TCMC celebrates milestone event with the graduation of the first class of Doctor of Medicine students

Saturday, May 11, 2020

On Saturday, May 11, 2020, The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) graduated its first class of MD students during its fourth Commencement Ceremony held at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Steven J. Scheinman, MD, President and Dean of TCMC conferred the degrees and awarded diplomas to 57 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students and 63 Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) students. This milestone for the College also marked a historical event in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TCMC is the first allopathic medical school established in the state in more than 30 years. The College’s mission is to provide more physicians and to improve health care for people of northeast and north central Pennsylvania.

“This milestone event is testament to the efforts of the visionaries and communities that came together to solve a regional healthcare problem,” stated Dr. Scheinman. “We are grateful to share this day with our students and the community who supported us from the beginning, with the physicians who have volunteered their time to educate our students, with the faculty and staff who have dedicated themselves to this mission, and with the families of our students.”

Members of the 2013 MD charter class will move on to residency programs where they will train in a wide range of medical specialties. Graduates of the rigorous one-year MBS program will enter medical school or other health professional schools where they will pursue careers in medicine, education, biomedical technology, and other health-related fields.

“TCMC is fortunate to have recruited exceptional students who are committed to medicine, the patients they serve, and the communities they will live in. Our communities are stronger because of the work they’ve done while students here. Their character reinforces TCMC’s mission and values,” stated Louis DeNaples, chair, TCMC Board of Trustees.

An inspirational commencement address was given by George E. Thibault, MD, President, The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation. Dr. Thibault was awarded an honorary doctorate [or Doctor of Medical Arts degree]. During his address, Dr. Thibault told the story of his father, a general practitioner in Upstate New York, and linked his life and career to that of the pioneer graduates of the first class of The Commonwealth Medical College.

Following the awarding of degrees, the new doctors recited an oath, which was created by the class, to celebrate their milestone and confirm their personal missions as they leave TCMC and begin residency programs. The recited oath concluded with “…I am grateful for the family and community that have brought me to this day and will honor them in the fulfillment of this oath. I will hold myself to the highest standard, maintaining and furthering the ethics, integrity, and noble traditions of my profession. I will be a doctor, a student, and a teacher beyond the confines of the bedside, in my community and in my daily life. In doing so I will cure sometimes, relieve often, and comfort always.”

“I am proud of the oath the students created. Their words were eloquent and made clear that they understood how much the community supported them and helped bring them to this day. I am confident that they are leaving TCMC as fine examples of our values of service, innovation, knowledge, learning, integrity, and compassion,” stated Dr. Scheinman.

During commencement activities, five members of the MD Class of 2013 were commissioned into their respective branches of the United States Military Armed Forces. This first commissioning ceremony was conducted by Captain Tommy W. Sandmel of the United States Army Medical Services Corp.

Of the 63 students receiving MBS degrees, 14 were inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society, which recognizes the academic and leadership accomplishments of graduate and professional school students. Of the 57 students receiving MD degrees, 11 were inducted into the TCMC Medical Honor Society, which recognizes students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and service to school and community. In addition, nine MD students earned membership in the Gold Humanism Honor Society which recognizes demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service.

For additional information on the fourth commencement ceremony, please visit www.thecommonwealthmedical.com or www.facebook.com/TCMCnepa. 

Click here for a list of the Class of 2013 graduates. 

Media contact:
Anne Green, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: (570) 504-9687
[email protected]

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