AZ: Over 700 Healthcare Professionals Celebrate Commencement in Glendale

June 04, 2015

by Office of Communications

Graduates from Midwestern University's Glendale Campus in their commencement processional

Over three days last week, more than 700 newly-minted healthcare professionals received graduate degrees from Midwestern University in commencement ceremonies held on the Glendale Campus. During the ceremonies, Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the University, acknowledged the many achievements of the graduates during their years of study.

The following commencements took place in May in the Auditorium on the Glendale Campus: 

• The Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine honored 257 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Among the graduates, 54 percent will enter primary care residencies, while the rest of the class will pursue various specialties including emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, neurological surgery, ophthalmology, radiology, psychiatry, and anesthesiology. In addition, 39 graduates will stay in Arizona for their postdoctoral programs, with the rest traveling to 39 other states.  
• The College of Pharmacy-Glendale graduated 133 students with Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees. The graduates will begin their professional pharmacy careers in a variety of healthcare settings. In addition, several graduates have been accepted into postgraduate residency programs.
• The College of Health Sciences graduated students from its Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Cardiovascular Science, and Biomedical Science programs. Forty-five students earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, 27 students earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree (D.P.M.), and 23 received a Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science (M.S.). Of the 117 students earning master's degrees in biomedical science, several graduates will matriculate to another health degree program at Midwestern.
• The College of Dental Medicine-Arizona celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2015 with 110 graduates earning Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. Nineteen of the graduates will move on to advanced postgraduate residencies, 19 will enter military service, and the rest of the class will enter into private and corporate dental practices.
• The Arizona College of Optometry bestowed Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degrees on 46 graduates of the Class of 2015. Twelve of the new optometrists will enter residencies in areas such as surgery, low vision rehabilitation, contact lenses, and ocular disease, while the balance will enter into general optometric practice.

  "We have always had wonderful students who have made a difference in the lives of others," said Dr. Goeppinger. "It is my hope that you become professionals who show much grace and caring for your patients. You have blessed us by being part of the life and fabric of Midwestern University."

More Information

For more information, please contact:
Office of Communications
630.515.7333 (IL) or 623.572.3353 (AZ)
communications@midwestern.edu
azcommunications@midwestern.edu