ATSU-KCOM celebrates 176th graduating class
Posted: May 22, 2012ATSU-KCOM proudly presented 155 students with the degree Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at commencement on May 12. The Class of 2012 included 92 men and 63 women from 17 states and 12 countries. Three candidates received the degree Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Prior to the graduation ceremony, a military commissioning ceremony was held for 14 students, representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Martin Levine, DO, ’80, MPH ’03, FACOFP, was presented with the honorary degree Doctor of Science in Osteopathy. Ronald Gaber, EdS, was presented with the ATSU Emeritus Award. Commencement speaker and ATSU-KCOM alumnus, Dr. Levine, reminded graduates that their lifetime goal is to serve the patient.
“We need about half of physicians [in healthcare today] to be primary care and half to be specialists. It just so happens that the osteopathic profession provides that ratio right now. Be what the need is in this country,” said Dr. Levine.
ATSU President Dr. Jack Magruder gave a farewell address where he reflected upon the past four years while he was privileged to serve as president and his upcoming retirement.