PIKEVILLE – The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) recently held its annual graduation banquet honoring graduates and faculty members.

Rachel Anne Thomas, D.O., of Elizabethtown, received the Dean’s Award and was named Student D.O. of the Year. The Dean’s Award is presented to the student whose leadership, humanity and loyalty to the profession exemplify the ideals, mission and goals of KYCOM. The Student D.O. of the Year award is presented by the Council of Student Government Presidents to the student who best exemplifies the ideal qualities of an osteopathic medical student. The award is based on service to the school, the community and osteopathic medicine. Angela Brooke Hignite, D.O., of London, received the John A. Strosnider, D.O. Memorial Scholarship Award. The award recognizes a KYCOM graduate who exemplifies Dr. Strosnider’s commitment to family medicine and his love and dedication to osteopathic medicine and the osteopathic profession. The awards were presented by Boyd R. Buser, D.O., FACOFP, vice president for health affairs and dean, KYCOM.

Tiffany Amanda Thompson, D.O., of Hindman, received the President’s Award and the James E. Campbell, D.O., Award. The President’s Award is presented to the student who has demonstrated clinical excellence, earning the highest average score on clinical rotations. The James E. Campbell, D.O., Award is presented by the James E. Campbell Education Fund to a deserving KYCOM graduate from the Appalachian region of Kentucky. The President’s Award was presented by University of Pikeville President Paul Patton.

Christopher Tyler Vogt, D.O., of Belmont, Mass., received the Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award. The award was sponsored by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and awarded for excellence in emergency medicine. The award was presented by William T. Betz, D.O., M.B.A., FACOFP, senior associate dean for osteopathic medical education at KYCOM.

Lisa Ann West, D.O., of Barbourville, received the Mr. Dharam Pal Kashyap Award presented for excellence in pediatrics. The award was presented by Seema Sachdeva, M.D., vice chair, division of pediatrics at KYCOM.

Christopher Kevin Byrd, D.O., of Kingsport, received the Muniramiah Krishnamurthy, M.D. Award. The award was presented for excellence in internal medicine by K. Lakshmiah Reddy, M.D.

Arch Courtney Johnson, D.O., of Jackson, received the Stephen M. Payson, M.S., Memorial Scholarship Award, presented to a KYCOM graduate from the Appalachian region who exemplifies Payson’s commitment to the mission of the medical school and the promotion of the osteopathic profession.

Michael R. Smutko, D.O., of Mifflin, W.Va., received the Board of Trustees Award. The award is presented for academic excellence to the student earning the highest grade point average during the first two years of medical school. The award was presented by Terry Dotson, chairman, University of Pikeville Board of Trustees.

Tiffany McGuire, of Little Rock, Ark., received the Donna Jones Moritsugu Award. The honor recognizes the spouse of a graduating student who best exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner, in being a person in his or her own right, while being supportive of mate, family and profession. McGuire’s husband, Aaron McGuire, D.O., is a member of the KYCOM Class of 2012.

Jeffrey Brandon Amburgey, D.O., of Pinetop, Valerie Renee Melton, D.O., of Glasgow, Joseph Tylor Silvers, D.O., of Monticello, and Christopher Allen Troxell, D.O., of Pine Knot, received the Ram’s Head Award.

The awards, presented by Randy G. Litman, D.O., FACOFP, FAAO, associate dean for clinical sciences and Laura Griffin, D.O., FAAO, associate professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practice, were presented for the Fellowship Program in recognition of outstanding achievements in Osteopathic Principles and Practice.

Litman received the Student Advocates Association Award, presented by the KYCOM Student Advocates Association in recognition of the faculty member who has provided outstanding support to the organization for 2011-2012.

J. Dustin Chaney, D.O., Matthew W. Cusano, M.D., Bill H. Harris, M.D., and Darian K. Ratliff, M.D., received Clinical Excellence in Medical Education Awards. Nominated by students, the awards were presented to those physicians who served as outstanding role models, provided excellent clinical education and demonstrated professionalism in the art and science of medicine.

Jerome A. Dixon, D.O., received the Clinical Medical Educator of the Year Award. The award is presented to the clinical preceptor who has served with distinction in and dedication to medical education for the students of KYCOM.