LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine graduated 151 new physicians on Friday, May 9, at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, marking the largest graduating class among regional medical schools this year.
The commencement ceremony honored the achievements of Burrell College’s sixth graduating class. Families, faculty, and medical professionals gathered to recognize the new doctors, many of whom will begin residencies this summer in specialties ranging from Family Medicine to Neurosurgery.
“This commencement ceremony was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the resilience, determination, and heart of our students,” said President John Hummer of Burrell College. “Each graduate represented not only years of rigorous training, but a deep commitment to improving the lives of others through medicine.”
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, DO, FAAFP — Former White House Physician and Retired U.S. Army Colonel — delivered the keynote address. “The world needs not just brilliant doctors, but present ones—purposeful ones—people who listen, advocate, and lead with their whole hearts for life,” Dr. O’Connor told the graduates.
Graduates from the Class of 2025 matched into a wide range of residency programs, including Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery. Many will begin their careers in rural and underserved areas across the country, advancing Burrell College’s mission to improve access to health care in medically vulnerable communities.
“Each of our graduates reflected the academic excellence and community focus we champion at Burrell College,” said Dr. William Pieratt, Executive Vice President of Academic Services, Dean, and Chief Academic Officer. “They leave our college not only clinically prepared, but deeply aware of the health challenges facing the communities they will serve.”
Since its founding in 2013 and the enrollment of its first class in 2016, Burrell College has graduated 862 physicians. In July 2025, Burrell College will welcome its second class of medical students to its Florida campus in Melbourne, continuing its commitment to expanding medical education in underserved regions.
Burrell College holds the highest level of accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) — a Ten-Year Accreditation with Exceptional Outcome.
A full recording of the ceremony is available at https://www.youtube.com/live/graduation2025
For more information about Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and its programs, visit Burrell.edu/explore/
