Midwestern University Graduates Ready for Healthcare Careers

Midwestern University held virtual commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 28th to celebrate more than 650 graduates from the Downers Grove Campus who are beginning their professional careers in healthcare. The first graduating class from the Chicago College of Optometry was among those honored. In addition, all graduates had the opportunity to participate in a special commencement convocation.

As part of the virtual 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. Dr. Goeppinger encouraged the graduates to remember the values they learned as Midwestern University students. “As students you have given back to society through many of your service projects; providing support at health fairs, raising fund for needy charities, and becoming volunteers in Operation Hope, when Midwestern became a Vaccination Center for more than 16,000 members of our communities who depended on us as a healthcare university. May your career reflect your care and dedication to the healthcare needs of society.”

The following virtual commencements were held for graduates from the Downers Grove Campus of Midwestern University:

• The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) honored 204 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. This year, 57% of CCOM students matched to primary care residencies, which include internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. In addition, 47% of the class will stay in Illinois for their postdoctoral programs with the remainder traveling to 29 other states.
  
• The College of Health Sciences graduated 52 students who earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, 52 students who earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) degree, and 45 students who earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) degree.
• The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois celebrated the graduation of 130 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 84 graduates who earned a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) degree and 26 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, and pharmacy or join the workforce.
• The Chicago College of Optometry celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of 62 students. The students earned a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree following an intensive four-year program where they learned to diagnose, treat, and manage injuries and diseases of the eye and visual system.

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