Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes you to the One Hundred and Thirtieth Commencement Ceremony in honor of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Monday, May 24, 2021 10:00 A.M. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021 Faculty Marshalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anthony Lannutti, D.O. Denah Appelt, Ph.D. Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenneth J. Veit, D.O., M.B.A. Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Class of 1976 National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PCOM Pulmonics Choir Greetings from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. President and C.E.O. Class of 1981 Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John P. Kearney Chairman, Board of Trustees Introduction of Professor Emeriti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit Burton T. Mark, D.O. eodore P. Mauer, D.O., Class of 1962 Abraham Zellis, D.O., Class of 1956 Presentation of Candidate for Honorary Degree: Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Veit Dr. Daniel R. Taylor, D.O., Class of 1997, FAAP, FACOP Conferring of the Honorary Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Kearney Introduction of Commencement Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Feldstein Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Taylor Presentation of Candidates for Degrees in Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Veit Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Feldstein e Osteopathic Oath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William Swallow, D.O., M.S. President, PCOM Alumni Association D.O. Class of 1979 and Forensic Medicine, M.S. Class of 2020
Class of 2021 Vision Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Veit Closing Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Veit Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
2021 Commencement Speaker DAVID A. BItONtE, DO '80, MBA, MPH, FAOCA, COMMENCEMENt SPEAkER SERIES DANIEL R. tAyLOR, DO ’97, FAAP, FACOP, 2021 COMMENCEMENt SPEAkER, PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OStEOPAtHIC MEDICINE Daniel R. Taylor, DO ’97, F.A.A.P., F.A.C.O.P., is a passionate physician and advocate for children and their families, especially those who are underserved, living on the fringes, those who are among the most vulnerable and disenfranchised. As a leading clinical voice in pediatrics, he has made an indelible impact on the City of Philadelphia and in the pediatric community nationwide. For the past 20 years, Dr. Taylor has served as associate professor of pediatrics at Drexel University College of Medicine and as a general pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. At St. Chris, he also acts as course director of Community Pediatrics and Child Advocacy, as medical director of the medical legal partnership, as co-director of the Reach Out and Read program, and as head of the homeless healthcare for children initiative. Dr. Taylor is the founder of the Children’s Advocacy Project of Philadelphia (Cap4Kids), an online resource directory for healthcare providers, child advocates and families that helps address various social determinants of health that can affect children’s well-being, safety and long-term outcomes. e project gets hundreds of hits daily and has been replicated in over a dozen communities nationally. Dr. Taylor is a member of many professional societies, including the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, the American Osteopathic Association, the Philadelphia Pediatric Society and Physicians for Social Responsibility. A prolific writer, Dr. Taylor has authored over 80 articles for the Health and Science section of the Philadelphia Inquirer and has contributed numerous articles to JAMA, Contemporary Pediatrics and other prominent medical journals, and to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s alumni publication, Digest Magazine. Dr. Taylor speaks locally and nationally onissues that affect vulnerable pediatric populations, especially disparities exacerbated by racism, poverty, trauma and violence. Dr. Taylor has garnered recognition for his dedicated work both as a teacher and as a key member of many of the Philadelphia community organizations he works so closely with. He has been honored with the President’s Award for Civic Engagement from Drexel University (2014), Tenet Healthcare’s Tenet Hero Award (2015), St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children Award for Leadership and Commitment (2015), the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrician of the Year Award (2016), St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Margaret C. Fisher Spirit of St. Christopher’s Award (2016), the Inaugural Santander Bank/Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Grand Prize Award (2018), and the Harold H. Finkel, DO and Arnold Melnick, DO Community Pediatrician of the Year Award from the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (2021), among others. Dr. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boston University and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from PCOM. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. He credits his mother’s gentle influence for guiding his osteopathic career path; Phyllis Taylor served as a long-time hospice nurse and educator at PCOM’s Healthcare Centers during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Support for the Commencement speaker was generously provided by a gift from David A. Bitonte, DO '80, MBA, MPH, FAOCA
Professor Emeritus ABRAHAM zELLIS, D.O. ’56 For 47 years—until his retirement in March 2020—Abraham Zellis, DO ’56, served Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, starting as an instructor and ultimately as clinical professor in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He taught the first- and second-year OMM curriculum. And as a teacher, he steadfastly focused on what he saw as his primary professional obligation: educating, training and inspiring future physicians by imparting the tenets and practice of osteopathy. A board-certified clinician, Dr. Zellis practiced family medicine with osteopathic manipulation in the City of Philadelphia from 1957 to 2001. He was a member of the staffs of the Hospital of PCOM, Graduate Hospital and MCP Hahnemann Hospital. Dr. Zellis held membership in professional associations including the American Academy of Osteopathy, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Practitioners Society, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society and the Philadelphia County Osteopathic Medical Society. He also was a member of the PCOM Alumni Association. Dr. Zellis earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from PCOM. He completed his internship at Michigan’s Flint General Hospital.
Professor Emeritus BuRtON t. MARk. D.O., F.A.C.N. Burton T. Mark, DO, FACN, served as professor and chairman of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry for over 30 years. He retired from the College in July 2019. Dr. Mark has practiced as a psychiatrist, neurologist and sleep medicine specialist in West Chester, Pennsylvania, for 53 years. He was the first sleep medicine specialist in the region, working at University Services in Exton, affiliated with Chester County Hospital and Paoli Hospital. Many of Dr. Mark’s professional colleagues were once his medical students clad in short white coats. He has served as clinical director of psychiatric services for the Paoli Hospital Board of Directors, Chester County Mental Health and the Mental Retardation Board. He has chaired Utilization Review and Quality Assurance at Brandywine Hospital. And early in his career, he served as director of the Adult/Adolescent Psychiatric and Geropsychiatric units at Embreeville State Hospital. A dedicated teacher, Dr. Mark held long-standing faculty appointments at Temple University School of Medicine, Southern College of Osteopathic Medicine and West Chester University. He was a visiting lecturer at Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine, Embreeville State Hospital, the American Osteopathic Association National Convention and various state societies. As an avid clinical researcher, Dr. Mark acted as principal investigator for various pharmaceutical studies focused on sleep apnea, sleep disorders, narcolepsy, adult depressive disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Many of his writings were published by the American Academy of Psychotherapists, the American Osteopathic Association, the Osteopathic Annals and SmithKline Beckman Corporation, among others. Dr. Mark held membership in professional associations including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American College of Neuropsychiatrists, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (secretary), the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society. He was the recipient of the Legion of Honor, Chapel of Four Chaplains Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Neuropsychiatrists. Dr. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from AT Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and a master of science degree in health administration from West Chester University. He is a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychiatrists, the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, and the American Sleep Disorders Association.
Professor Emeritus tHEODORE PAuL MAuER, D.O. ’62, F.A.O.C.O.O.-H.N.S. For over four decades, Dr. Mauer served Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Oro-Facial Plastic Surgery and as an attending physician/consultant, medical director, chairman of the professional staff, chairman of the Quality Assurance Committee, and chairman of the Executive Committee of the (now closed) Hospital of PCOM. e longtime program director of the College’s ENT residency training program, he trained over 50 residents now in practice across the nation. He retired from the College in October 2018. Dr. Mauer presently remains on staff in the otolaryngology and allergy departments at Main Line Health – Lankenau Medical Center. Dr. Mauer has held executive posts in the Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (president), the Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology (vice president) and the Philadelphia Laryngological Society (president). He has served as a member of many professional societies and associations, including the American Osteopathic Association, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia – Section on Otolaryngology, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and the Philadelphia Society of Facial Plastic Surgery. In recognition of his dedicated clinical service, Dr. Mauer was honored with the Professional Staff Award from the Hospital of PCOM, the Award for Service as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Professional Staff for a decade of service at PCOM, and the Distinguished Service Award presented by the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. For his exemplary teaching of medical students and residents, he was recognized with the Iota Tau Sigma Clinical Professor of the Year Award and the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. He was also the recipient of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award and the Institute of Laser Surgery Award. Dr. Mauer holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from LaSalle College where he was enrolled in the Army ROTC program, and upon graduation was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He holds a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from PCOM. He received his master of science degree in otology upon completion of his residency at the Hospital of PCOM. Dr. Mauer is a fellow of the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Degrees in Course May 24, 2021
Degrees in Course yara Moufid Mohsen Abdelaal
Katherine Josephine Barnett
Lucy Dina Checchio
Mohamed k. Abdo
Anne Marie Basil
kenneth Chen
Christine Victoria Lola Adekayode
katelynn Baska
Davis Cho
Malalay Ahmady
David Michael Batistig
Alec Joseph Cicchini
Megan Nichol Awurabena Atea Aidoo
Melinda A. Beale
Albert Anthony Civitarese
George Obiora Ajene
Sahin Becirovic
Whitney Cochran
Nicolette kristine Alberti
timothy M. Bell
Royce Andrew Copeland
Alyssah Madeline Aldinger
David J. Bigley, Jr.
Samuel Martin Corbman
Farha M. Ali
Erica Renee Blanchard
Dominique Rochelle Cross
Alyssa Milagros Alicea
Sophia Rose Blum Grace
Michelle Anne Cross
yasser Alsharqi
Furon Bomann
katherine Cuan
Christopher John Ambrogi
James Alek Boris
Brittany Lynn Custer
Brianna Nicole Amos
Michael Anthony Borsuk
Ian Wilson Dale
kevin Amuquandoh
Amy Leigh Brady
zachary Forest Danssaert
Ilana Rachel Anmuth
Elizabeth Helen Brehman
Mona Anne Dasgupta
Elizabeth Avakoff
Aaron thomas Brophy
Dulce Maria Miller De McCoy
Omneya Ashraf Ayoub
Erin kathleen Brown
tameka Clarece Dean
Aysha Farooq Azam
Candace Ashley Callender
Sean Louis DeAngelo
Natalie Ann Bai
Alexis L. Cammarata
Nicholas Joseph DelBuono
Bradley Pierce Bakst
Justin Paul Canakis
Stephen Michael DePaul
Miriam Padmini Balasundram
Bradley Ralph Caro
omas Michael DePietro
Christopher thomas Banach
Daniel James Casey
Gwendolyn Margaret Derricotte
taylor Allison Barber
Lauren L. Chamberlin
Leslie Erin Deutschman
katherine Josephine Barnett
Degrees in Course Nicholas Anthony DiGregorio
Jennifer Wade Glusman
Salina Akter kalik
Luke omas DiPasquale
Ashley Elizabeth Gochoco
Daniel Benjamin kallush
Chi Chi Do-Nguyen
Julia Ann Goroff
Loukya kanakamedala
Devaki Ashwini Dravid
Danielle Nicole Greenberg
Hiba khanzada
Vamsee krishna Duggirala
Liza Marie Haggenjos
Frederick Seungjoon kim
Bryce Michael Ebersole
Sidra Montaha Haque
Joseph See kim
Matthew Louis Edinger
Jennifer Melanie Heibig
kevin Michael klifto
omas James Falconiero
Dana Heller
Nickolas Eleftherios klingos
tyler Charles Farmer
Gordon Joseph Heller
Daniel William kogan
Elizabeth Woods Fletman
tim Hendricks
Nicole kostosky
Brendan Michael Flynn
kathryn Mary Hoffman
kelsey Elise kreyche
kathryn Michelle Flynn
Patricia Anne Hoffman
tarah Fawn kuhn
Daniel Patrick Forrest
Haneen Ismaeil Hussein
Jayaram D. kumaraswamy
Stephanie Nicole Foster
Aymen Ibrahim
Alexander Jonathan kurtzman
Sarah Beth Frank
MariaLisa Sheridan Mills Itzoe
George Nicholas kyriazi
Diego Anibal Galindo
Syed Ghazain Ali Jaffery
kelli Labashosky
Joshua k. George
kristen Shannon Jahn
Mark Anthony LaGreca
John Robert Georgino
Ifeanyi Sarah James
Stephanie Lam
Danny Ben Gersowsky
Andrew Harry Jaye
Danielle Nicole Lapoint
William Anthony Ghaul
Ryan Montgomery Johnson
Michael Paul Lapoint
Jessica Lyn Gibbons
Sahlia Joseph-Pauline
Jacob Scott Lasinsky
Daniel Patrick Glenn
Jeffrey M. kalczynski
kaitlyn Elizabeth Leahey
Degrees in Course Sean Michael Leary
Jonathan Walter McLaughlin
George Nikoloudakis
Joshua Luke Ledner
Venkata Sai Ramya Meka
Michael Sinclair Nitikman
Ashley kristen Legg
Lauren Elizabeth Melley
Francine Eva Noda
Joshua Michael Levy
Jason Paul Mercando
Marissa Faye Norden
Robert Matthew Libera
Devon Blake Merkle
Janet Nkemdilim Nwaukoni
Hyung Jin Lim
Matthew Robert Moorman
Olivia Alexandra Ogline
Jonathan Lafrades Lim
Arianna B. Morton
Lauren Paige Olivieri
Seth Harris Lipshutz
Alexander George Moyer
kristin Lindsay Oller
Diego Liriano, Jr.
katherine Moran Mulquin
Otitodilichukwu kelvin Osadebe
Sean Phi Longson
Gurjot Singh Multani
Justin omas Owens
Maryanne Jude Lubas
Samantha Rose Murad
Alexander Christian Papa
Rex William Lutz, Jr.
Connor Patrick Murphy
Dominic Jan Parfianowicz
Victoria Anne MacPherson
kamran Namjouyan
krutee Parikh
Catherine Marie Madden
Gabriela Narowska
Danielle Seori Park
tsimafei P. Marchuk
Christina Helga Nashed
Jasmine Ji-yune Park
Michael Marcinko
kolby kent Nelson
Alana Sheree' Payne
Ashley Paige Marmaro
Brooke Ashley Neumann
Margot Sarah Penn
Vamsi k. Matta
Jacob omas Newman
Lauren Mary Pepi
Joseph Ryan Mazuk
ong Anh Ngo
Jonathan Rick Perez
Joseph A.S. McCahon, III
Catherine Dao Nguyen
Gabriella Dolores Petrongolo
Ashley Lynn McCormick
Jasmine Phuong Nguyen
Elizabeth Ann Pezoa
Catherine Bridget McCormick
Stephanie kim Anh Nguyen
timothy Hyland Phillips
Michael James McDonald
kelly Nicol
Ashley Elizabeth Pinckney
Degrees in Course Joseph Maxwell Piraneo
Anne Elizabeth Serrao
Nikolas John touloumes
Ashley Elizabeth Piskorski
Christine Shind
Alec Lawrence tributino
Pengse Po
Mark Andrew Siden
Ryan John triglia
Lauren Michelle Prince
Brian Matthew Smith
John Charles turner, Jr.
Olivia Marielle Questore
Nathan Richard Smith
Brandon Gregory twombly
George Michael Raum
katie Lucianny Soler
Megan Colleen ulsh
Collin James Reynolds
Rachel Spayd
Chijioke uzoaru
Amanda Ryan Roath
Erica Elizabeth Stagliano
Vanessa Angelique Valdivia
Arielle Natasia Roberts
Branden C. Stearns
Albertus Johannes van Wyk
James Joseph Rock, III
zachary Mitchell Sterling
Megan Marie Vasconez
Meaghan Nancy Roszyk
Rachel Anna Sternberg
Morgan Anne Venuti
Melissa Malkin Rubin
Jonathan Bolt Stewart
Lisa Robin Wallace
Paulina Elizabeth Rudy
Marc A. Stezzi, Jr.
Alan Wang
Alex Masune Saeta
Donielle Janée Sturgis
Matthew Joseph Weaver
Brooke Danielle Saffren
Shelby Lee Sweat
Andrea N. Weir
Sonia B. Samuel
Michelle Marie Swenson
kimberly Nicole Wolfe
tessa Marie Scheckelhoff
Nicholas John talabiska
Arielle Marie Worth
Rachael Lee Schneider
Vishwant Reddy tatagari
Raven Sheteya Worthy
kelsey Lynn Schrage
Catherine Jean tauro
Gabrielle Raphaela yankelevich
Ryan Michael Schwartz
Alexander Luis tejada
Amanda Judith yisrael
Alexander William Scott
Samuel Prabhakar alathoti
kevin yohannan
Erin C. Scott
Gianna Christine toglia
Bernice yu
Ian Campbell tolmie
Harry E. zobel, Jr.
Degrees in Course OStEOPAtHIC MANIPuLAtIVE MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM e Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship program is designed to provide osteopathic medical students with the tools necessary to integrate osteopathic principles into all areas of clinical practice and to develop superior patient management and clinical problem solving and to enhance Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment teaching skills. e program extends the medical school curriculum an additional year, incorporating teaching, clinical experience and research. At the outset, the program was partially endowed by the family of C. Paul Snyder, D.O., PCOM Class of 1910, and the Oxford Foundation. Contributions from alumni, families, friends and estate gifts help to continue funding this undergraduate teaching fellowship largely supported by the College. We are pleased to recognize and congratulate the following graduates of PCOM’s Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship program:
Elizabeth Ann Pezoa George Michael Raum
The Osteopathic Oath
I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful of my responsibility to preserve the health and life of my patients, to perform faithfully my professional duties.
I will be vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community.
I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive co-operation.
I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. I will be loyal to my college and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be alert to further the application of basic biologic truths and to develop the principles of osteopathic medicine.
Class of 2021 Vision Statement We, the members of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine D.O. Class of 2021, make the following commitments to ourselves, colleagues, community, and future patients: As lifelong learners, we promise to rise to the challenge of an evolving healthcare field, and to adapt our practices to the needs of society. We will embrace individuality, recognizing that we are stronger as a diverse and inclusive community. rough respect, collaboration, and honest communication, we will demonstrate the highest ethical standards. We will take our knowledge beyond the classroom and into our respective communities, working as an interprofessional team with a balance of confidence and humility to provide patient-centered care. As osteopathic physicians, we will integrate the art of medicine and scientific knowledge to care for the whole person. We aspire to practice medicine with compassion, empathy, and integrity to build trust with our patients. We will strive for personal and professional growth throughout our journey, grounded by our values and driven by our passion to help those in need.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Awards W e congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and service to the College and community.
Awards tHE DEAN’S AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class who by personal and professional conduct and by contributions to student affairs and to the general program of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has been deemed worthy of special citation as recipient of the Dean’s Award: Chi Chi Do-Nguyen
tHE ALuMNI ASSOCIAtION AWARD Awarded by the Alumni Association of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to that member of the graduating class who has been selected because of the high caliber of performance of professional duties in the hospital and outpatient services: Arianna B. Morton
tHE JOHN H. EIMERBRINk, D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class who in the opinion of the members of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine has shown exceptional ability in the use of osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic manipulative treatment: George Michael Raum
tHE DEAN ARtHuR M. FLACk AND BELLE B. FLACk MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Department of Internal Medicine to that member of the graduating class who has been selected as most proficient in the practice of internal medicine: Seth Harris Lipshutz
tHE WILBuR P. Lutz, D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Department of Internal Medicine to that member of the graduating class who has been selected as the most proficient in physical diagnosis: Christopher John Ambrogi
Awards tHE WILLIAM F. DAIBER, D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has been selected on the basis of exceptional ability in the field of cardiology: Ashley Lynn McCormick
tHE FREDERIC H. BARtH MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has been selected on the basis of excellence in the field of bronchopulmonary and upper respiratory disease: ong Anh Ngo
tHE WILLIAM H. DICkERSON, D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Department of Internal Medicine to that member of the graduating class who has achieved exceptional competence in the field of infectious disease: Raven Sheteya Worthy
tHE kENNEtH L. WHEELER, D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class whose interests and achievements in didactic and clinical radiology studies have been of high order: Devaki Ashwini Dravid
tHE ANDREW D. DeMASI, D.O. ’47, AND DANIEL H. BELSky, D.O. ’57, AWARD IN OBStEtRICS AND GyNECOLOGy Awarded upon recommendation of the staff of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to that member of the graduating class who has been selected for exceptional competence and proficiency in obstetrics and gynecology: Elizabeth Ann Pezoa
tHE H. WILLARD StERREtt, D.O. AND H. WILLARD StERREtt, JR., D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Division of Urology to that member of the graduating class who has been selected on the basis of proficiency in urology: Gabrielle Raphaela yankelevich
Awards tHE GALEN S. yOuNG, SR., D.O. MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Department of Surgery to that member of the graduating class who has shown exceptional interest and ability in the field of surgery: Chi Chi Do-Nguyen
tHE JESSE M. yOuNG MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class for exceptional service to the community or to the College: Morgan Anne Venuti
tHE FRIEDA O. VICkERS, D.O. AND MAJOR JAMES VICkERS FAMILy PRACtICE AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of the Department of Family Practice to that member of the graduating class who has been selected as most proficient in the field of family medicine: Brandon Gregory twombly
tHE IRVING S. ROGOVE, D.O. ’36 MEMORIAL AWARD Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has been selected on the basis of excellence in the field of geriatrics: Joseph Ryan Mazuk
tHE PENNSyLVANIA OStEOPAtHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIAtION AWARD Awarded to that student recognized as an outstanding graduate upon recommendation of the faculty and administration of PCOM in consultation with the Awards Committee of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association: Brooke Danielle Saffren
EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCy MEDICINE AWARD Awarded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine to a senior medical student who has demonstrated excellence in the specialty of emergency medicine: Sean Michael Leary
Awards tHE LEONARD H. FINkELStEIN, D.O. AWARD e Leonard H. Finkelstein, D.O. Award for Exhibiting Excellence in Compassionate Concern for Patients was created in the year 2000 by Bobbie and Gene Shaid in memory of Bobbie. e award is in recognition of Dr. Finkelstein’s commitment to outstanding patient care and is presented to that member of the graduating class who has demonstrated these qualities: Jennifer Wade Glusman
tHE DR. tHOMAS M. ROWLAND, JR. SCHOLAR-AtHLEtE AWARD Awarded upon recommendation of a special committee of alumni, administration, faculty and staff and representatives of athletic programs to that member of the graduating class who has shown academic excellence in basic and clinical sciences and who has participated in and contributed to one of the College’s organized sports programs: Nicole kostosky
tHE ARNOLD S. LINCOW, D.O. ’76 AWARD Established by Dr. Lincow and awarded to that member of the graduating class who has shown interest, competency and aptitude for end of life care and has demonstrated skills in multiple modalities including osteopathic manipulative treatment to alleviate pain and suffering: Elizabeth Ann Pezoa
tHE SIMMy GINSBuRG HuMANItARIAN AWARD Presented by the family of Simmy Ginsburg to that graduating student who has shown himself or herself to be not only a strong and conscientious medical student but also one who has demonstrated integrity, kindness, compassion, empathy, a love of life and who has had a positive impact on the lives of his or her fellow students, medical colleagues and patients: Meaghan Nancy Roszyk
Awards tHE F. MuNRO PuRSE, D.O. ’32 AWARD IN PEDIAtRICS Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has been selected on the basis of excellence in the field of pediatrics: George Nicholas kyriazi
tHE PCOM CORE CLINICAL CAMPuS PROFESSIONALISM AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS Awarded based on Core Clinical Campus faculty nominations of one student who, in their third year of medical training, demonstrated superior professionalism and excellence in clinical care to the site's patients. Raven Sheteya - Worthy AtlantiCare Vanessa Angelique Valdivia - Christiana Albert Anthony Civitarese - Geisinge Branden C, Stearns - JHNE Lauren McCandless - LVHN Cedar Crest David Doty - LVHN Pocono Maryanne Jude Lubas (Judy Lubas) - MLH Joshua Michael Levy - MHS Robert Matthew Libera- Reading
2021 EXCELLENCE IN PuBLIC HEALtH AWARD FROM tHE u.S. PuBLIC HEALtH SERVICE PHySICIAN PROFESSIONAL ADVISORy COMMIttEE is award is given by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Physician Professional Advisory Committee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to recognize medical students who are involved in public health issues in their community as well as to increase awareness of the USPHS and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation. is award recognizes outstanding students committed to strong work in the field of public health.
MariaLisa Sheridan Mills Itzoe
tHE PCOM StuDENt MEMORIAL AWARD Presented by Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in memory of those students who passed away before graduating as osteopathic physicians: Homer Mackey, Lewis Rossman, D. Neil Grove, Richard F. Campo, Paul G. Moscato, Marianne C. Filipczyk, Peter McLaughlin, Jr., Clifford G. Dorf, Anthony J. Di Michele, Joseph R. Krobert, David M. Atlas, Jr., Michelle M. Andrews, John D. Kearney, Behrang Emami, Matthew D. Antrobus, Rebecca A. Park, Ross E. Breitbart, Elton G. Cosby, Arfan Bashir Awarded to those members of the graduating class who have attained the highest scholastic averages in didactic study: Alexander Jonathan kurtzman
Awards tHE PRESIDENt’S LEADERSHIP IN DIVERSIty AWARD e President’s Leadership in Diversity Award is given to a student graduating from each program at Philadelphia, Georgia, and South Georgia, who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereon. Janet Nkemdilim Nwaukoni
tHE HyMEN kANOFF, D.O. ’52 MEMORIAL AWARD IN FAMILy PRACtICE Awarded to that member of the graduating class who demonstrates a commitment to ethics and community service as well as a focus in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment: Margot Sarah Penn
MASON W. PRESSLy MEMORIAL AWARD is medal, in memory of the co-founder of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, is presented to the student who is recognized by students, faculty and administration as “Student D.O. of the Year.” e recipient is honored for outstanding achievement and service to the College, the community and the osteopathic profession: Justin Paul Canakis
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training
D.O. Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training yara Moufid Mohsen Abdelaal, D.O. Pediatrics Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, VA
Brianna Nicole Amos, D.O. Pediatrics Tower Health/St. Christopher’s Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Mohamed k. Abdo, D.O. Family Medicine OhioHealth-Doctors Hospital Columbus, OH
kevin Amuquandoh, D.O. Emergency Medicine Jefferson Health-Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Christine Victoria Lola Adekayode, D.O. Internal Medicine Albert Einstein Healthcare Network East Norriton, PA
Ilana Rachel Anmuth, D.O. Pediatrics Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood, FL
Malalay Ahmady, D.O. Family Medicine Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Norristown, PA
Elizabeth Avakoff, D.O. Emergency Medicine Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Torrance, CA
Megan Nichol Awurabena Atea Aidoo, D.O. Pediatrics University of Maryland Medical Center Baltimore, MD
Aysha Farooq Azam, D.O. Family Medicine Rutgers-RWJUH Somerset Somerville, NJ
George Obiora Ajene, D.O. Internal Medicine Baylor College Medical-Houston Houston, TX
Natalie Ann Bai, D.O. Psychiatry Rowan University SOM Mount Laurel, NJ
Nicolette kristine Alberti, D.O. Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine University of Illinois COM Chicago, IL
Bradley Pierce Bakst, D.O. Internal Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE
Alyssah Madeline Aldinger, D.O. Pediatrics Prisma Health-University of South Carolina Columbia, SC
Miriam Padmini Balasundram, D.O. Internal Medicine St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Easton, PA
Farha M. Ali, D.O. Internal Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE
Christopher omas Banach, D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown, PA
Alyssa Milagros Alicea, D.O. Family Medicine UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Pittsburgh, PA
taylor Allison Barber, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology WellSpan Health York Hospital York, PA
yasser Alsharqi, D.O. Family Medicine Bryn Mawr Hospital Bryn Mawr, PA
katherine Josephine Barnett, D.O. Internal Medicine Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA
Christopher John Ambrogi, D.O. Internal Medicine CMSRU/Cooper University Hospital Camden, NJ
Anne Marie Basil, D.O. Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA
katelynn Baska, D.O. Emergency Medicine Prisma Health-University of SC SOM Columbia Columbia, SC David Michael Batistig, D.O. Internal Medicine Wright State University/ Wright Patterson AFB Dayton, OH Melinda A. Beale, D.O. Internal Medicine RowanSOM/Jefferson Health NJ Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Stratford, NJ Sahin Becirovic, D.O. Emergency Medicine University of Connecticut School of Medicine Farmington, CT timothy M. Bell, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH David J. Bigley, Jr., D.O. Family Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE Erica Renee Blanchard, D.O. Internship Mercy Catholic Medical Center Darby, PA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Sophia Rose Blum, D.O. Family Medicine Rowan University SOM Stratford, NJ Grace Furon Bomann, D.O. Emergency Medicine Lincoln Medical Center Bronx, NY James Alek Boris, D.O. Internal Medicine Albert Einstein Healthcare Network East Norriton, PA Michael Anthony Borsuk, D.O. Internship Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma, WA
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training Amy Leigh Brady, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse. NY
kenneth Chen, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical University of Washington Affiliate Hospitals Seattle, WA
Brittany Lynn Custer, D.O. Family Medicine Jefferson Health - Northeast Langhorne, PA
Elizabeth Helen Brehman, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals Harrisburg, PA
Davis Cho, D.O. Internship St. Luke’s Hospital Anderson, PA
Ian Wilson Dale, D.O. Internal Medicine CMSRU/Cooper University Hospital Camden, NJ
Aaron omas Brophy, D.O. Internal Medicine Albert Einstein Healthcare Network East Norriton, PA
Alec Joseph Cicchini, D.O. Internship UPMC Altoona Hospital Altoona, PA Anesthesiology Indiana University SOM Indianapoli, IN
zachary Forest Danssaert, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary St. John’s Riverside Hospital Yonkers, NY Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation New York Presbyterian HospitalColumbia & Cornell New York, NY
Erin kathleen Brown, D.O. Pediatrics Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA Candace Ashley Callender, D.O. Pediatrics Jersey Shore University Medical Center Neptune, NJ Alexis L. Cammarata, D.O. Radiology-Diagnostic Christiana Care Newark, DE Justin Paul Canakis, D.O. Internal Medicine George Washington University Washington, DC Bradley Ralph Caro, D.O. Family Medicine Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Daniel James Casey, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, PA Anesthesiology Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
Albert Anthony Civitarese, D.O. Internal Medicine Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH Whitney Cochran, D.O. Emergency Medicine Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Royce Andrew Copeland, D.O. Internship Tower Health/Reading Hospital Reading, PA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Baylor Coll Med-Houston Houston, TX Samuel Martin Corbman, D.O. Internship Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Dominique Rochelle Cross, D.O. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Tulane University SOM New Orleans, LA
Lauren L. Chamberlin, D.O. Anesthesiology Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA
Michelle Anne Cross, D.O. Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
Lucy Dina Checchio, D.O. Internal Medicine Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, PA
katherine Cuan, D.O. Internal Medicine ISMMS Mount Sinai Morningside-West New York, NY
Mona Anne Dasgupta, D.O. Internal Medicine Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, IL Dulce Maria Miller De McCoy, D.O. Psychiatry Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA tameka Clarece Dean, D.O. Wake Forest Orthopedic Surgery Physician Scientist Training Program Winston-Salem, NC Sean Louis DeAngelo, D.O. Internal Medicine Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, IL Nicholas Joseph DelBuono, D.O. Emergency Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA Stephen Michael DePaul, D.O. Emergency Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA omas Michael DePietro, D.O. Psychiatry Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD Gwendolyn Margaret Derricotte, D.O. Family Medicine St. Luke’s Hospital Bethlehem, PA
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training Leslie Erin Deutschman, D.O. Internal Medicine Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA Nicholas Anthony DiGregorio, D.O. Medical Affairs/Medical Science Liaison Zionexa Fishers, IN Luke omas DiPasquale, D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery Kettering Health Network - Grandview Medical Center Dayton, OH Chi Chi Do-Nguyen, D.O. oracic Surgery University of Michigan Hospitals Ann Arbor, MI Devaki Ashwini Dravid, D.O. Internal Medicine Bayhealth Medical Center Dover, DE Vamsee krishna Duggirala, D.O. Family Medicine Rowan University SOM Stratford, NJ Bryce Michael Ebersole, D.O. Emergency Medicine Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Matthew Louis Edinger, D.O. Family Medicine Naval Hospital Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL omas James Falconiero, D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA tyler Charles Farmer, D.O. Internship Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu Honolulu, HI Elizabeth Woods Fletman, D.O. Neurology omas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
Brendan Michael Flynn, D.O. General Surgery Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD kathryn Michelle Flynn, D.O. Internal Medicine Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD Daniel Patrick Forrest, D.O. Emergency Medicine Capital Health Regional Medical Center Pennington, NJ
Daniel Patrick Glenn, D.O. Internship Madigan Army Medical Center Honolulu, HI Jennifer Wade Glusman, D.O. Pediatrics Advocate Children’s Hospital - Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL Ashley Elizabeth Gochoco, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/ Harvard Medical School Boston, MA
Stephanie Nicole Foster, D.O. Pediatrics CMSRU/Cooper University Hospital Camden, NJ
Julia Ann Goroff, D.O. Pediatrics Jefferson Medical College/ duPont Children’s Philadelphia, PA
Sarah Beth Frank, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology Virtua Health Voorhees, NJ
Danielle Nicole Greenberg, D.O. Internal Medicine UC San Francisco-Fresno Fresno, CA
Diego Anibal Galindo, D.O. Surgery Preliminary Sunrise Health GME Consortium Las Vegas, NV
Liza Marie Haggenjos, D.O. Family Medicine OhioHealth-Grant Medical Center Columbus, OH
Joshua k. George, D.O. Family Medicine Wright Center for GME Tucson, AZ
Sidra Montaha Haque, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA
John Robert Georgino, D.O. Emergency Medicine Geisinger Health System Danville, PA
Jennifer Melanie Heibig, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown, PA
Danny Ben Gersowsky, D.O. Emergency Medicine Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt COM Boynton Beach, FL
Dana Heller, D.O. Family Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA
William Anthony Ghaul, D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA Jessica Lyn Gibbons, D.O. Internship Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
Gordon Joseph Heller, D.O. Internal Medicine Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA tim Hendricks, D.O. Surgery Preliminary David Grant Medical Center Travis Air Force Base, CA Diagnostic Radiology Naval Medical Center San Diego San Diego, CA
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training kathryn Mary Hoffman, D.O. Internship Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Patricia Anne Hoffman, D.O. Pediatrics Rutgers-R.W. Johnson Medical School New Brunswick, NJ Haneen Ismaeil Hussein, D.O. Family Medicine Penn Medicine-Lancaster General Hospital Lancaster, PA
Daniel Benjamin kallush, D.O. Emergency Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA Loukya kanakamedala, D.O. Internal Medicine Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA Hiba khanzada, D.O. Emergency Medicine Morristown Memorial Hospital Morristown, NJ
Jayaram D. kumaraswamy, D.O. Internal Medicine-Pediatrics MedicalCollege Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Milwaukee, WI Alexander Jonathan kurtzman, D.O. Internal Medicine Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA George Nicholas kyriazi, D.O. Pediatrics University of Arizona COM Tucson, AZ
Aymen Ibrahim, D.O. Surgery Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA
Frederick Seungjoon kim, D.O. Internship Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
MariaLisa Sheridan Mills Itzoe, D.O. Internal Medicine Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Joseph See kim, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
Syed Ghazain Ali Jaffery, D.O. Surgery Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA
kevin Michael klifto, D.O. Plastic Surgery University Hospitals-Columbia Columbia, MO
kristen Shannon Jahn, D.O. Family Medicine Penn State Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA
Nickolas Eleftherios klingos, D.O. Internal Medicine Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
Danielle Nicole Lapoint, D.O. Internal Medicine University at Buffalo SOM Buffalo, NY
Daniel William kogan, D.O. Family Medicine Jefferson Health - Northeast Langhorne, PA
Jacob Scott Lasinsky, D.O. Anesthesiology Penn State Hershey Medical Center Hershey, PA
Nicole kostosky, D.O. Ophthalmology Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD
kaitlyn Elizabeth Leahey, D.O. Pediatrics Tower Health/St. Christopher’s Hospital Philadelphia, PA
Ifeanyi Sarah James, D.O. Internal Medicine Mercyhealth GME Consortium Rockford, IL Andrew Harry Jaye, D.O. Pediatrics UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA Ryan Montgomery Johnson, D.O. Radiology-Diagnostic Christiana Care Newark, DE Jeffrey M. kalczynski, D.O. Emergency Medicine Naval Medical Center San Diego San Diego, CA Salina Akter kalik, D.O. Internal Medicine Zucker SOM-Northwell Staten Island University Staten Island, NY
kelsey Elise kreyche, D.O. Internal Medicine Northside Hospital Gwinnett Lawrenceville, GA tarah Fawn kuhn, D.O. Internship Campbell University-NC Buies Creek, NC
kelli Labashosky, D.O. Internal Medicine Geisinger Health System Danville, PA Mark Anthony LaGreca, D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Stephanie Lam, D.O. Anesthesiology UCLA Medical Center Los Angeles, CA
Sean Michael Leary, D.O. Emergency Medicine CMSRU/Cooper University Hospital Camden, NJ Joshua Luke Ledner, D.O. Anesthesiology Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA Ashley kristen Legg, D.O. Family Medicine St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Easton, PA
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training Joshua Michael Levy, D.O. Internal Medicine Inspira Health Network Mullica Hill, NJ
Michael Marcinko, D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals Harrisburg, PA
Devon Blake Merkle, D.O. Family Medicine Lankenau Medical Center Bala Cynwyd, PA
Robert Matthew Libera, D.O. Internal Medicine Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA
Ashley Paige Marmaro, D.O. Internal Medicine CMSRU/Cooper University Hospital Camden, NJ
Matthew Robert Moorman, D.O. Internal Medicine Bayhealth Medical Center Dover, DE
Hyung Jin Lim, D.O. Family Medicine UPMC McKeesport McKeesport, PA
Vamsi k. Matta, D.O. Internal Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE
Arianna B. Morton, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical omas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Lafrades Lim, D.O. Pediatrics University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
Joseph Ryan Mazuk, D.O. Family Medicine UPMC Williamsport Williamsport, PA
Alexander George Moyer, D.O. Internal Medicine University at Buffalo SOM Buffalo, NY
Seth Harris Lipshutz, D.O. Internal Medicine Jefferson Health - Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Joseph A.S. McCahon, III, D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery RowanSOM/Jefferson Health NJ Stratford, NJ
Sean Phi Longson, D.O. Internal Medicine Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
Ashley Lynn McCormick, D.O. Emergency Medicine University of Vermont Medical Center Burlington, VT
katherine Moran Mulquin, D.O. Internship Mercy Catholic Medical Center Darby, PA Radiology-Diagnostic University of Cincinnati Medical Center Cincinnati, OH
Maryanne Jude Lubas, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA Radiation Oncology Temple Univ/Fox Chase Cancer Center Philadelphia, PA Rex William Lutz, Jr., D.O. Orthopaedic Surgery Rowan SOM/Jefferson Health Stratford, NJ Victoria Anne MacPherson, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Catherine Marie Madden, D.O. Pediatrics UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA tsimafei P. Marchuk, D.O. Surgery Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA
Catherine Bridget McCormick, D.O. Family Medicine Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, PA Michael James McDonald, D.O. Internship Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Portsmouth, VA Jonathan Walter McLaughlin, D.O. Psychiatry Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA Venkata Sai Ramya Meka, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Lauren Elizabeth Melley, D.O. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Jason Paul Mercando, D.O. Internship St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital Livonia, MI
Gurjot Singh Multani, D.O. Emergency Medicine SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY Samantha Rose Murad, D.O. Psychiatry Tower Health/Brandywine Hospital Coatesville, PA Connor Patrick Murphy, D.O. Internal Medicine Osteopathic UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals Harrisburg, PA kamran Namjouyan, D.O. Internal Medicine Geisinger Health System Danville, PA Gabriela Narowska, D.O. Internal Medicine Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA Christina Helga Nashed, D.O. Pediatrics Rutgers-R.W. Johnson Medical School New Brunswick, NJ
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training kolby kent Nelson, D.O. Family Medicine Puyallup Tribal Health Authority Tacoma, WA
Marissa Faye Norden, D.O. Family Medicine Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, PA
Jasmine Ji-yune Park, D.O. Surgery Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Brooke Ashley Neumann, D.O. Obstetrics and Gynecology Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Janet Nkemdilim Nwaukoni, D.O. Family Medicine Northwestern McGaw - Lake Forest Grayslake, IL
Alana Sheree’ Payne, D.O. Family Medicine Bryn Mawr Hospital Bryn Mawr, PA
Jacob omas Newman, D.O. Internal Medicine George Washington University Washington, DC
Olivia Alexandra Ogline, D.O. Internal Medicine Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA
Margot Sarah Penn, D.O. Family Medicine Forbes Family Medicine Monroevill, PA
ong Anh Ngo, D.O. Internal Medicine Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Lauren Paige Olivieri, D.O. Family Medicine Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital Nellis AIr Force Base/Univ of Nevada School of Medicine Las Vegas, NV
Lauren Mary Pepi, D.O. Pediatrics Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA
Catherine Dao Nguyen, D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA Jasmine Phuong Nguyen, D.O. Internal Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA Stephanie kim Anh Nguyen, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
kristin Lindsay Oller, D.O. Surgery Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA Otitodilichukwu kelvin Osadebe, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Jonathan Rick Perez, D.O. Family Medicine Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Norristown, PA Gabriella Dolores Petrongolo, D.O. Family Medicine Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, PA Elizabeth Ann Pezoa, D.O. Family Medicine Washington Hospital Washington, PA
Justin omas Owens, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Temple, TX Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Baylor Univ Med Ctr-Dallas Dallas, TX
timothy Hyland Phillips, D.O. Internal Medicine St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Boston, MA
Alexander Christian Papa, D.O. Internal Medicine University at Buffalo SOM Buffalo, NY
Ashley Elizabeth Pinckney, D.O. Internal Medicine Rowan University SOM Stratford, NJ
George Nikoloudakis, D.O. Internal Medicine Coney Island Hospital Brooklyn, NY
Dominic Jan Parfianowicz, D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA
Joseph Maxwell Piraneo, D.O. Emergency Medicine Jefferson Health NJ - Rowan SOM Stratford, NJ
Michael Sinclair Nitikman, D.O. Emergency Medicine Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA
krutee Parikh, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Flushing Hospital Medical Center Queens, NY
Ashley Elizabeth Piskorski, D.O. Emergency Medicine Jefferson Health - Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Francine Eva Noda, D.O. Internship Naval Medical Center San Diego San Diego, CA
Danielle Seori Park, D.O. Surgery Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Pengse Po, D.O. Internship Naval Medical Center San Diego San Diego, CA
kelly Nicol, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Richmond, VA Neurology Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Richmond, VA
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training Lauren Michelle Prince, D.O. Family Medicine Suburban Community Hospital Norristown, PA
Sonia B. Samuel, D.O. Internal Medicine Albany Medical Center Albany, NY
Olivia Marielle Questore, D.O. Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
tessa Marie Scheckelhoff, D.O. Pediatrics Akron Children’s Hospital-NEOMED Akron, OH
George Michael Raum, D.O. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA Collin James Reynolds, D.O. Internal Medicine Rowan University SOM Stratford, NJ Amanda Ryan Roath, D.O. Family Medicine McLaren Health Care Lansing, MI Arielle Natasia Roberts, D.O. Surgery Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn, NY James Joseph Rock, III, D.O. Internal Medicine Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA Meaghan Nancy Roszyk, D.O. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Geisinger Health System Danville, PA Melissa Malkin Rubin, D.O. Internal Medicine Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA Paulina Elizabeth Rudy, D.O. Family Medicine Bayhealth Medical Center Dover, DE Alex Masune Saeta, D.O. Internship St. Luke’s Hospital Anderson, PA Brooke Danielle Saffren, D.O. Ophthalmology Larkin Community Hospital Miami, FL
Rachael Lee Schneider, D.O. Internal Medicine Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA kelsey Lynn Schrage, D.O. Emergency Medicine Kern Medical Center Bakersfield, CA Ryan Michael Schwartz, D.O. Internal Medicine St. Luke’s Hospital Bethlehem, PA Alexander William Scott, D.O. Emergency Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE Erin C. Scott, D.O. Surgery-Preliminary Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Interventional Radiology Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Anne Elizabeth Serrao, D.O. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vidant Medical Center/ East Carolina University Greenville, NC Christine Shind, D.O. Internal Medicine UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals Lititz, PA Mark Andrew Siden, D.O. Ophthalmology Larkin Community Hospital Miami, FL Brian Matthew Smith, D.O. Ophthalmology Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA
Nathan Richard Smith, D.O. Internal Medicine Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD katie Lucianny Soler, D.O. Psychiatry AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Atlantic City, NJ Rachel Spayd, D.O. Family Medicine Inspira Health Network Mullica Hill, NJ Erica Elizabeth Stagliano, D.O. Family Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA Branden C. Stearns, D.O. Internal Medicine Jefferson Health - Northeast Philadelphia, PA zachary Mitchell Sterling, D.O. Family Medicine St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Easton, PA Rachel Anna Sternberg, D.O. Family Medicine Bryn Mawr Hospital Bryn Mawr, PA Marc A. Stezzi, Jr., D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown, PA Donielle Janée Sturgis, D.O. Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA Shelby Lee Sweat, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary AU-UGA Medical Partnership Athens, GA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Louisville SOM Louisville, KY Michelle Marie Swenson, D.O. Family Medicine Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital Nellis AIr Force Base/Univ of Nevada School of Medicine Las Vegas, NV
DO Class of 2021 Post-Graduate Training Nicholas John talabiska, D.O. Internal Medicine Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA
John Charles turner, Jr., D.O. Family Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE
Andrea N. Weir, D.O. Psychiatry Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA
Vishwant Reddy tatagari, D.O. Anesthesiology UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals Lititz, PA
Brandon Gregory twombly, D.O. Family Medicine Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA
Catherine Jean tauro, D.O. Medicine-Preliminary Jersey Shore University Medical Center Neptune, NJ Neurology Zucker SOM-Northwell NS/LIJ-NY Manhasset, NY
kimberly Nicole Wolfe, D.O. Emergency Medicine HCA Healthcare/ USF Morsani GME-Oak Hill Brooksville, FL
Megan Colleen ulsh, D.O. Emergency Medicine Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA
Alexander Luis tejada, D.O. Family Medicine NCC - Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Fort Belvoir, VA Samuel Prabhakar alathoti, D.O. Emergency Medicine Rowan University SOM Stratford, NJ Gianna Christine toglia, D.O. Internal Medicine Lankenau Medical Center Wynnewood, PA Ian Campbell tolmie, D.O. Internal Medicine Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, PA Nikolas John touloumes, D.O. Internal Medicine University of Louisville SOM Louisville, KY Alec Lawrence tributino, D.O. Family Medicine University of Massachusetts Med School Worcester, MA Ryan John triglia, D.O. Internship Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation omas Jefferson Univ-PA Philadelphia, PA
Chijioke uzoaru, D.O. Anesthesiology Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, IL Vanessa Angelique Valdivia, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Albertus Johannes van Wyk, D.O. Surgery Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, PA Megan Marie Vasconez, D.O. Internal Medicine Geisinger Health System Danville, PA Morgan Anne Venuti, D.O. Internal Medicine Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA Lisa Robin Wallace, D.O. Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Louis, MO Alan Wang, D.O. Surgery Christiana Care Newark, DE Matthew Joseph Weaver, D.O. Internship Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ
Arielle Marie Worth, D.O. Surgery Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Raven Sheteya Worthy, D.O. Internal Medicine Christiana Care Newark, DE Gabrielle Raphaela yankelevich, D.O. Urology Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Amanda Judith yisrael, D.O. Internal Medicine Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA kevin yohannan, D.O. Family Medicine Garnet Health Medical Center Middletown, NY Bernice yu, D.O. Surgery Tower Health/Reading Hospital West Reading, PA Harry E. zobel, Jr., D.O. Internship Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown, PA Neurology Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown. PA
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Board of Trustees Administration The PCOM Alumni Association
Board of Trustees Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Officers Chairman of the Board
John P. Kearney
Vice Chairman
Thomas J. Gravina
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81
Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
Kenneth J. Veit, D.O. ’76, M.B.A.
Vice President for Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Peter Doulis, C.P.A.
Chief Legal Affairs Officer and Assistant Secretary
David F. Simon, J.D.
Chief Advancement Officer
Carrie Collins, J.D., Ph.D.
Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer
Marcine Pickron-Davis, Ph.D.
Chief Campus Officer – PCOM Georgia
R. Bryan Ginn, Jr.***
Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary
Lynn A. Kush
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine James H. Black, D.O. ’62, LL.D. (Hon.) John B. Bulger, D.O. ’95, M.B.A. Timothy P. Burgess, M.P.A. Joseph A. Dieterle, D.O. ’70 Matthew O. Elkes Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81 Stephanie Felgoise, Ph.D.* Julie R. Fox, M.B.A. omas J. Gravina
*Faculty Representative **Alumni Representative ***These individuals are Members of the PCOM Board only
Jerel A. Hopkins John P. Kearney Vincent Lobo, D.O. ’65 R. David McCleskey A. Scott McNeal, D.O. ’88 Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85 ** Wayne T. Sikes Kenneth J. Veit, D.O. ’76, M.B.A.
Academic Administration Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. President and Chief Executive Officer kenneth J. Veit, D.O., M.B.A. Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Peter Doulis, C.P.A. Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer David Simon, J.D. Chief Legal Affairs Officer R. Bryan Ginn, Jr. Chief Campus Officer, PCOM Georgia Carrie Collins, Ph.D., J.D., Chief Advancement Officer Marcine Pickron-Davis, Ph.D. Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer Robert Ditomasso, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Dean, School of Professional and Applied Psychology
David kuo, D.O. Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Director of Medical Education Bonnie A. Buxton, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Osteopathic Curriculum, PCOM Georgia kerin Fresa, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Osteopathic Curriculum, PCOM Naushad M. khan Ghilzai, Ph.D., B.Pharm. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Michael Becker, D.O., M.S. Associate Dean of Clinical Education PCOM Marla Golden, D.O. Associate Dean of Clinical Education PCOM Georgia, PCOM South Georgia Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Associate Dean for Academic Integration Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology
Gregory McDonald, D.O. Dean, School of Health Sciences
Michael Lee, Ph.D. Assistant Dean, Professional and Student Affairs, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia
Shawn Spencer, Pharm.D. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia
Julie Wickman, Pharm.D. Assistant Dean, Clinical Education, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia
Linda R. Adkison, Ph.D., M.S. Associate Provost Accreditation, Growth and Development
Brian Balin, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM
Andrea Mann, D.O., F.A.A.P. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM Georgia
Elizabeth A. Gosch, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Chair, Department of Counseling, PCOM
H. William Craver III, D.O. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM South Georgia Joseph kaczmarczyk, D.O., M.P.H., M.B.A. Vice Dean, School of Medicine, Philadelphia Campus Arthur Sesso, D.O. Senior Associate Dean of Osteopathic Curricular Innovation and Oversight and Chair, Surgery
Jessica Glass kendorski, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., B.C.B.A.-D Chair, Department School Psychology, PCOM Laura Levy, D.H.Sc., P.A.-C Chair, Physician Assistant Studies PCOM and PCOM Georgia Phillip Palmer, Ph.D., P.t. Chair, Physical Therapy, PCOM Georgia Avadhesh C. Sharma, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia John tovar, Pharm.D. Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia
Administration (continued) Richard White, Ph.D., F.A.H.A. Interim Chair & Professor Osteopathic Curriculum, PCOM Georgia Patience Mason, M.Ed. Chief Student Affairs Officer Samuel A. Matheny, M.Ed., M.A. Chief Student Services Officer, Offices of Financial Aid and Registrar Jane z. Dumsha, Ph.D. Chief Research Operations Officer Mindy George-Weinstein, Ph.D. Chief Research and Science Officer
Erik Langenau, D.O., M.S. Chief Academic Technologies Officer Brian Mann, M.A., P.A.-.C. Chief Simulation Operations Officer Persko Grier Interim Chief Library Services Officer Maureen O’Mara Carver Registrar
The PCOM Alumni Association the PCOM Alumni Association Board of Directors 2021 Council Members Executive Council
Professional Careers Council
William Swallow, D.O. ’79, President
Prerakkumar Adhuria, Pharm.D. ‘17
Paul LaPoint, D.O. ’90, President-Elect
Jennifer Alvarado, M.S./F.M. ’08
Amanda Murphy, M.S./P.A. ’02, Secretary
Christopher Brown, M.S./C.C.H.P. ’11
Shanda Lucas, M.S./O.D.L. ’09, Awards
Madeleine Brown, M.S./Biomed ’18
Committee Chair Jennifer Dwyer, D.O. ’08, Nominating Committee Chair Melissa Schwartz, D.O. ’91, Past President
Krystal Carter, M.S./C.C.H.P. ’10 Ashara Cashaw, Psy.D. ’13 Rashim Lancit, Ed.S. ’13 Ruark Lanham, M.S./O.D.L. ’07 David Poponi, Psy.D. ’09 Preston Williams, M.S./P.A. ’07
D.O. Council
trainee Council
Michael Becker, D.O. ’87
Elisa Giusto, D.O. ‘18
James Bonner, D.O. ’86
Luke King, D.O. ’18
Dipan Desai, D.O. ’02
Prakshal Jain, (D.O. ‘23), PCOM Georgia
Gretta Gross, D.O. ’97
Jazmone Kelly, (D.O. ’23),
Ricky Lockett, D.O. ’84
PCOM South Georgia
Jessica Masser, D.O. ’07
Megan Pattoli, (D.O. ’23), PCOM
Joseph Nyzio, Jr., D.O. ’00 William Pesce, D.O. ’89 Elsira Pina, D.O. ’89 Howard Robinson, D.O. ’90
Alumni Association Board Representative to PCOM Board of trustees Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85 PCOM President & CEO Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81 Deputy Chief Advancenet Officer Necie Steward, M.S./O.D.L. ‘20
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The College Seal The Mace and Baton The Academic Costume
The College Seal
The College seal first appeared in 1925 embossed on the cover of The Synapsis, the College’s first yearbook. Volume One of The Synapsis was published by the junior class of Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in honor of the graduating class of 1925. The first seal incorporated the College motto mens et manus, “mind and hand.” The seal’s origin is unknown, as is its designer. In 1938, Edgar O. Holden, D.O. ’22, dean of the College from 1924 to 1943, and Russell C. Erb, Ph.D., associate dean from 1937 to 1943, proposed and designed a coat of arms. The coat of arms appeared for the first time in the 1938 alumni magazine and featured a heraldic design that applies to the osteopathic profession. The three triangles are symbolic of the three segments of the vertebral column, which has a significant part in the science of osteopathic medicine. The hand emerges from a noble crown indicative of the regal aspect and dignity, as well as the healing powers of the human hand when applied to the art and science of osteopathic medicine. The College motto was retained, and the coat of arms was utilized as the College seal in various motifs through the mid-1980s. An adaptation of the first College seal was re-introduced in 1986. Today’s College seal, similar to the original, was adopted following the College’s Centennial Celebration in 1999. The seal features a centrally placed shield within which are shown a scroll and a flaming torch of knowledge. Immediately above is the College motto, reflecting the College’s osteopathic origin. Uppermost and arranged in a radial pattern are streaks of solar brilliance. Separated from either side of the shield are branches of laurel joined and bound together at the center, close to the base of the shield. These components exemplify teaching, learning and the attainment of knowledge leading to successful careers in the healthcare professions. The name of the College and the year of its founding encircle the seal.
The Mace and Baton
PCOM’s academic processions are led by the bearer of the College mace, who precedes or accompanies the president of the College. The bearers of the mace and baton serve as marshals of faculty. The medieval mace was first a protective device for the clergy, who were not allowed to carry swords. Later, maces became ceremonial and are carried today in the Houses of Parliament in England and also in the United States House of Representatives where, when in position to the right of the Speaker of the House, the mace is a symbol of his or her authority. The Alumni Association of PCOM presented the mace to the College in 1972. The idea of having a College mace was first proposed in 1969. Several maces were thus designed, but support for the undertaking was lacking. It was the enthusiastic spirit of Ms. Carol Fox, at that time assistant registrar, now retired associate vice president for enrollment management, that caused Dr. Thomas M. Rowland, Jr., then registrar and vice president–administration, later president of PCOM, to acquiesce. Paul T. Lloyd, D.O., designed the mace, which was created by William F. J. Ryan of New York, a member of the L’Académie Internationale d’Héraldique. A sphere with a golden crown tops the mahogany staff heralding sovereign authority of the College to grant the degree Doctor of Osteopathy by virtue of the powers given it by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Engraved on the sphere is the caduceus, the symbol of medicine. The caduceus represents the staff of Aesculapius, the Latin name for Askelepios, the Greek god of medicine, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis. A snake is entwined on the staff ’s branch because the serpent was held sacred to the gods and was an early symbol of medicine. Three coats of arms appear on the upper of the two hexagonal modes: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (directly beneath the caduceus), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia (the locale of the College since its founding in 1899). PCOM’s coat of arms is engraved on the top of the marshal’s baton, a symbol of authority in keeping with the title and office held by the marshal. The metallic elements of the mace, to wit the hexagonal modes and the globe, are bronzebased with heavily plated rhodium. The coronet is gold-plated and the staff is South American mahogany.
The Academic Costume
The history of academic costume originated in medieval times and stems from the early days of the oldest universities. It is thought that long gowns were first worn for warmth in the cold lecture halls. And hoods may have covered the tonsured heads (shorn crowns) of priests and monks who made up the faculty. One university insisted on the tonsure for scholars. The hoods were replaced by the skull cap, which in turn was displaced by a headgear somewhat like that worn today. The faculty and students of European universities still wear a diversity of academic regalia. However, in 1893, a United States intercollegiate commission dictated a uniform code, which has been accepted by most American colleges and universities. The commission devised three types of gowns and three types of hoods for the bachelor’s, the master’s and the doctorate degree. All gowns are black except for the associate in arts degree, which is gray. The bachelor’s gown features pointed sleeves and is worn closed; the master’s gown has an oblong sleeve and may be worn open or closed. The gown for the doctorate degree has bellshaped sleeves slashed with three velvet bars. The front of the gown is faced with velvet and is worn either open or closed. The colorful hoods are lined with silk in the color or colors of the institution granting the degree (PCOM’s colors are maroon and gray). In addition, the hood is trimmed with velvet facing representing the academic discipline in which the degree has been granted: white for arts, letters or humanities; golden-yellow for science; purple for law; lemon-yellow for library science; sapphire-blue for commerce or business; light blue for education; brown for fine arts; dark blue for philosophy; green for medicine—the color of life and growth (Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons wear hoods trimmed with crimson). The length of the hood varies according to the degree: short for the associate and bachelor’s degree, medium for the master’s and long for the doctorate. Mortarboards are generally recommended for caps, although soft, square-topped caps are permissible. Tassels may be black or gold and are usually gold for the doctorate degree. While there is no rule for the position of the tassel, many colleges and universities (including PCOM) request the candidates to wear the tassel on the right side and to shift it to the left at the moment the degree is awarded.