News

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) logo

Northeast Ohio Medical University Honors 229 Graduates at 41st Commencement Ceremony

Northeast Ohio Medical University conferred 229 degrees upon Ohio’s newest Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Pharmacy, and other health professionals during a virtual ceremony held Saturday, May 1, 2021.

A theme voiced throughout the event was the need for transformational leaders in health care – a cornerstone of the University’s mission.

“Today, we are all witnessing a graduating class that represents the future of health care,” said John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president of NEOMED. “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.”

The theme of leadership was also addressed by keynote speaker Cliff Megerian, M.D., FACS, CEO of University Hospitals, who noted that new graduates will need to be leaders while also delivering care that is honest, accurate, transparent and compassionate.

“The art of medicine is what people will remember when they interact with you,” Dr. Megerian said in his address to NEOMED’s Class of 2021. “They will remember most how you made them feel. You have the opportunity to make it a great memory.”

Following the speakers, degrees were conferred upon graduates of the College of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Graduate Studies. Names of the graduates were read individually, followed by a live video feed of the student as they excitedly celebrated with loved ones. Students found ways to personalize their moment in the spotlight with signs, banners, confetti, and plenty of cheering and hugs to commemorate the milestone.

Degrees conferred at Commencement were the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Doctorate of Pharmacy in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine (Ph.D.), Master of Arts in Medical Ethics and Humanities (M.A.), Master of Modern Anatomical Sciences (M.S.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science in Health-System Pharmacy Administration (M.S.), and Master of Science of Modern Anatomical Sciences (M.S.).

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.

The event was held virtually, in consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

About NEOMED

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) harnesses diversity, innovation and collaboration to create transformative leaders and improve health through education, discovery and service. The University values leadership, excellence, advocacy, diversity, equity and respect and offers Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, in addition to master’s and doctoral degrees and research opportunities in other medical and life science areas.

# # #