Monday, August 6, 2018
LUCOM Class of 2022 begins medical school journey, receives symbolic white coat
Mon, 06 Aug 2018Asa Keimig | LUCOM Marketing
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) welcomed its newest class, the Class of 2022, on Tuesday, July 24. This is the fifth class, filled with 160 individuals all hopeful of becoming Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, since LUCOM opened in 2014.
The Class of 2022 officially started classes last week on Monday, July 30.
During the 2017-2018 application cycle, the LUCOM Office of Admissions and Student Services received more than 3,000 applications from individuals interested in attending Liberty University’s medical school. From the applications received, LUCOM’s Admissions team interviewed over 700 candidates with 160 new students in the coveted seats that many others had once hoped to fill.
“At LUCOM, we look at character (integrity), capacity (the composition of what you’re capable of), and motivation. Based on decisions made by the admission committee, we believe that you can succeed,” said Peter A. Bell, DO, dean of LUCOM, as he welcomed the new class last Tuesday morning. “This is a marathon. You’re here because we believe based on your information and personal statements, that each of you have integrity and have a passion to serve others. Always remember, it’s about the patient and serving others, not yourself.”
“While at LUCOM, we will work with you every step of the way. One of our academic counselors is here for each of you; the faculty and staff, as well. We believe in celebrating success. This week, orientation, we celebrate with you on what you’ve accomplished so far,” continued Dr. Bell.
That same morning, the Class of 2022 also heard from Scott Hicks, MBA, PhD, interim provost at Liberty University, who shared an encouraging message. “One of my favorite and most used verses is Philippians 4:13; a verse talking about the body of Christ, the church. As a new class, you are coming together as the body of Christ to achieve success. Make it as a team of one; one body. I encourage each of you to lean on Him and lift each other up in the tough times; medical school is a marathon. Surround yourself with those who you can partner and team and fellowship with. Always remember to love your neighbor as yourself.”
With a prayer Dr. Hicks blessed their first week and prayed for success.
Orientation Week provided the Class of 2022 with an introduction to LUCOM; the academics, the curriculum, support offices, and professional expectations as medical students. The class also had the opportunity to mingle amongst their peers, become familiar with facilities and resources available within the Center for Medical and Health Sciences (CMHS) as well as tour Liberty’s campus and the surrounding Lynchburg community. “Orientation is better than what I had originally thought it would be,” said Lokesh Pendyala, Class of 2022. “I’m really excited to be here.”
On Wednesday, LUCOM hosted the first convocation of the year for the new class where they heard from Delegate Scott Garrett, MD. He spoke on the importance of each person’s testimony. “It is such an amazing path that you are on and I want to encourage you, from this day forward, to share your story,” said Delegate Garrett. “Share your story with your peers, faculty and staff, and in the future with your patients. That is my plea of you.” He encouraged students to live and work the best they can every day and to do so with a servant’s heart. He reminded them that at the end of the day they are human, people will look up to them and that is the true importance of living out their testimony.
A heart of service is a trait that LUCOM’s Admissions team looks for when interviewing applicants. The new class had the opportunity to demonstrate that early in the week during LUCOM’s Office of Student Services annual service day, hosting the Jubilee Family Development Center and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg to Liberty’s campus for a day filled with fun activities. Service Day provides the new class with opportunity to serve the youth of the community while further building relationships with future patients.
“Part of being an osteopathic physician is embodying a patient first mentality and putting the needs of others above your own,” said Kelby Keimig, student services coordinator at LUCOM. “Service Day provides our students with the opportunity to serve the youth of the community and exemplify a servant’s heart, ultimately preparing them for the days, months and years ahead.”
The week concluded with LUCOM’s traditional White Coat Ceremony with keynote speaker, William Burke, DO, dean of the Ohio University (OU-HCOM) Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Dublin campus.
“Liberty University’s philosophy correlates remarkably well with the osteopathic philosophy and its focus on the dynamic interaction of mind, body and spirit, and the body’s innate ability to adapt and heal itself,” said Dr. Burke. “It is my hope that as you begin your journey here at Liberty, a journey that will lead you to places you never imagined, you too will expand your knowledge and wisdom with each experience and every encounter, and that you will grow to love your profession, your colleagues and the patients who turn to you for guidance.”
For medical students, a white coat is a visible symbol of a student-doctor’s new role on the path to becoming an osteopathic physician. The white coat comes with the expectations of a medical professional. Putting on the white coat is a simple act but one that changes medical students as they make the commitment to service toward fellow man, lifelong learning, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
“Putting on the white coat is one of the easiest actions you will take during your medical school career. One of the most challenging, however, is being worthy of the honor,” said Dr. Burke.
He encouraged the class to never forget who they are, where they came from or the values that led them to where they are today and to which they hold so dearly. He left them with three pieces of advice to remember during their journey through medical school and beyond.
“Be prepared, take care of yourself, and enjoy the journey; you are here for a reason,” said Dr. Burke. “When you have those moments of self-doubt and you question your worthiness, remember the reason you decided to become a physician in the first place. And always take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or how small.”
View digital images of the Class of 2022 Orientation week on Facebook.