RowanSOM Commencement: 216 Physicians and Scientists “Standing on the shoulders of giants”

"Doctor" is one of the most respected titles in contemporary society and one that has become more significant during the COVID pandemic’s unprecedented worldwide impact.

On Monday, May 10, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) celebrated 170 graduates of its Class of 2021 who earned that highly respected title that will continue as their identity throughout the coming decades of their careers. Joining them that day, in front of an audience of family and friends on the University Green were 46 graduates of Rowan University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (RowanGSBS), three of whom had earned their Ph.D. degrees.  

Dr. Thomas A. Cavalieri, the Dean of RowanSOM, welcomed the graduates and guests to the ceremony to “celebrate the next generation of physicians and scientists…a truly dynamic, dedicated, motivated and compassionate group of men and women who are poised to serve our communities, our state and our nation in health care and in science.” 

The Class of 2021 holds a unique place in the history of both schools, having faced the personal and professional challenges of the “twin-demic” of the COVID-19 virus and the incidents of racism and social injustice of the past 15 months. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed shaped our lives in ways we could not have imagined,” Dr. Cavalieri said. “I am tremendously proud of the members of the class of 2021 for their response, resilience and strength shown during this difficult time.” 

In his remarks, Dr. Cavalieri noted several highlights of the graduating class, including: 

• Eight prior RowanGSBS graduates are in the RowanSOM Class of 2021 and, in July, at least 15 RowanGSBS students are expected to become part of the medical school’s Class of 2025.
• Volunteers from the Class of 2021 have diligently worked with physician leaders as part of “Operation Save Lives” at the Rowan Medicine Vaccination Clinic. Since December, the center has administered nearly 50,000 vaccines, thanks in great part to the student volunteers who supported every facet of the clinic, including patient registration, administering vaccine and monitoring patients after vaccination.
• Members of the Class of 2021 joined a larger cohort of alumni and students who formed the SOM Black Collective to advocate for students of color, raise awareness about racism and inequities that still exist, and create a network of alumni to serve as mentors and advisors. The Black Collective received an Excellence in Diversity award from the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Class members also worked tirelessly to maintain the Rowan Community Health Center during the pandemic, ensuring accessibility to quality health care for underserved populations in the surrounding communities. 

The Commencement Ceremony also featured remarks from Class President Mandeep Pabla, DO, who emphasized the collective gratitude of the Class of 2021 to all who gathered, both in person and virtually, to share in the celebration. 

“The debts we owe extend far beyond the financial,” Dr. Pabla explained. “We are indebted to our patients…and to our loved ones, the giants who not only let us stand on their shoulders, but who hold us up there.”