Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates 120 new doctors at the Apollo

The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) Harlem awarded Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees to 120 new doctors on Thursday, May 16, in festive ceremonies at the Apollo Theater, across the street from the medical school.

The 14th annual commencement began with a traditional academic procession of faculty and administration, accompanied by a grand marshal and bagpipes. The Class of 2024 settled into the front rows, with their friends and families joining them behind and above to fill the 1500-seat theater.

President addresses polarization

In congratulatory remarks to the class, Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish reminded the graduates that there will be new pressures as they enter the professional world and they will have to figure out how to balance work with family, friends, and issues important to them in an increasingly complex environment.

“As physicians, we have a right and responsibility of caring for everyone without prejudice. [In] an increasingly polarized society, the idea that we treat every patient as an equal and with respect has never been more important,” Kadish said.

Awards and accolades

Graduates took to the stage to accept numerous awards for their accomplishments, including academic achievement, development of clinical skills, community service, achievement in public health, and research.

Geoffrey Campbell, who will start a pediatrics residency at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, won the Research Award.

“I’m very excited, and I feel like I’m well-prepared to begin the journey,” Campbell said after the event. He also said that Kadish’s remarks resonated with him. “His speech was really excellent for the time and the climate we are in, especially when he talked about the need to have physicians who care about their patients no matter what their backgrounds are.” 

TouroCOM Executive Dean Dr. Kenneth Steier congratulated the class on their acceptance to residency programs all over the country to train in a variety of specialties. The class achieved a match rate of 97%, with 82 graduates staying in the Tri-State Area (65 in New York City). Half the class chose to train in primary care specialties such as internal medicine, family medicine, and OB-GYN, with the remainder in other areas, such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, and anesthesia.

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