Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) honored 367 graduates during its 2025 commencement ceremony that was held on May 10, 2025. The event marked a pivotal moment in the lives of students, families, and faculty as the Class of 2025 officially became physicians ready to serve, heal, and lead.
LMU President Dr. Jason McConnell reminded graduates of the sacred calling they now carry.
“You didn’t just earn the letters ‘DO,’” he said. “You earned the right to wear the white coat with courage, compassion, and grit. You’ve been forged in fire, and now you’re ready to heal the world.”
Dr. Jason Thurman, Vice President for Graduate Medical Education for Community Health Systems and former Chief Medical Officer of Skyline Medical Center, delivered the keynote address. A passionate educator and emergency medicine physician, Thurman shared wisdom gained over two decades in clinical care and leadership.
“Your smile, your kindness, your soft words, and your time are elixir and good medicine,” Thurman told the graduates. “If you treat every patient like your favorite family member and never stop learning, you will never go wrong.”
Dr. Anya Cope, Campus Dean and Associate Dean of Students, addressed the class with encouragement and pride. “LMU-DCOM is a medical school that places compassionate, patient-centered care at the heart of our mission,” she said. “I hope you will make this the hallmark of your medical practice and pursue this goal with integrity.”
Dr. R. Christopher Yonts administered the Osteopathic Oath, officially welcoming the graduates into the osteopathic medical profession.
Commencement Awards Highlight Student Excellence and Dedication
Numerous students were honored with prestigious awards recognizing academic achievement, clinical proficiency, leadership, and service:
Military Graduates Honored for Their Service and Commitment
LMU-DCOM also recognized graduates who are participants in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. These individuals were commissioned into their respective branches and promoted upon receiving their degrees. Their service exemplifies a profound commitment not only to their profession, but also to our country.
United States Army
United States Navy
United States Air Force
Dr. Cope asked them to stand for recognition during the commencement ceremony and addressed them directly: “Thank you for your selfless contributions to the safety and security of our nation, and to the heath care of the members of the armed forces.”
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Founded in the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, LMU-DCOM is committed to preparing physicians who serve rural and underserved communities with integrity, empathy, and excellence. As these new doctors begin residency training across the country, they carry with them the values and mission of LMU-DCOM.
“Here is my charge to you: lead boldly, heal humbly, and serve tirelessly. Let your white coat be more than a symbol. Make it a promise—a promise to show up on the good days and the hard ones, a promise to never stop learning, a promise to advocate for the voiceless to comfort the broken, and to lift the communities others may overlook,” Dr. McConnnell said. “You’re now part of an unbreakable legacy. You are LMU.”
See candid photos of LMU-DCOM Commencement here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdBVE
See candid photos of the LMU-DCOM Military Promotions Ceremony here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdFaC
See candid photos of the LMU-DCOM Awards and Hooding Ceremonies here:
An “on-demand” recording of the 2023 LMU -DCOM Commencement can be found here: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lincolnmemorialevents/
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
