MIDDLETOWN – The fifth graduating class of the Middletown campus of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine brings to 750, the number of doctors to complete their medical degrees since the school opened its doors in Orange County. This year’s class totals 135.
Dr. Alfred Pilong, Jr., president of Garnet Health Medical Center delivered the keynote address to the graduates.
“Live a life as a physician, not just of success but of significance to make a difference in the lives of the patients and the families that they have the opportunity to serve,” he said.
Pilong, a registered pharmacist, said this class will help close the gap in healthcare professionals, but many more are needed.
Garnet and Touro have a working relationship with many of the college’s students studying and interning at the hospital.
College Dean Dr. Ken Steier said many of the new doctors will remain in the community working at Garnet, Cornerstone Community Health Center, Horizon Medical Group and other practices, while some of the new doctors will relocate to underserved areas.
This year’s graduation returned to the Paramount Theater after two years of virtual ceremonies because of the pandemic.
