Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Chris Breedlove, LUCOM Marketing
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) held its annual Hooding Ceremony on Thursday, May 5, celebrating and recognizing the Class of 2022. Graduates, along with their family and loved ones, were welcomed back to Liberty University for a symbolic indoor event held inside the main sanctuary of Thomas Road Baptist Church. LUCOM conferred the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) to 147 graduates for the Class of 2022, its fifth class of osteopathic physicians.
The ceremony started with LUCOM Senior Leadership and faculty proceeding and leading the graduates into the sanctuary. Donald R. Raleigh, EdD, senior associate dean of academic affairs, provided an opening prayer thanking the Lord for the Class of 2022, as well as blessing them for their obedience and faithfulness to their medical education and the patients they have served and will serve in the future. “Today is a special day for all of us, but especially for our graduates…Lord, give them success in their careers, not only a success measured by degrees and accomplishments, but give them a success measured by compassion, and healing, and lives impacted, and love for others expressed through the practice of medicine. Make them servant leaders who will bring honor to your name, who will make a difference in their communities and who will be an example to all how medicine should be practiced.”
Following Dr. Raleigh’s prayer, LUCOM Dean Joseph R. Johnson, DO, FACOOG (Dist) welcomed Liberty University Provost & Chief Academic Officer Scott M. Hicks, PhD, who offered an encouragement to the class. “God will test you. Satan will tempt you. But in Ephesians 6, Scripture tells us that you are protected in the full armor of God and God’s hand is on your back. He is guiding you. Shielding you. Take heart and be encouraged. Do not let the things of this world steal your joy and your hope which is in Him and Him alone. Remember to always pray, whether you’re in the valley’s or on top of mountains. Serve with love and compassion. And when you serve your patients, though it may hurt at times, remember that you are serving Him, as well, and He will continue to sustain and guide you. These past four years have truly tested and challenged you — and you have overcome and become a champion. I am certain that you will change the world.”
Dr. Johnson then welcomed the Class and their guests. “It is my distinct privilege to recognize and honor the Class of 2022, Liberty University’s fifth class of osteopathic physicians. This is an important milestone in their medical journey. I, along with the faculty and staff, celebrate their accomplishment of successfully completing medical school and we thank God for demonstrating His faithfulness in each of their lives these past four years of medical school.”
“The Class of 2022 has seen significant and vast change during the COVID-19 pandemic as they learned new and distant methods of learning and meeting graduation with a variety of clinical rotations. It was not easy. And though the path you trekked with virtual learning and digital technology was rough, in addition to overcoming hardships with the pandemic — you have persevered,” Johnson added.
Stating that the medical profession is first and foremost about the patient, Dr. Johnson reminded the graduates of the higher expectations and higher standards that come with being a patient-centered osteopathic physician. “Civility, respect, integrity, honesty, altruism, compassion, and empathy are hallmarks of a great physician. Never sacrifice your ability to serve holistically.”
“Applied knowledge brings more experience, and more experiences capture more knowledge. A career in medicine is a lifelong journey,” he said.
“My new colleagues in the medical field, I ask you to remember that medicine is not a job, nor will it ever be. Medicine is a lifetime calling. As the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I pray these words will be true for each of you as you have trained for the race and have completed the first phase (medical school) of this marathon. It is with great excitement I proclaim that you are the next generation of physicians — “Champions for Christ!” Spark the flame in your residency programs. And shine bright in all the areas our Heavenly Father will guide you,” added Dr. Johnson.
During the ceremony and to add to the celebration, Dr. Johnson acknowledged two faculty members for their incredible work training the next generation of osteopathic physicians.
Lauri Ann Maitland, DO, MPH, associate professor of family medicine, was recognized for her achievement in earning Liberty University’s President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching for 2021-22. As a Liberty University employee and faculty member, she was nominated for this prestigious award this academic year by her peers for creative and innovative approaches to teaching, as well as her effective use of instructional technology, and exceptional pedagogical skill. The President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching involves a formal peer nomination, dean support, faculty input, and student contribution with winners determined by the selection committee and affirmed by the University provosts.
Dr. Johnson said she has proven herself to be very dedicated in teaching at Liberty University. “Her impact on student faith, thought, and character fully realizes the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.’s vision of training leaders in all discipline areas. It is my distinct privilege to publicly announce Dr. Maitland has been awarded the Liberty University President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching.”’
Chad K. Brands, MD, CPE, SFHM, senior associate dean for clinical affairs, was the second faculty recognition for the evening for his service within LUCOM Senior Leadership developing a strong Clinical Affairs team to support third- and fourth-year student-doctors, including the Class of 2022. Working with both LUCOM and Liberty University leadership, Dr. Brands also worked to build a robust and strong Clinical Practice Plan to further advance the mission of Liberty’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Johnson praised his efforts and said, “Through the development of the Clinical Affairs office, and with the combined academic support of LUCOM faculty, together, their efforts have helped prepare the Class of 2022 for an incredible, remarkable 100% match rate.”
The ceremony then transitioned with the annual hooding of the graduates. Michael W. Neville, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, assistant dean for admissions and student life, read aloud each graduate’s name, with the following LUCOM faculty members assisting in the hooding process: Gregory R. Heller, DO, C-AOBNMM, C-AOBFP; Carl R. Hoegerl, DO, MSc, MSIT, FACP; Timothy O. Leonard, MD, PhD; Randy G. Litman, DO; and Raena M. Pettitt, DO, CHSE. Dr. Brands and Dr. Maitland were also a part of the hooding party.
After each graduate was hooded and much like the Class of 2022 did four years ago during their White Coat Ceremony, they rose together and recited the Osteopathic Oath in unison signifying their commitment to the osteopathic profession and to their patients. The oath was led by Dr. Heller.
To conclude the event, one of LUCOM’s newest faculty members, Randy G. Litman, DO, associate dean for clinical affairs and GME, addressed the newly hooded doctors with a few words of encouragement and offered a closing prayer. “What a wonderful celebration of God’s goodness we’ve enjoyed today. And we’ve marveled at the accomplishments of these graduates. So many reasons for thanksgiving. Graduates…doctors…we are proud of you. Thank you for investing yourself in the medical training at LUCOM. Today we not only celebrate your momentous accomplishment becoming an osteopathic physician – but we also rejoice in who you are.”
“God’s purpose for your life now also carries with it a profound significance: to carry His healing and love to hurting people,” he added. “Steward God’s gifts and graces well. When you are tired or overwhelmed, remember that God is faithful and that He is always our strength. And never forget that He longs to partner with you in each of your endeavors.”
Dr. Litman also praised Dr. Johnson his leadership. “Thank you for steadfastly leading with a reliance upon God and for your visionary leadership; for your earnest desire to equip men and women to serve others in medicine and in all of life.”
The ceremony concluded with one last class photo.
