Midwestern University Graduates Ready for Thriving Healthcare Careers

Midwestern University celebrated the achievements of master’s and doctoral degree recipients who are beginning their professional healthcare careers at several commencements on the Downers Grove, Illinois campus. Nearly 590 graduates participated in one of five graduation ceremonies in May and are ready to embark on successful healthcare careers.

As part of 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. “As you go forward from Midwestern University, go with absolute pride. Your faculty believe in your abilities and have prepared you to be part of a wonderful profession that gives back and cares for others,” she said. Dr. Goeppinger also encouraged the graduates to remember the values they learned as Midwestern University students. “If you can only be one thing -- be kind. Be kind to your patients, your family, your colleagues, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.”

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

The following commencements took place on the Downers Grove Campus:

• The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine honored 196 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. This year, 100% of CCOM graduates matched into competitive residencies and internships with 60% of the graduates selecting primary care residencies which include family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Graduates will also pursue various other specialties including emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, diagnostic radiology, psychiatry, general surgery, and more. In addition, 53% of the class will stay in Illinois for their postdoctoral programs with the remainder traveling to 26 other states and the District of Columbia.
• The College of Health Sciences graduated 42 students who earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree; 50 students who earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) and 42 students who earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.). After graduation, these healthcare professionals will embark on fulfilling careers dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of individuals through specialized therapeutic interventions.
• The College of Graduate Studies honored 47 graduates who earned a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) degree and 18 graduates who earned a Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.) degree. Many of these graduates will continue their education in professional doctoral programs. In addition, dual degrees were awarded for a Master of Science (M.S.) in Precision Medicine to three students, and three students earned a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree.
• The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois celebrated the graduation of 139 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 Chicago College of Optometry honored 51 graduates earning a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. As licensed optometrists, the graduates will specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various visual disorders and eye conditions

Midwestern University is a leader in healthcare education with more than 20 degree and certificate options across two campuses located in Illinois and Arizona. Since 1900, the University has been providing hands-on experience for students in the classroom, during clinical rotations, and through residencies to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.