 measured success in so many ways, not the least of which was achieving excellence in medical education while representing a critical part of the healthcare team during COVID,” Parker added. “We could not be prouder and anticipate many more great things from our new physician colleagues,” said Parker.

Since its first graduating Class of 2019, VCOM-Auburn has conferred 740 Doctor of Osteopathic medicine degrees. The mission of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health.

graduation

Auburn

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg Graduates 173 New Physicians

ebailey — Tue, 09 May 2023 15:32:48 +0000

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg Graduates 173 New Physicians ebailey Tue, 05/09/2023 - 11:32

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg Graduates 173 New Physicians

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On Saturday, May 6, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Virginia campus celebrated the graduation of 173 new physicians. After four years of study, these physicians have completed their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees and will now go on to residencies across the nation.

This is not the first time these students have experienced a commencement ceremony, but this one was particularly meaningful, in part because their experiences at SWAG��Ƶwere so deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit just as they were finishing their first year. Despite the challenges—or perhaps because of them—the Class of 2023 is one of VCOM’s best, with significant academic achievements and high test scores.

The class was addressed by Martin Levine, DO, FACOFP-distinguished. Dr. Levine, an accomplished physician, educator and leader, serves as VCOM’s vice provost for graduate medical education. In that role, he facilitates the development of residencies and other graduate medical opportunities for students across VCOM’s four campuses. In his remarks, he reminded the new physicians to focus on their patients, who are the most important people in the room. “The doctor-patient relationship is sacred,” he said. “Use that relationship to improve the health of the patients you see and the communities where you live and work. Engage in conversation with your patients. Don’t rush. Show empathy.”

VCOM’s mission is to provide physicians to provide physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations in the Southeast United States, with a focus on communities in the Appalachian and Delta regions of the country, many of which have a pronounced need for primary care practitioners. This class significantly advances that mission.

More than 55% of the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2023 come from Virginia. For their residencies, they will head to 30 different states, with 59 members of the class staying in Virginia. More than 75% will be in an Appalachian state and 44% will head to an underserved community. More than 69% will continue their training in primary care, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Other specialties represented by the class include emergency medicine, psychiatry, neurology and anesthesiology, among others. Throughout their careers, these accomplished and talented new physicians will have millions of patient encounters and they were reminded to take the mission of SWAG��Ƶand the philosophy of osteopathic medicine to every single one.

Military service is also a hallmark of the SWAG��Ƶexperience, evidenced by the high percentage of SWAG��Ƶalumni who go on to serve in the United States military. More than 365 SWAG��Ƶalumni across the College’s four campuses have or will serve in the armed forces, including 13 members of the VCOM-Virginia Class of 2023, who received military promotions on Friday, May 5.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are fully trained and licensed and are qualified to practice the full scope of medicine, including examining patients, diagnosing illness, performing surgery, and writing prescriptions. Further, they practice the entire range of medical specialties, from anesthesiology to surgery and everything in between. They take a whole-person approach, considering a patient’s body, mind and spirit when delivering care.

Graduation Ceremony on YouTube

Military Promotion Ceremony on Vimeo

graduation

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

graduation

Decorated U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon and Pilot Inspires New Physicians at SWAG��ƵMilitary Promotion Ceremony

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn Class of 2024: A New Era of Physicians Begins

VCOM-Virginia Welcomes 176 New Alumni Physicians to its Ranks

VCOM-Louisiana Will Make History with First Osteopathic Graduation in Louisiana History

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2024

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2024

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, May 8th

Thursday, May 9th

Friday, May 10th

Ordering Regalia

Hotel Accommodations

While in Monroe

Diploma Frame Information

Auburn Graduation Class of 2024

Auburn Graduation Class of 2024

Ordering Regalia

Diploma Information

Hotel Accommodations

While In Auburn

AOTourism

To find specific information please follow the links below:

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2024

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2024

Ordering Regalia

Diploma Frame Information

Hotel Information

Virginia Graduation Class of 2024

Virginia Graduation Class of 2024

Parking

Area Guide

Ordering Regalia

Diploma Frame Information

Hotel Information

VCOM-Auburn Holds Graduation Events for Class of 2023

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg Graduates 173 New Physicians