Students Celebrate Commencement, Share Their Graduation Journeys and More

PCOM Dean Inducted as Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Peter Bidey, DO, MSEd, FACOFP, dean of PCOM and chief academic officer at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has been inducted as one of the 48 new fellows of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia—joining other distinguished physicians, scholars, and public health leaders in the Spring 2025 Fellowship class.

Founded in 1787, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, home of the Mütter Museum, is a nonprofit institution dedicated to “advancing the cause of health while upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine.” Twice a year, the College inducts new Fellows who have demonstrated excellence in clinical care, education, research or public service. Read more about Dr. Bidey's recognition as a fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Pushed from an Early Age: UNTHSC-TCOM Student Is Graduating and Ready to Take Care of His Family and Patients

The routine for Kory Howell was this: wake up at 6:00 AM, work out, go to class dressed for work until 2:00 PM, work until 9:30 PM, do homework until after 11:00 PM, then start over the next day. This wasn’t medical school, it was life at age 17. Howell was living in Midland, Texas, just beginning his seven-year journey as part of the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) Primary Care Pathway Program.

For someone living on his own, his maturity level and work ethic were unmatched. That’s right, Kory had been, for all intents and purposes, on his own for the last few years, but none of that would stop him. He knew if he wanted to be a doctor, he had to start acting like one. Read more about Kory’s inspiring journey to becoming a physician.

CHSU to Celebrate Medical School and Master’s Program Graduates at Commencement and Hooding Ceremony

California Health Sciences University (CHSU) is proud to announce the students in its medical school and master’s program graduated on Sunday, May 18, 2025. AACOM President & CEO Robert A. Cain, DO, provided the commencement speech for the Class of 2025.

“We are proud to advance our mission to improve access to healthcare by educating and training physicians to serve the Central Valley and beyond. I’m so proud to see our second cohort of physicians graduate and serve as compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled healthcare providers,” stated John Graneto, DO, dean of CHSU-COM. Read more about CHSU-COM’s recent residency match rate.

In case you missed it…

Rooted in Bayanihan, Growing in Medicine: The Filipino Spirit in Healthcare

By Philip Ordoñez, OMS II, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am on the path to becoming the first physician in my family, and I attribute much of my success to the foundation laid by those who came before me. My father was born in a small village in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when he was just seventeen years old. In time, my grandparents, aunts and uncle also moved to the States, and together they helped lay a foundation for the next generation. Because of their hard work and sacrifices, my cousins and I have had the opportunity to reach even further. Read more.

Where I Come, From Where I'm Going: A Cambodian American Journey Through AAPI Heritage and Osteopathic Medicine in the Year of the Snake

By Michael Ny, OMS II, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Great Falls, Montana Campus (photo credit: Matt Ehnes).

Each year, the arrival of Cambodian New Year—Chaul Chnam Thmey—offers me a moment of joyful reflection. It takes me back to childhood mornings, when the scent of freshly lit incense would drift through our home—Mom’s quiet ritual to honor our ancestors. Celebrated in mid-April, it marks a time of renewal and remembrance for Cambodians around the world. Just weeks later, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month begins—a timely continuation of cultural recognition that deepens my reflection on what it means to carry the legacy of a community shaped by both pain and persistence. Read more.

Fluent in Compassion: Because Every Patient Deserves to Be Understood

By Joseph Song, OMS I, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine

I’m a Korean American who came to the United States at the age of 14. My American journey began in Montgomery County, Maryland, where I attended high school while living with my older brother. Our parents visited only a few times a year, so we had to learn how to navigate life on our own at a young age. Read more.