Friday, May 21, 2021
Chris Breedlove, LUCOM Marketing
On a beautiful spring evening, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) hosted an outdoor graduation ceremony to officially recognize its fourth class of osteopathic physicians — the Class of 2021. Shortly after the New Year, Liberty University announced that in-person graduation ceremonies whether indoor or outdoor would not occur based on COVID-19 safety protocols and directives from the Governor of Virginia; however, restrictions were reduced early spring, and the University was able to move forward with modifications to graduation events recognizing all its graduates. LUCOM’s graduation ceremony was held on Friday, May 14.
To close out the academic year, LUCOM conferred the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) to 137 graduates for the Class of 2021.
To begin the ceremony, Linda S. Mintle, PhD, professor and chair of the division of behavioral health and the director of strategic development for clinical affairs, opened with a prayer thanking the Lord for His enduring mercy and goodness over the graduates. “May each new doctor strive for excellence in all they do, may they enrich the communities in which they practice, and conduct their lives with Godly integrity. They have been a gift to us, now we offer them as gifts to others.”
LUCOM Interim Dean Joseph R. Johnson, DO, FACOOG (Dist) spoke directly to the graduates following the opening prayer. “The Class of 2021 is yet another reminder of a vision cast over 40 years ago by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. He stood on this Liberty Mountain and visioned and set as a goal to open a college of medicine and send out Champions for Christ into the medical field. Always remember, your medical career is first and foremost, about the patient. As doctors, physicians, healers, we are held to higher expectations and judged by higher standards.”
Dr. Johnson also mentioned that much like the LUCOM graduates before, the Class of 2021 has seen vast change during this COVID-19 pandemic adapting to new and distant methods of learning, as well as meeting graduation with a variety of clinical rotations and restrictions.
“Class of 2021, pursue excellence and challenge yourself. Do not settle on good, when with effort, better can be obtained, and with dedication best is achievable. Ask the questions that others are not asking. Seek to understand beyond the prescribed parameters. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity. Show passion. Do more than the curriculum demands. Medicine is not a job; it is a lifetime calling,” added Dr. Johnson. “Congratulations as you enter your residency programs — sparking the flame wherever God plants you next.”
During the ceremony and to add to the celebration, Dr. Johnson also recognized Dr. Mintle for her recent achievement for earning Liberty University’s President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching for 2020-21. 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. Mintle has been awarded the Liberty University President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching.”
Carl R. Hoegerl, DO, MSc, MSIT, FACP, assistant dean for clinical education, alongside Dr. Mintle, then gave instructions to the graduates for processing through on stage. Over 60 graduates were present to partake in the ceremony with the remaining graduates virtually recognized.
LUCOM graduates were also congratulated by Liberty University President Jerry Prevo. “We are proud of you graduates. We appreciate the fact that you had the confidence to attend Liberty University to earn your degree. I’m reminded what Dr. Falwell, our founder, said, ‘Don’t quit.’ Now, you have the opportunity to go out there and be what these professors and University taught you to be — a Champion for Christ. And I am confident that you will be a Champion in your chosen career field.”
Returning to be recognized with her class and also on stage was Hannah Thompson, the Class Government Association President for the Class of 2021. Addressing her class, she said, “Tonight, we have many things to celebrate. We celebrate the LUCOM faculty and staff who provided guidance, support and encouragement as we navigated the journey of medical school. We celebrate the parents, spouses, family, and friends of each graduate, who offered a listening ear, various body parts to be repeatedly examined and unwavering love as we pursued our medical careers.”
During her speech, Thompson provided three reminders. “The first is effective communication. Seek to provide an environment for patients to openly share and converse and cultivate an environment of mutual respect and mutual trust. The second is a dedication to lifelong learning. Medicine demands a commitment to lifelong learning, and it is the ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge. And third, remember who you are. You are generous, empathetic and resilient. Your generosity was displayed countless times throughout our medical school journey…and has shaped you as a physician and will carry you forward. Never lose sight of where you began.”
The ceremony then transitioned with the reading of the Osteopathic Oath led by Raena M. Pettitt, DO, assistant professor of family medicine. Much like the Class of 2021 did four years ago during their White Coat Ceremony, they rose together and recited the Oath in unison signifying their commitment to the osteopathic profession and to their patients.
Just before the end of the ceremony, Chad K. Brands, MD, CPE, SFHM, senior associate dean for clinical affairs, also addressed the Class of 2021 reminding them that they are in a profession that takes the medical call of service most seriously and sacrificially. “Your Oath as an individual physician that you took moments ago attests personal sacrifice and professional excellence in times of calm and in crisis…and thank you graduates for stepping up and serving as medical students during the national, international crisis. You served your patients with nurses, therapists, and attending physicians in what has been a very stormy time.”
“Graduates take the lessons you have learned so deeply and apply them to graduate medical education. You’re going into great residency programs; university and community-based programs, military, big and small cities, suburban and rural programs. All in all, in 31 states — well done. Moving forward, give it your best. Give your patients your best. You have gained strength that is turned into resilience. Engage deeply and become leaders, resolve to be there for your patients,” Dr. Brands added. “And Class of 2021, thank you for the joy’s you’ve given us as your faculty — you are truly a spectacular class. God speed.”
To conclude the ceremony and send the graduates on their way, a special video was played with personal messages of congratulations and well wishes from LUCOM faculty and staff to the Class of 2021 as they officially began their next medical journey as osteopathic physicians.
LUCOM GRADUATION WEEK HIGHLIGHTS
View Pictures of LUCOM’s Graduation Ceremony.
Watch LUCOM’s Military Appreciation Message.
Watch LUCOM’s Graduation Convocation.
Watch LUCOM’s Graduation Gala (Awards and Recognition).
Watch LUCOM Messages of Congratulations from the Faculty and Staff.
Watch LUCOM’s Graduation Ceremony.