COMMENCEMENT GREETINGS
TO THE CLASS OF 2018:
Today marks an important milestone in your life and your career as an osteopathic
physician. The administration, faculty and staff of the Ohio University Heritage College
of Osteopathic Medicine are incredibly proud of you, and we are eager to see what your
future holds.
Today’s event is also momentous for our college, as we graduate our first cohort from the
Heritage College, Dublin. The achievements of these 48 pioneering students advance our
larger mission of training high-quality physicians for all of Ohio. And next year, our first
cohort from Cleveland will join them, further expanding our ability to meet the health
care needs of citizens throughout our state.
No matter which campus you studied on, you have already distinguished yourselves
through your hard work and professionalism in training to become great physicians. But
even more importantly, you have become compassionate and empathetic caregivers who
will make a real difference in your patients’ lives. You have our heartfelt congratulations
on a job well done.
Although your time as a Heritage College student ends today, your journey is just
beginning. As the renowned physician Sir William Osler noted in 1900:
“The training of the medical school gives direction, points the way and
furnishes a chart, fairly incomplete, for the voyage, but nothing more.”
Throughout medical school, you have grown in your ability to seek knowledge, but your
education does not end today. In fact, I urge you to never stop learning and to always
seek to grow as a professional. Your patients will expect you to provide the latest and the
best in health care. I challenge you to meet and perhaps even exceed their expectations.
By doing so, you will honor yourself, your college and your profession.
While you will undoubtedly play a vital role in the lives of your patients – as well as
their families and yours – throughout your career, you also have the opportunity to help
your colleagues and future colleagues become better physicians. As you take your oath
today, you will make a pledge to the students who follow you. Seek every opportunity
to mentor others, just as others have taken the time to mentor you. The future of the
osteopathic profession rests in your hands.
On a personal note, I remember the excitement of my own graduation and know what a
significant and memorable occasion this is for you and your loved ones. You have worked
extremely hard to reach this day, and you deserve the honors bestowed upon you. I wish
you the very best as you begin your exciting professional journey and congratulate you in
joining the ranks of outstanding Heritage College alumni.
I am proud to call you my colleagues.
Kenneth H. Johnson, D.O.
Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Ohio University
Executive Dean, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
May 12, 2018
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