Midwestern University Graduates Ready to Begin Successful Careers

Midwestern University held virtual commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 22nd to celebrate more than 500 graduates from the Downers Grove Campus who are beginning their professional careers in healthcare.

As part of the online 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. Be kind to your patients, be kind to your families, be kind to your new colleagues, and most importantly, be kind to yourself,” Dr. Goeppinger told the graduates. “As you go forward, go with compassion, go with care, go with kindness, and know that you are making a difference in the health and well-being of many people to come. You are the future of healthcare.”

The following virtual commencements took place for graduates from the Downers Grove Campus:
• The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine honored 193 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. This year, 58% of CCOM students matched to primary care residencies, which include internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, 54% of the class will stay in Illinois for their postdoctoral programs with the remainder traveling to 28 other states.

• The College of Health Sciences graduated 55 students who earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, 46 students who earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) degree, and 44 students who earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) degree.

• The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois celebrated the graduation of 131 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 College of Graduate Studies honored 74 graduates who earned a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) degree and 22 graduates who earned a Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) degree. Many of the graduates will continue their education and pursue degrees in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, optometry, physician assistant, and pharmacy or join the workforce.

The virtual commencement ceremonies featured remarks from members of the graduating class and included a special recognition for students beginning their healthcare careers in the military.