NEOMED Awards Degrees to 229 New Doctors

ROOTSTOWN, Ohio – Northeast Ohio Medical University conferred degrees on 229 new doctors of medicine, doctors of pharmacy and other health professionals at its virtual commencement ceremony May 1.

Throughout the event, the featured speakers focused on the need for leaders in health care.

“Today, we are all witnessing a graduating class that represents the future of health care,” said Dr. John T. Langell, president of the university, at commencement. “Leaders who will improve outcome, access and value. Leaders who may be called upon to respond to the next global pandemic, for history has shown us that it is a certainty that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic we will face. I want to share with all of you, our newly minted pharmacists, doctors and scientists, that we feel both confident and comforted as we head into an unknown future, that NEOMED’s own are up to the task.”

Dr. Cliff Megerian, CEO of University Hospitals, also touched on the theme while emphasizing the need for honest, compassionate, accurate and transparent care.

“The art of medicine is what people will remember when they interact with you,” he said. “They will remember most how you made them feel. You have the opportunity to make it a great memory.”

The names of each graduate was read aloud, followed by a live feed of each students’ reaction at home.

NEOMED’s Class of 2021 comprises 139 College of Medicine graduates, who will move on to residencies in some of the nation’s best hospitals. Of the 69 College of Pharmacy graduates, 20 placed into residencies – with the success rate of those competing for residencies surpassing the national average match rate – while the rest will proceed directly into practice. The 21 College of Graduate Studies graduates will enter fields including drug development, health-system management, anatomy and public health. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.