A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to our newest Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine:
Versha Srivastava, Adam Cohen, Michael Allard, Russ Henriet, Dodds Simangan, Shannon (Harrelson) Granger, Nancy Law, Maren Ness and Kealoha Robinson

The following article was written by Dr. Les Barrickman for our June 2011 Newsletter:

On Sat., May 28, 2011, in Waianae - the 1st medical students class graduated from the Waianae Campus ­ affiliated with the A.T. Still University (ATSU) program ­ Arizona School. The Waianae program can take up to 10 medical students/yr. The program takes 2nd -> 4th year medical students. So, there can be up to 40 medical students total training at Waianae. This 1st class had 8 graduating medical students, receiving their D.O. diploma. Only 5 were in attendance, because 3 were still on rotations (Samoa and other places). There were 2 other graduating osteopathic students, from other mainland Osteopathic schools. They were visiting Hawaii, and were able to attend this ceremony, since they were not able to attend their own schools.

I was asked by Terri Kakugawa, DO (HAOPS secretary & a leading Faculty Member of W/ATSU), to speak at the graduation ­ on behalf of HAOPS. I must admit, that initially, this was not necessarily on my "Things I wanted to do Wish List." But, I went and am I happy that I did. It was really wonderful!  It was held on their campus at the beautiful and scenic Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center ­ outside, on the plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A big tent was set-up in Hawaiian-local style ­ with plenty of "grinds." The whole ceremony was done with Hawaiian style. The diplomas were in Hawaiian. There was Blowing of the Conch Shells at the beginning and end.  Kahu Kamaki Kanahele spoke and was accompanied by members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Kamahanahoukulani Farrar, Chairperson of WCCHC Board spoke.  Also speaking were the primary faculty members: Drs. Ricardio Custudio, Stephen Bradley and Terri Kakugawa. I think everybody got chicken-skin and a little teary eyed ­ when Dr Kakugawa spoke. (Terri was brief, but you could tell ­ well loved).

Interestingly, after the ceremony, a gentleman came up and introduced himself to me as Thomas Ely, DO ­ AOA Board Trustee Member. He and his wife were vacationing in Hawaii. He just happened to see the one paragraph/one time notice of the graduation in the Honolulu Star Advertiser, and thought he would come. He said he called their Board secretary to tell her he was at this graduation, and did not even know it existed. That was pretty cool. Aloha & Mahalo Dr. Ely and wife for coming on up to Waianae.

HAOPS, and this includes all of our members, wants to support W/ATSU.  HAOPS made a presence: we spoke; had a food table; congratulatory sign; and Dr. Kakugawa and I gave gave leis to all the graduates.

For those of you that are interested. The Graduation will be shown on Olelo, channel 49:
7/21/11 10:30 am
7/22/11 11:30 am
7/25/11 7:30 pm
7/26/11 9:30 am

These students deserve a standing applause! They had a tough road to plow, and a lot more struggles to overcome ­ being the 1st class of this 1st program. They are, hopefully, a part of our future of Hawaii Osteopathic Physicians.  Please help support them, (if only in your hearts and prayers). HAOPS will continue its support and try to develop more ways to be involved. HAOPS includes information about W/ATSU on our website.  This was not your typical mainland graduation. This was small, local kine style!

CONGRATULATIONS & MAHALO TO ALL THE 1ST YEAR GRADUATING CLASS OF 2011!

WELCOME 2nd year Medical Students (Class of 2014): Sharon Chi, Cecilia Dinh, Samuel Galima, Jason Le, Nicole Lum, Lorrance Majewski, David McMurray, Hanh Nguyen, Quincy Sa'ena

Medical Students (Class of 2013): Noel Blanco, Emily Ochmanek, Jennie Zhu, Jane Kim, Brennen Owan, Kimberly Theos and Seth Lewis Koster.
Click here for student bios

ABOUT ATSU-SOMA
The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association granted provisional accreditation in September 2006, and the school's inaugural class of 107 students began classes in Fall 2007. The school's unique curriculum and teaching methods emphasize cutting-edge technology and individualized, active, self-directed learning. In addition, students spend three of their four years of training in community health centers located in underserved communities across the country.