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A Note From Dean Jermyn
Graduation marked a proud and joyful milestone—celebrating the next generation of compassionate, skilled physicians ready to enter the next phase of their careers. The Class of 2025 continues to raise the bar with their commitment to excellence, scholarship and service. From earning national accolades and contributing to our communities through volunteer efforts, this class has set a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
As we transition into summer, I encourage you to take time to reflect, recharge and celebrate your wins.
This e-newsletter will also be taking a short break in June and will return in July as we kick off the next academic year.
My best regards,
Richard T. Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR
Dean
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The Class of 2025: Excellence, Service & Achievement
The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) celebrated the graduation of 206 outstanding students during the annual Commencement Ceremony held May 16 in Glassboro. This year’s graduates continued the tradition of SOM excellence, service and leadership—earning recognition for academic achievement, research innovation and community impact.
Notable highlights:
- Two hundred and six graduates now join the ranks of compassionate, driven osteopathic physicians.
- The Class of 2025 produced more publications and conference presentations than any class in Rowan-Virtua SOM history.
- Many graduates volunteered through the Rowan-Virtua Community Health Center, administering preventative screenings and providing care for underserved and uninsured patients in South Jersey.
- The class achieved a nearly 100 percent match rate, gaining entrance to competitive graduate medical education programs across New Jersey and the nation.
- Many students were the first in their family to graduate from college, overcoming significant challenges on the path to earning their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
- Five military graduates will soon be promoted as a result of earning their D.O. degrees, with three entering residency programs at military medical centers.
You can read the story on Rowan Today.
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SOM Staff Commencement
Please join us in congratulating the Rowan-Virtua staff members who recently earned degrees! Your hard work, dedication and commitment to growth inspire us all. See the list of graduates below.
Alanna Gutchigian
Communication & Marketing
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
Lisa Smalley
Student Affairs & Alumni Engagement
Master of Business Administration
Karen Dessables
Department of Psychiatry
Master of Arts in Diversity and Inclusion
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Graduate Awards Dinner
The Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement hosted the annual Graduate Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 8, at Lucien’s in Berlin. The event honored members of the Class of 2025 for academic excellence and service, with special presentations including the Donna Jones Moritsugu Award, Student D.O. of the Year Award, the Golden Apple Awards, a Military Commissioning Ceremony, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award, presented to Dr. George Scott, ’97.
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2025 Top Female Docs 2025
These Rowan-Virtua SOM physicians are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care—and they also happen to be women. This year’s Top Docs and Top Docs for Kids lists include several of our outstanding female doctors.
See the full list of our recognized physicians below.
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Jennifer Caudle, D.O.
Family Medicine
Danielle Cooley, D.O.
Family Medicine
Aubrey Olson, D.O.
Family Medicine
Meagan Vermeulen, M.D.
Family Medicine
Terri Ginsberg, D.O.
NJ Institute for Successful Aging
Sarah Kleinle, D.O.
CARES Institute
Nicole Leopardi, M.D.
CARES Institute
Maria McColgan, M.D.
CARES Institute
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Jennifer LeComte, D.O.
RISN Center
Nicole Streeks-Wooden, M.D.
Pediatrics
Michele Tartaglia, D.O.
OB-GYN
Judith Lightfoot, D.O.
Internal Medicine
Deanna Janora, M.D.
NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute
Safia Siddiqui, M.D.
Rheumatology
Alissa Brotman, D.O.
Vascular Surgery
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Leadership Updates
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments:
- Joshua Coren, D.O., has been promoted to vice dean for clinical affairs.
- Millicent King Channell, D.O., has been promoted to vice dean for academic affairs and student services.
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Yashaswi Parikh Named “Woman to Watch” by South Jersey Magazine
Third-year Rowan-Virtua SOM student Yashaswi Parikh has been recognized as one of South Jersey Magazine’s “Women to Watch” for 2025.
Parikh, who is pursuing a career in pediatric oncology, was inspired by her younger brother, Om, who passed away from brain cancer when he was 13. Just two weeks after his passing, she interviewed for Rowan University’s dual BS/DO program and was accepted.
Today, she balances medical school with her work on the Om Foundation, which honors her brother’s legacy by raising funds for pediatric cancer research and supporting students pursuing careers in medicine and science. To date, the foundation has raised more than $150,000 and hosts the annual Om Memorial 5K, which draws thousands in support of pediatric cancer awareness.
“Even though physically, he’s not here, I think in a way, he is still kicking cancer’s butt,” Parikh said. “Because year after year, people are showing up to uphold that fight.”
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Joanna Petrides, MBS, Psy.D. from the Departments of Family Medicine and Psychology and chair of the Rowan-Virtua SOM Wellness Committee, shares this month’s tip for improving wellbeing.
Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments, whether they are big or small. When we’re juggling so much, it’s easy to ignore our wins and only focus on what’s next on our to-do list. You can celebrate by sharing your accomplishment with a friend or giving yourself a little reward.
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Second Annual Black Maternal Health Summit
On Thursday, April 17, the Medical Students for Birth Justice Interest Group hosted the Second Annual Black Maternal Health Summit, a collaborative event that brought together medical students, health care professionals and passionate advocates. More than 70 attendees gathered to exchange knowledge, share experiences and discuss best practices in the field. The summit was presented in collaboration with The Black Collective, SNMA, Medical Students for Choice, AMWA and the OB-GYN Society.
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Coffee Break
In the beginning of May, student doctors enjoyed a refreshing break courtesy of Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, which served a variety of caffeinated and iced beverages on campus.
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All-Star Sports Youth Clinic End of Year Celebration
All-Star Youth Sports Clinic ended the year with a celebration on May 13. More than 20 children and their families joined 20 medical student volunteers for an evening of games, an inflatable obstacle course, a giant inflatable slide, and scooters. The evening ended with an award ceremony and Mister Softee!
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The 2nd Annual Physiatry and Sports Medicine Conference
On May 3, Rowan-Virtua SOM's PM&R and Sports Medicine Clubs hosted their second annual joint conference. Presentations included Sports Medicine for Professional Teams, Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment, Diet and Nutrition for Athletics, and much more! More than 30 attendees participated in the discussions, which focused on advancing care and rehabilitation in sports medicine.
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Donor Appreciation Ceremony
On Wednesday, May 14, the Classes of 2027 and 2028 hosted the Donor Appreciation Ceremony, in partnership with the Anatomy Lab, to honor the individuals who donated their bodies to science. The event featured remarks from Dr. Thomas Cavalieri and Dr. Millicent Channell, as well as student speakers and a vocal presentation by the Music Medicine Club.
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