COMMENCEMENT GREETING
DEAR CLASS OF 2019,
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, Cleveland. The achievements of these pioneering students advance
our larger mission of training high-quality physicians for all of Ohio. Together, we are
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. 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. I urge you to make learning a lifelong pursuit. Your patients
will expect you to provide the latest and the best in health care. I challenge you to 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, you will also have the
opportunity to impact doctors of the future. 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
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