Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) welcomed 346 new osteopathic physicians and scientists at commencement ceremonies May 5, 2018.
A total of 250 KCU students from the college of medicine earned degrees in osteopathic medicine; several of the graduates also completed a masters of arts degree in bioethics, science, biomedical research, and masters of business administration as part of a program with Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management. An additional 96 students completed master’s degrees from the college of biosciences.
Marc B. Hahn, DO, President and CEO of KCU congratulated the graduating physicians on their success, which included national recognition.
“This class had the highest pass rate and the highest mean score for Level 1 of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam of any medical school in the nation.” he said.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the keynote speech by Deepa Halaharvi, DO, a 2008 graduate of KCU. Halaharvi is a breast cancer surgeon and a breast cancer survivor who gave the graduates valuable lessons from the perspective of not only a doctor but a patient as well.
“Choose excellence over ease,” Halaharvi said. “Let excellence be your brand… you want to stand out, you want to be unforgettable - doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know but I will look it up.’ Always set high goals and standards for yourself. Let your compassion, curiosity, empathy towards others and commitment to service guide you.”
Graduation Highlights
