Midwestern University graduates ready to begin health care careers

Midwestern University held commencement ceremonies on its Downers Grove campus on May 22-23 to celebrate nearly 700 graduates who are beginning their professional careers in health care.

During the ceremonies, Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Midwestern University, acknowledged the many achievements of the graduates during their years of rigorous study and clinical experiences. She also encouraged them to remember the values they learned as Midwestern University students.

"If you could be one thing, be kind," Dr. Goeppinger told the graduates. "Be kind to your patients, your family, your colleagues, and most importantly, to yourself."

The following commencements took place on the Downers Grove campus:

• The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine honored 198 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. This year, 64 percent of CCOM students matched to primary care residencies which include internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and OB/GYN. In addition, 54 percent of the class will stay in Illinois for their postdoctoral programs with the remainder traveling to 27 other states.

• The Chicago College of Pharmacy graduated 207 students with Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees. The graduates will begin their professional pharmacy careers in a variety of health care settings. In addition, several graduates have been accepted into postgraduate residency programs.

• The College of Health Sciences graduated 49 students who earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree and 43 students who earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.).

• The College of Graduate Studies, honored 83 graduates who earned a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.B.S.) degree and 26 graduates who earned a Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) degree.

• The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois celebrated the graduation of 129 students earning Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. The graduates will pursue careers in general practice dentistry, dental specialty residencies, the military, and the public health sector.

The commencement ceremonies were held in the auditorium of Cardinal Hall and featured remarks from members of the graduating class and a special recognition for students beginning their health care careers in the military.