rd 43 Commencement Ceremony
12 P.M. EDT • SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 Virtual event from WVSOM campus Lewisburg, West Virginia West Virginia School of
Osteopathic Medicine
Sherri A. Young, D.O., FAAFP Executive director and health officer of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Sherri Young, D.O., is executive director and health officer of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. She is the first woman and the first osteopathic physician to hold the office. In 2019, Young’s colleagues elected her president of the West Virginia State Medical Association, and she is also the immediate past president of the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians. Young was West Virginia’s first state immunization officer and served as medical director for the Keystone Peer Review Organization, Aetna/Coventry commercial and Medicare divisions, and the University of Charleston’s physician assistant program. Prior to her administrative roles, she served in clinical practice. An associate editor for the West Virginia Medical Journal, Young has authored many peerreviewed and opinion articles on issues related to public health and medicine. She represents the osteopathic profession as a trustee for the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association and this year was appointed to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. Young is considered one of West Virginia’s leading experts in immunizations and gave the keynote address at the International Zika Conference and Workshop. She has received the Public Health Merit Award from the West Virginia Public Health Association and WVSOM’s Preceptor of the Year Award for clinical faculty, among other awards. With her daughter, Gabi, Young co-authored a children’s book titled Lucky, which was published in 2019 and based on Young’s true story of losing her house in a fire. She is also the author of Blessed: A Family’s Struggle to Rise From the Ashes, published this year. Young received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from WVSOM in 2003 and completed a residency in family medicine at Charleston Area Medical Center. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Young graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology.
WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Steven C. Sarver, Chair Robert B. Holstein, D.O., Vice Chair
James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. President
Cheryl D. Schreiber, Secretary
Michael D. Adelman, D.O., D.P.M., J.D. President Emeritus
Randall L. Belt, D.O. Charles H. Davis, D.O.
Craig S. Boisvert, D.O., FACOFP Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
J. Fred Earley II
Larry J. Ware, MBA, CPA Vice President for Finance and Facilities
John M. Garlitz, D.O. Sherri L. Miller
Leslie W. Bicksler, MSW Vice President of Human Resources
Gary L. Poling, D.O.
Edward G. Bridges, Ph.D. Vice President for Administration and External Relations
Jubel M. Puthusseril, OMS III
Marilea E. Butcher, B.A. Vice President for Communications and Administrative Affairs
David L. Ramsey
Drema G. Mace, Ph.D. Vice President for Community Engagement and Development
WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY COMMISSIONERS
Jeffrey M. Shawver, J.D. Vice President for Legal and Governmental Affairs/ Legal Counsel Jandy B. Hanna, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research and Sponsored Programs A. Machelle Linsenmeyer, Ed.D. Associate Dean for Assessment and Educational Development Robert M. Pepper, D.O. Associate Dean for Predoctoral Clinical Education Roy D. Russ, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Preclinical Education Victoria L. Shuman, D.O. Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education
Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Ph.D., Interim Chancellor Michael J. Farrell, Esquire, Chair Andrew A. Payne III, Vice Chair Diane Lewis Jackson, Secretary Robert L. Brown, Ex-Officio James W. Dailey II Dale Lowther W. Clayton Burch, Ex-Officio Donna L. Schulte
Founders Carlton G. Apgar, D.O.
O.J. Bailes, D.O.
Donald C. Newell Sr., D.O.
Frank Wallington, D.O.
Program The Processional................................................................................................................ Greenbrier River Brass Ensemble The National Anthem........................................................................................................................Dallas Marsh, OMS IV Class of 2020 Call to Order �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Peter J. Ward, Ph.D. Faculty Marshal Welcome and Introduction of Guests...............................................................................................James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. President Greetings From: The WVSOM Board of Governors �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Steven C. Sarver Chair The WVSOM Alumni Association ......................................................................Robert E. Olexo, D.O. (’01) President The West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association .........................................E. Michael Robie, D.O. (’04) President The Commencement Address Sherri A. Young, D.O., FAAFP (’03) The Class Address.....................................................................................................................Emmanuel Dimitri Foko Tito President, Class of 2020 Presentation of Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine...............................................................Craig S. Boisvert, D.O., FACOFP Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Presentation of Diplomas ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Rebecca Morrow, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Peter J. Ward, Ph.D. Professor of Anatomy The Osteopathic Oath......................................................................................................Craig S. Boisvert, D.O., FACOFP The Recesssional................................................................................................................Greenbrier River Brass Ensemble
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Brittney E. Aguiar Miami, FL B.A., Florida International University
Kristen D. Bruce Anderson, IN B.S., Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis
Yunus N. Ahmed Kew Gardens Hills, NY B.S., State University of New York - Stony Brook
Anthony Bucca Easton, PA B.S., The Catholic University of America M.B.A., University of Southern California
Jordan T. Allen Butler, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University Ashveen Bains Upper Darby, PA B.S., M.S., Villanova University
Lauren E. Burton Grand Blanc, MI B.S., University of Michigan Alexandria K. Carter Chapmanville, WV B.S., University of Charleston
Meenal P. Balakrishnan Houston, TX B.A., Johns Hopkins University J.D., University of Cincinnati
Jacob Cauvel Erie, PA B.A., University of Rochester
Kayle A. Barndt West Hazleton, PA B.S., Albright College
Madison N. Chase McCreary Elkview, WV B.S., Concord University
B. Chase Bennett Lewisburg, WV B.S., University of Mississippi Medical Center
Elliott J. Chiartas Charleston, WV B.S., West Virginia University
Garin B. Bergeson Moses Lake, WA B.S., Brigham Young University
Lucy Chisler Edina, MN B.A., Reed College
Angelica Bialczak New Hyde Park, NY B.S., Loyola University - Maryland
Allison K. Collier Sterling, MI B.S., Saginaw Valley State University
Matthew D. Blake Charleston, WV B.A., Marshall University
Amanda R. Connolly Detroit, MI B.S., University of Michigan - Dearborn
Steven W. Boehm Carrboro, NC B.S., North Carolina State University
Allison S. Daniel Oak Flat, WV B.S., Marshall University
Alexis C. Borden Yorba Linda, CA B.A., University of Pennsylvania
Christopher C. DeBord Charleston, WV B.S., Marshall University
Nicholas L. Bowers Cumberland, MD B.S., Frostburg State University
Clinton B. Deering Owosso, MI B.S., Michigan State University
Kylee K. Brech Brick, NJ B.A., University of Delaware
Kayla E. Delmar Plattsburgh, NY B.S., University of New Hampshire
Karine Delroux Annapolis, MD B.S., UniversitĂŠ Pierre et Marie Curie M.S., UniversitĂŠ de Montpellier Ph.D., The University of Edinburgh Crissandra K. Digges Chillicothe, OH B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University Raymond W. Dobson Colliers, WV B.A., University of Waterloo Keaton A. Dubois Kokomo, IN B.S., Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis Pavitri B. Dwivedi Downey, CA B.S., University of Connecticut M.P.H., Boston University Farrah H. El-Khatib Hurricane, WV B.S., West Virginia University Joshua P. Ennis Rainelle, WV B.S., Concord University Alison M. Estep St. Marys, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Trenton C. Ferguson Rocky Mount, VA B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Joshua J. Fleming Asbury, NJ B.S., M.S., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania JessieAnn V. Flowers Granite City, IL B.S., Saint Louis University Cody M. Fluharty Wheeling, WV B.S., West Liberty University Emmanuel Dimitri Foko Tito Gaithersburg, MD B.S., University of Maryland - College Park Lauren N. Fravor Lemoore, CA B.S., University of California - Los Angeles
Kelsey R. Full Elizabeth, WV B.S., Glenville State College Ashley N. Gaing Ashland, KY B.A., Wellesley College Alyssa M. Gates Whitehall, PA B.A., Columbia University P.B.C., La Salle University Alaric J.P. Gee Hamden, CT B.A., New York University Meena K. Gella Johnstown, PA B.S., University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg Taylor A. George Westminster, MD B.S., Clearwater Christian College Mariam Gheissari La Jolla, CA B.A., University of California - Irvine Jason D. Gilbert Manlius, NY B.M., University at Buffalo The State University of New York Adam J. Goodcoff Clifton Park, NY B.S., University at Albany Nolan T. Green Faribault, MN B.S., University of Wisconsin - Stout Madonna P. Gribble Fairmont, WV B.A., Capital University Justin D. Griffith Meadville, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University Adrian J. Hackney Lofton, VA B.S., M.A., Eastern Mennonite University Lisa H. Hall Burnsville, NC B.S., East Tennessee State University
Amina U. Hamza Valley Stream, NY B.S.N., Long Island University School of Nursing Lillian P. Harry Winchester, VA B.S., James Madison University Aaron N. Hartkop Shelby Township, MI B.S., Michigan State University Carly E. Heatherly Buckhannon, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Jacob W. Helsel Grayling, MI B.S., Siena Heights University Zachary P. Henderson Bridgeport, WV B.A., West Virginia University Ashley A. Henning Pittsburgh, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University P.B.C., M.S., Duquesne University Aaron W. Hess Livonia, MI B.S., Hillsdale College Adam C.M. Hoffmann Wausau, WI B.S., Marquette University Joseph C. Holjencin Emporium, PA B.A., B.S., University of Pittsburgh Chizite C. Iheonunekwu Houston, TX B.S.N., Texas Woman’s University Michael K. Johnson Crawley, WV B.S., Fairmont State University Vincent J. Kaykaty Staten Island, NY B.S., Macaulay Honors College City University of New York Lindsey M. Kent East Troy, WI B.A., Johns Hopkins University M.S., Drexel University College of Medicine
Christine R. Kerr Gainesville, FL B.A., Dartmouth College P.B.C., University of North Florida Danielle A. Kerr Gainesville, FL B.A., Dartmouth College P.B.C., University of North Florida Aditya Kesari Daniels, WV B.S., West Virginia University Afra Khan Chicago, IL B.A., Loyola University - Chicago Schyler L. Kidd Little River, SC B.S., University of South Carolina M.S., Georgetown University Hannah K. King Gatlinburg, TN B.S., University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Joshua A. Kinsey Dacula, GA B.S., University of Georgia Jeffrey L. Kiser New Brunswick, Canada B.A.S., University of Maine - Presque Isle Blayne A. Knapp Glens Falls, NY B.A., University of Vermont M.S., University of North Texas Health Science Center Muhannad H. Kurtom Beltsville, MD B.S., University of Maryland Tenchee D. Lama Tamang Woodbridge, VA B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University M.S., Johns Hopkins University Jacqueline A. Lamson Cary, NC B.A., James Madison University Jacob S. Lane Springboro, OH B.S., Wright State University
Jesse K. Laverdiere Uniontown, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University
Miesca A. McFarland Kingston, JA, WI B.S., Bridgewater College
Jessica D. Lee Cherry Hill, NJ B.S., The College of New Jersey
Madison L. McLachlan Traverse City, MI B.A., St. Olaf College P.B.C., Drexel University College of Medicine
Tiffany H. Lee Irvine, CA B.S., University of California - San Diego Vernon Leung Brooklyn, NY B.A., Dickinson College Carl P. Levy Suffolk, VA B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Caylan Liew Phillipsburg, NJ B.S., New York University Cassandra Lilli Massillon, OH B.S., West Virginia University Linda L. Logan Salt Lake City, UT B.S., University of Utah Reina L. Lopez Snowshoe, WV B.A., Colorado Mesa University M.A., M.L.A., St. John’s College Nathaniel Lucey La Crosse, WI B.S., University of Minnesota David M. Malekooti Tempe, AZ B.S., Arizona State University Monica Mansour Kissimmee, FL B.S., University of Central Florida Monika M. Marcinkevicius Palm Desert, CA B.S., University of California - Los Angeles Dallas D. Marsh Frewsburg, NY B.S., Binghamton University
Jessica Q. Mercado-Ortiz Bear, DE B.A., University of Delaware Marina C. Metzler Columbia, MD B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University Gene T. Michael Pittsburgh, PA B.S., Saint Vincent College Erika C. Michelin Traverse City, MI B.S., Michigan State University M.S., Case Western Reserve University Dustin R. Miller Cowen, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan Skye Miller Downingtown, PA B.A.S., Drexel University Aamir G. Mohiuddin Morganton, NC B.A., North Carolina State University - Raleigh Zain S. Mohiuddin Princeton, WV B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Seth D. Moomaw Purgitsville, WV B.S., West Virginia University Robert D. Mullin Jamison, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University Evan Muscari Saulsville, WV R.B.A., Concord University Janani Naidu Novi, MI B.S., University of Michigan
Ryan L. Naum Wellington, FL B.S., Florida State University
Rini K. Patadia Rocky River, OH B.S., Ohio State University
Abdulrahman Nazif Whitehall, PA B.S., Temple University
Sidharth R. Patel New York, NY B.S., Ohio State University
Anna E.P. Nelson Brentwood, TN B.A., University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Austin M. Patterson Fairmont, WV B.S., West Virginia University
Thu M. Nguyen San Francisco, CA B.A., University of California - Berkeley Pharm.D., Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Drew P. Phillips St. Marys, WV B.S., West Virginia University
Samantha R. Nibert Oak Hill, WV B.S., West Virginia University Phillip C. Nichols Elkview, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Aban Nikoonezhad Holmdel, NJ B.S., Monmouth University Jeffrey J. Niles Butler, PA B.S., University of Pittsburgh Natalie J. Osiecki Erie, PA B.S., John Carroll University Melissa T. Oye Daniels, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Jimmy Pan Charlotte, NC B.A., University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill Sahil S. Parag Jacksonville, FL B.S., West Virginia University M.S., Lincoln Memorial University Madeline G. Parson Lewisburg, WV B.S., Southern Utah University William J. Paster Morgantown, WV B.S., West Virginia University
Preetha S. Phillips Merrick, NY B.S., Shepherd University Adam J. Polinik Martinsburg, WV B.B.A., West Virginia University Ameer H. Quadri Weston, FL B.A., Florida International University Pratima D. Ramkissoon Maplewood, NJ B.S., Rutgers University - New Brunswick M.S., Rowan University Shreena Reddy Palm Beach Gardens, FL B.S., University of Central Florida Langley A. Regester Moorefield, WV B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Alicia C. Rego Fairhaven, MA B.S., Syracuse University Mitchell J. Rice Sandusky, OH B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University Scott R. Rice Boonsboro, MD B.S., Mount Saint Mary’s College M.S., Drexel University Elizabeth M. Richter Fair Oaks, CA B.S., California Polytechnic State University
Meg M. Riley Huntington, WV B.S., Marshall University
Jordan C. Shay Elmira, NY B.A., State University of New York
Kelsi E. Rogers Pekin, IL B.A., Augustana College
Andrew E. Shehata Bethpage, NY B.S., New York Institute of Technology M.S., Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cristina E. Romaniello Pompton Plains, NJ B.S., University of Scranton Jeanette K. Rosevear Bexley, OH B.S., Wittenberg University Landon Rosevear Leawood, KS B.A., University of Kansas Brittany M. Ross Chatham, NJ B.S., Washington and Lee University Cameron W. Rowe Morgantown, WV B.S., West Virginia University Emily M. Rowlands Honeoye Falls, NY B.S., Susquehanna University E. Dylan Saunders Chapmanville, WV B.S., University of Charleston Stephen L. Scharf Hollidaysburg, PA B.S., Washington and Jefferson College Derek W. Schoppert Bunker Hill, WV B.S., Shepherd College Kelsey M. Scott Danville, WV B.S., West Virginia University Lauren C. Searls Hagerstown, MD B.S., West Virginia Wesleyan College Shikha Sharma Deltona, FL B.S., University of South Florida
Ali A. Shuayto Dearborn, MI B.S., University of Michigan - Dearborn Jacob A. Shumac Brandon, FL B.S., University of Florida M.H.S., University of South Florida Randal J. Shumway Snowflake, AZ B.S., Arizona State University Stephen G. Sinclair Fairmont, WV B.A., West Virginia University Gurmaninder P. Singh Houston, TX B.A., Baylor University Rohini Singh Ocala, FL B.S., B.A., University of Florida Michael D. Sisler Dixon, CA B.L.S., University of Mary Washington David R. Smith Jr. Nazareth, PA B.S., University of Pittsburgh Kelsey A. Smith Pittsburgh, PA B.S., Denison University Guru Somesan Pensacola, FL B.S., University of West Florida Abigail K. Staton North Muskegon, MI B.S., Grand Valley State University Ethan S. Stephens Fairbanks, AK B.A., University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Rebecca A. Szer Fort Mill, SC B.S., College of Charleston M.A., Sarah Lawrence College Michelle C. Taylor Bridgeport, WV B.A., West Virginia University Zachary A. Tilley Mount Hope, WV B.S., Marshall University Loc T. Tran Wheeling, WV B.S., University of California - Davis M.H.S.A., St. Joseph’s College of Maine Eda S. Turgut Annandale, VA B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University P.B.C., Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Dahnish S. Valiani Glen Allen, VA B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University Joshua Van Allen Williamsport, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University Christina K. Veith New Rochelle, NY B.A., University of Vermont Thomas E. Wall Chesapeake, VA B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University M.S., University of California - Irvine Jed W. Walsh Chautauqua, NY B.S., University of Mount Union Caitlyn D. Walters Cross Lanes, WV B.S., West Virginia University Devin S. Welsh McConnellsburg, PA B.S., Pennsylvania State University M.B.S., The Commonwealth Medical College Majd Wess Lansing, MI B.S., Michigan State University
Lyndie R. Wilkins Loveland, CO B.S., Northeastern University Patricia J. Wilt Arthurdale, WV B.S., Kent State University Davis A. Wood Lewisburg, WV B.S., West Virginia University Lance M. Workman Glen Dale, WV B.S., Marshall University Coy D. Yasler Ravenden, AR B.S., Williams Baptist University Gary B. Young Sparta, TN B.S., Tennessee Technological University Christina K.H. Zheng Hyde Park, NY B.S., M.S., State University of New York - Buffalo Noorel M. Zia Bloomfield Hills, MI B.A., Wayne State University
THE OSTEOPATHIC OATH I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery. I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me. I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices. I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interest and for the interests of students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of the basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.
* Candidates receiving honor stoles represent the top 10 percent of their class academically. Candidates receiving gold and maroon cords are members of Sigma Sigma Phi, a national honorary osteopathic service fraternity. Candidates receiving medallions are members of Psi Sigma Alpha, a national honorary osteopathic academic fraternity. * These are candidates for the May 30, 2020, graduation at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. This document is not to be considered as an official record that degrees have been awarded.
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