PCOM Perspectives

For this episode, I spoke with my friend and colleague, Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at PCOM. We discuss the evolving primary care landscape, including emerging models of care, and how current and future physicians can navigate these changes while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.

For this episode, I talked with Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States. We discussed his upcoming role as PCOM’s Bitonte Commencement Speaker in Philadelphia, the growing influence of AI in medicine, and most importantly, how building meaningful connections can help us become better clinicians.

For this episode, I spoke with Paul Offit, MD, director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to address the importance of vaccine safety and education in light of ever-evolving governmental guidelines.Timestamps (00:07) Introduction and Guest Background (00:07) Meeting Dr. Offit: Dr. Feldstein introduces Dr. Paul Offit, his credentials, and outlines the episode’s focus on vaccine safety and misinformation(01:32) Welcome and Opening Question Dr. Offit is welcomed; discussion begins on risks of declining childhood vaccination rates, especially for immunocompromised individuals. (01:58) Consequences of Declining Vaccination RatesDr. Offit details recent increases in measles, tetanus, whooping cough, and influenza deaths due to lower vaccination rates.(03:13) Public Health vs. Individual Rights Discussion on the tension between individual freedoms and public health, and the impact on vulnerable populations.(03:26) Why Vaccine Hesitancy Persists Dr. Offit explains how the success of vaccines and misinformation have reduced fear of diseases and increased vaccine hesitancy. (04:34) Personal Experience with MeaslesHost shares his experience with measles and discusses the need to address vaccine hesitancy among medical professionals and the public.(05:29) Physician-Patient Communication on Vaccines Dr. Offit emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication by physicians to address parents’ vaccine fears.(06:48) Historical Perspective: Maurice Hilleman’s Warning Dr. Offit recounts a conversation with Maurice Hilleman, who predicted diseases may need to return before public fear is restored.(07:47) Conflicting Health Institutions and Trust Discussion on public confusion when major health organizations contradict each other, and how to advise patients.(08:05) RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary and Impact on Vaccine Policy Dr. Offit describes the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his anti-vaccine stance, and the resulting upheaval at CDC and HHS.(08:53) Alternative Sources for Vaccine Guidance Dr. Offit explains how pediatricians and states are turning to the American Academy of Pediatrics and state coalitions for vaccine recommendations.(09:52) Pending Lawsuit Against HHS Mention of a lawsuit challenging HHS and RFK Jr. over vaccine policy, with a decision expected soon.(10:11) Optimism in Vaccine Research Host asks about promising areas in vaccine research; Dr. Offit discusses adjuvants and new vaccine technologies.(10:52) Setback for mRNA Influenza Vaccine at FDA Dr. Offit describes FDA’s refusal to review Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine, and its chilling effect on vaccine innovation. (11:57) Future of Vaccine Research: Global PerspectiveDiscussion on how China and India may become leaders in vaccine research due to U.S. regulatory setbacks.(12:26) Final Thoughts for Medical Professionals (00:14:01) Final Thoughts: Final thoughts on the importance of science in medicine and a call for physicians to remain steadfast advocates for evidence-based care.(12:35) Science Prevails Over Misinformation Dr. Offit asserts that science will ultimately win, referencing Galileo, but warns of suffering during periods of misinformation.(14:01) Closing Remarks and Call to Action Host and guest stress the importance of science-based medicine and encourage physicians to stand up for scientific truth.(14:31) Episode Conclusion Host thanks Dr. Offit and closes the episode, reiterating the importance of trusted health information.

For this episode, I sat down with Dr. Fred Goldstein, a professor of clinical pharmacology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at PCOM, to talk about his decades of research examining the use of prescription medication to manage pain for postoperative patients, and how THC and CBD combinations can reduce discomfort in those with chronic neuropathic pain. We also discuss how the drug landscape has changed in Dr. Goldstein’s three-plus decades as an educator and how substance abuse and artificial intelligence have impacted the way pharmacology is taught.

For this episode, I sat down with Zach Murphy, president and CEO of Ninja Nerd, the widely recognized online learning platform that has grown into a global resource for students and clinicians in medicine and science. We discuss Ninja Nerd’s origin story and its growth into a leading resource serving millions of prospective health care leaders, in addition to the emergence of hybrid learning and how this education model can be particularly beneficial for medical students.

For this episode, I talked with Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, director of the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships at PCOM South Georgia. We discuss the College's partnership with Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia and why building community partnerships such as this can help close gaps in health equity.

For this episode, I talked with Dr. Brian McDonough, medical editor at KYW Newsradio and designated institutional official and chair of the Graduate Medical Education Committee. We discuss his experience as a medical journalist in the digital era, his efforts to prevent the spread of health misinformation online, and how mentoring resident physicians has made him a better doctor.

For this episode, I spoke with Jack Lynch, FACHE, president and CEO of Main Line Health, about the current workforce shortage and disparities in healthcare, and Jack shares some of his biggest life lessons as he reflects on his 20-year career at Main Line Health and looks forward to retiring at the end of June.

For this episode, I talk with Dr. Robert Cain, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) about the importance of community based healthcare, especially in rural communities, and the role AI will play in the future of primary care.

For this episode, I talk with Bruce Feinberg, DO ’82, chief medical officer of Cardinal Health Specialty, about his work as a board certified medical oncologist and his opinion on the future of healthcare policies and value-based care.

For this episode, I talk with Robert Bassett, DO ’06, a clinical associate professor in PCOM's Department of Emergency Medicine, about his extensive experience in military medicine, why so many doctors of osteopathic medicine serve our country, and how our shared specialty of emergency medicine continues to evolve.

The latest episode of PCOM Perspectives—our podcast exploring news, events, research, and other topics impacting our campuses and communities through the PCOM lens—is now live. For this episode, I talked with Alicia Hahn, director of Program Initiatives for the Office of Diversity and Community Relations, about the annual Opportunities Academy, a weeklong enrichment program for local high school students at each of PCOM’s three locations. Alicia discusses the history and learning objectives of Opportunities Academy, how the program emphasizes mentoring and college readiness, and how PCOM student-mentors and faculty gain just as much out of the experience as the participants.  

For this episode, I sat down with Makeda Lovelace (PharmD ’25) and Andrew Wilson (PharmD ’24) from PCOM Georgia. During our conversation, we discuss the balance of being devoted students while making time to nurture other commitments and passions. Plus, they share more about what makes PCOM Georgia stand out as a truly one-of-a-kind campus.

For this episode, I sat down with Marla Golden, DO, MS, FACEP, dean of osteopathic medicine at PCOM South Georgia. During our conversation, Dr. Golden and I talk about what makes South Georgia, and specifically Moultrie, such an ideal location for our PCOM campus. She also shares plans for enabling PCOM South Georgia to reach out into the communities it serves.

For this episode, I sat down with Robert A. DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, and Michelle Lent, PhD, to discuss the recently published Journal of Integrated Primary Care (JIPC). An open-access online journal, JIPC was spearheaded by both DiTomasso and Lent and designed to highlight the work of PCOM’s integrated primary care researchers as well as researchers around the world.

For this episode, I sat down with Daryl Crenshaw, MD, FACP, FASN, FASH, an adjunct faculty member at PCOM South Georgia, a practicing nephrologist, and an avid supporter of medical education. Dr. Crenshaw and I discuss kidney concerns impacting Georgia’s population and how the new technology he is working on can help identify patients likely to develop kidney failure.

For this episode, I sat down with Dr. Lisa Corbin, Chair and Director of PCOM’s Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program. We discuss how the holidays can impact people’s mental health and bring about feelings of grief and loss, financial strain, difficult family dynamics, and more. Join us as we talk through ways to cope with the many emotions the season can bring.

For this episode, I sat down with Peter Bidey, DO, MSEd, the newly-appointed dean of the Osteopathic Medicine program. Succeeding the College’s longest-tenured dean, Dr. Bidey and I discuss the history and responsibility of his new role; his vision for the program and what he hopes to achieve as dean; and how we can continue to keep important issues like diversity and mental health at the forefront of our students’ educational experience. And, of course, from one Philly native to another, we discuss our favorite Philadelphia traditions. Dr. Bidey assumes his new leadership role at an exciting, but challenging precipice for the College. As we approach our 125th Anniversary, Dr. Bidey’s leadership and vision for the program will guide us into the next 125 years, and I look forward to working closely with him to develop the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

For this episode, I was joined by Brian DeHaven, PhD, inaugural chief program director for the College’s Biomedical Sciences program. Dr. DeHaven joined PCOM earlier this year and has an ambitious agenda for the BioMed program. He and I discuss his vision for the program and what sets PCOM apart from its peers; changes to education as a result of the pandemic and the effort to meet students where they are; and the future of graduate medical education.

For this episode, I was joined by Art Sesso, DO ‘81, interim dean of the doctor of osteopathic medicine program at PCOM and senior associate dean of osteopathic curricula innovation and accountability. Dr. Sesso and I discuss how, under his leadership, PCOM is responding to a rapidly evolving health landscape through the development of the first-in-the-nation Medical Education Center of Excellence (MECOE). This innovative approach to medical education strengthens our ability to train the next generation of osteopathic physicians and ensures our students are prepared to enter the next phase of their careers after graduation. Through the work of Dr. Sesso and others, PCOM is set up to compete well into the future. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

For this episode, I sat down with Scott Glassman, PsyD, director of PCOM’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program, consultant for the Family Medicine department at PCOM, and author of the book A Happier You: A Seven-Week Program to Transform Negative Thinking into Positivity and Resilience. Dr. Glassman and I discussed the unique qualities of the MAPP program, the benefits of access to the Happier You program for patients in our Healthcare Centers, and the growing movement to help people understand and learn more about the power of focusing on personal strengths and the positive side of life. PCOM has made a concerted effort to expand mental health resources for students, faculty and staff, and Dr. Glassman and I spent part of our conversation discussing the importance of building on those efforts, particularly for students. We also examined the culture of PCOM and why it continues to be a place that fosters camaraderie, collegiality and collaboration, and the broader mood of the region and what makes Philadelphia such a dynamic place to live. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

The latest episode of PCOM Perspectives, our podcast exploring news and events on campus and news of the day through the PCOM lens, is now live. This episode features a discussion with Jim Matney, CEO of Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie. Mr. Matney has been an advocate and supporter of PCOM’s expansion into South Georgia since it was merely a concept. And since PCOM South Georgia began its first academic year in 2019, Mr. Matney has encouraged local community organizations and government agencies to support the mission of PCOM South Georgia. Now, in our fourth academic year in South Georgia, many of our medical students are completing their clinical clerkships at Colquitt Regional, and a handful of PCOM Georgia graduates have completed or are completing their residencies at the hospital’s Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program. During this episode, we discuss the changes that we’ve seen in Southwest Georgia’s healthcare landscape over the last five years, what we hope to see in the future and how our partnerships are benefiting the region.

This month I sat down with Christy Finley, EdD, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at PCOM, to discuss updates on the College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, including among others the launch of our student DEI certificate and the Student Diversity Diplomats program, a new initiative at PCOM Georgia to engage students in a range of diversity-related programs and events, both on campus and in the surrounding community. As laid out in our strategic plan, PCOM 2025: Path to Greater Excellence, DEI is a core component of who we are – and strive to be – as an institution. My discussion with Dr. Finley highlighted the ways in which we are working to embed DEI in our curriculum, policies, processes and practices, most notably the numerous DEI workshops available to faculty and staff throughout the year; Diversity/LGBTQIA Councils; informal colleague resource groups such as Supporting One Another as we Rise (SOAR); and the annual Opportunities Academies available on each campus location. Our College has made and continues to make great strides in our DEI efforts, but it’s people that make diversity, equity and inclusion happen. This important work must be backed up by commitment and action, and through the work of Dr. Finley and so many others, we are doing just that.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM leaders Joanne Jones and Alisa Toney about the importance of being involved in the communities in which we live, work and play. Joanne, the Chief of Campus Operations at PCOM South Georgia, serves as the chair of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. Alisa, the Senior Director of Development at PCOM, is the chair of the Leadership Gwinnett Foundation Board of Directors. In addition, she serves on the Northside Gwinnett Women’ Leadership Council and on the board of the Sara J. Gonzalez Memorial Park in Atlanta. During our discussion, we talked about the steps it takes to be entrusted with community leadership opportunities and how positions like these benefit both the volunteer and the College. We also discussed how the College supports our PCOM family who volunteer in their communities through the President’s Community Wellness Initiative. And I shared about some of the leadership positions I have enjoyed through the years beginning with my students days. Our students, faculty and staff members have so much to offer our communities and I appreciate and applaud your efforts. As Margaret Mead so famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This month I sat down to discuss PCOM’s clinical clerkships with Michael Becker, DO, associate dean of clinical education at PCOM and Marla Golden, DO, associate dean of clinical education at PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia. The clinical clerkship programs, led by Dr. Becker and Dr. Golden, provides third- and fourth-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students with the opportunity to examine, evaluate and provide care for patients. The development of these clinical skills helps students prepare for national board examinations and, ultimately, the practice of medicine. It is because of our outstanding preceptors and faculty members that we have an array of clinical education opportunities for our students. I encourage you to take a listen to this episode as we provide tips and advice for students preparing for their clinical clerkships, look back on how clerkships have changed over the years and highlight the importance that these rotations have on our students’ education and careers.

In this podcast, we focus on PCOM’s Women in Medicine – both students and professionals. We’ve turned the table this time as one of our students serves as the host of the podcast. Join us as Victoria Troncoso, DO and Savita Arya, MD, discuss their personal role models and obstacles they’ve faced along their journey to becoming physicians. I will talk about how women at PCOM impact my leadership decisions, and Kate Minke (DO ’25) will discuss what she most looks forward to as a woman studying to become a healthcare professional. Dr. Troncoso serves as chair of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at PCOM Georgia. Dr. Arya is a professor of pathology at PCOM South Georgia, and Kate is a member of the PCOM DO class of 2025 and the co-president of PCOM’s American Medical Women’s Association student chapter.

The latest episode of PCOM Perspectives, our podcast exploring news and events on campus and news of the day through the PCOM lens, is now live. I encourage you to take a listen to this episode as I speak with Jason Walker, PhD, associate professor of physiology at PCOM South Georgia about student burnout. During our time together, we discuss why so many students are experiencing burnout, how to know the difference between stress, burnout and depression and the resources PCOM provides. As the PCOM community continues to face the lasting impacts of a global pandemic, coupled with the stress of professional school, it’s imperative that we keep mental health at the forefront of our minds and conversations. If you feel that you are experiencing burnout, please reach out to your campus counselor by visiting https://www.pcom.edu/student-life/student-affairs/counseling/.

In this podcast, we focus on PCOM’s latest degree offering – Medical Laboratory Science. Join us as Karen Giddens, MLS, the director of the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program, and I discuss this program in depth. Karen has been a practicing medical laboratory scientist for more than 20 years. She has a wide variety of experience in the field, as well as in the academic arena During our discussion, we touch on the critical role that a medical laboratory scientist plays behind the scenes in helping to diagnose and treat patients. We discuss the wide variety of job opportunities available for a certified medical laboratory scientist, and how our program is structured for both pre-professional and post-professional students. We are excited to begin this hybrid program at PCOM Georgia this fall and are now accepting applications. To learn more, visit the pcom.edu website.

This episode features fourth year Doctor of Pharmacy students Ruth Pierre (PharmD ’22) and Mahlet Wole (PharmD ’22). They both completed one-month rotations at PCOM’s Office of Family Medicine in Philadelphia working alongside healthcare providers and medical student colleagues. They practiced patient-facing skills, including counseling patients about their medications. They also reviewed patient prescription lists, and worked with attending physicians to ensure that patient prescription plans accurately reflected the needs of the patients. While in Philadelphia, they lived at the Meta Christy House, our new, on-campus housing. Ruth and Mahlet provided us with recommendations on how they would make this interprofessional experience even better and how pharmacy students can better prepare for this experience. They also explained how they will take this intense experience with them following graduation in May. I opined on the role I see pharmacists playing in the primary care setting of the future and added my thoughts on how the pharmacy curriculum can provide more opportunities for students to work in an interprofessional setting.

This episode features a discussion with Barbara Grogan, president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority. Mrs. Grogan began her position with the Development Authority in May 2019, just months before PCOM South Georgia welcomed its first class in August of that year. Later that year, thanks to a partnership with PCOM, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority garnered a regional “Deal of the Year” award from the Georgia Economic Developers Association. During this episode, Dr. Feldstein and Mrs. Grogan discuss the economic impact that PCOM South Georgia has had on the region and the College’s plans for growth and expansion.

This episode features a discussion with Virginia Stallings, MD, a board-certified pediatric physician nutrition specialist and director of the Nutrition Center and Jean A. Cortner Endowed Chair in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Stallings is also professor of Pediatrics at CHOP and at The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and a member of the PCOM Board of Trustees. In this episode, Dr. Stallings and I discuss her innovative research on cystic fibrosis and its impact on disease-related malnutrition; the relationship between sodium intake and disease prevention and the importance of including nutrition-focused instruction in medical education. Having a clear understanding of the relationship between nutrition and disease is critical to ensuring our communities live longer, healthier lives. Through the work of Dr. Stallings and others, we are gaining better insight and perspective on a topic that affects all of us.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM alumnus and member of the PCOM Board of Trustees, A. Scott McNeal, DO `88. Dr. McNeal currently serves as President and CEO of Delaware Valley Community Health, a private, non-profit healthcare organization that provides quality medical, dental and behavioral health services to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. During this podcast, Dr. Feldstein and Dr. Scott discuss the importance of federally qualified healthcare centers (FQHCs), diversity in medicine, especially as it relates to meeting the needs of diverse populations, and the steps PCOM is taking to ensure our future physicians and behavioral health professionals are prepared to meet these unique needs.

This episode features PCOM alumni Bruce A. Feinberg, DO ’82, a board certified medical oncologist who founded Georgia Cancer Specialists, one of the first and largest integrated oncology specialty practices in the nation. Dr. Feinberg now serves as the Chief Medical officer of Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of data solutions for healthcare facilities. He also hosts The Weekly Check-Up on WSB Radio in Atlanta where he provides the community with the latest health information. Join us as we discuss a myriad of topics including the often-winding path taken to choose a specialty, the journey that led to a mid-life career change, and moving from a system of sick care to health care. We also touched on building preventive health into the medical school curriculum, the positive aspects of telemedicine, and even our favorite Philly cheesesteaks! Through this podcast, we aim to shine a light on the PCOM family, including our alumni who, like Dr. Feinberg, have taken a wide range of career paths. We are especially proud of the work Dr. Feinberg has done through the years for his patients and now in the corporate sector.

This episode features a discussion with Melody Yazdani (DPT ’22), a third year physical therapy student, and Prachi Patel (DO ’24), a second year DO student. We discussed their experience in giving back to the community through volunteer work. Melody serves as an official trainer for the Boxing with Parkinson’s program at the Center for Movement Challenges, while Prachi is the Director of the HEARTS Clinic at PCOM Georgia. They both shared why they are passionate about volunteering their time despite their demanding schedules. As part of our discussion, I shared information about the President’s Community Wellness Initiative, an important funding stream for the college’s volunteer work. One of the goals of the CWI is to serve the communities where we work and live which enhances the educational experience for our students. Melody and Prachi are representative of all of our students across all programs who serve in Philadelphia, metro Atlanta and Southwest Georgia. We are doing a lot of good work, which I enjoy highlighting especially during this season of giving. Learn more about #PCOMCWI at pcom.edu/about/president/cwi/

This episode features a discussion with Laura Calhoun, MHA, executive director of the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center (SOWEGA-AHEC). The organization shares common goals with PCOM South Georgia: increase access to health care, improve the lives of Southwest Georgians and bring more healthcare professionals to the area. Even before opening the doors of PCOM South Georgia three years ago, the College cultivated a relationship and partnership with SOWEGA-AHEC. In fact, some students applied to PCOM South Georgia because of their connection with the organization. Many of our current students have taken part in SOWEGA-AHEC’s Scholars Program and some third-year DO students are now completing their rotations at their anchor sites. During this podcast, we discuss how SOWEGA-AHEC and PCOM are making a difference in rural health care by creating resources and pathways to the healthcare field. Listen now and subscribe on SoundCloud or iTunes, or visit the Office of the President to learn more. https://www.pcom.edu/about/president/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/philadelphia-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/id1405601130

This episode features a discussion with PCOM South Georgia’s Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Ann Contrucci, MD, FAAP. Dr. Contrucci is a board-certified pediatrician and has been practicing medicine for more than 25 years. In private practice, Dr. Contrucci focused much of her time on patients with mental health issues. With a new academic year beginning this month, it’s important to address our students’ mental health. The topic is timely as a new academic year brings on new rhythms, especially for first-year students. These can include a demanding and stress-inducing class schedule and many other factors like moving away from families, friends and hometowns, learning new study habits, minimizing social activities and facing financial difficulties. Learn more here, https://www.pcom.edu/about/president/

This episode features a candid discussion with Dr. Brian Nester, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), a 1988 graduate of PCOM’s DO program, and a 1994 graduate of our Master of Science program. As head of one of the region’s major health networks, Dr. Nester has spent the last year navigating LVHN through the COVID-19 global health crisis. As we begin life on the other side of the pandemic, Dr. Nester offers insights on the future of health care delivery and developing innovative solutions to getting patients the care they need. Dr. Nester’s leadership role provides a bird's-eye perspective on the healthcare system as a whole, but his background in emergency medicine has kept him grounded to the needs of patients. His forward-thinking approach to care and his passion for the work are evident throughout this episode. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Learn more here, https://www.pcom.edu/about/president/

This episode features a discussion with Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, PCOM Georgia’s new dean and chief academic officer of the osteopathic medicine program. We discussed Dr. Mann’s plans for success in her role, her leadership philology, as well as some of the challenges she will face as we transition back to campus following an unprecedented year. We also talked about priorities for both the College and PCOM Georgia during the next five years and the task of creating a clinical footprint in Georgia, which would greatly enhance interprofessional education for all programs. As part of our discussion, I shared my opinion on the greatest challenges facing medical education as the healthcare industry consolidates and treatment moves toward an outpatient model.

In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on our communities and our country, claiming the lives of over half a million Americans. With this influx of deaths, medical coroners find themselves on the frontlines combating the disease. Accurately classifying deaths is an essential part of understanding the disease, as well as allocating resources to areas that are most affected. This episode features a discussion with PCOM's Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Chair of the Forensic Medicine program, Greg McDonald, DO ‘89. In this episode, Dr. McDonald discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the point of view of a forensics expert. In addition to his role at PCOM, Dr. McDonald serves as the chief deputy coroner for Montgomery County.

This episode features a discussion with Michael Tecce, DO ‘15, resident physician in plastic surgery and assistant instructor in surgery at Penn Medicine and a PCOM alumnus. After spending five years in public accounting, Dr. Tecce transitioned his career in pursuit of full-time academics in medicine. As a student at PCOM, Dr. Tecce completed a one-year graduate fellowship in bioethics and served on multiple medical mission trips to Guatemala. He also founded the Philadelphia Surgical Conference, a clinical skills conference held annually for medical students enrolled in all Philadelphia-area medical schools. As a resident, he recently developed a tech-based platform for at-home services and is the first person from Penn Plastic Surgery to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tecce’s inspiring personal story no doubt has parallels to experiences and challenges we all share, particularly in the present moment. As a PCOM alum, Dr. Tecce brings a valuable perspective to our work here at the College, and I hope you enjoy our conversation.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM's Chief Admissions Officer, Adrianne Jones, MLS, on the increasing number of medical school applications from traditionally underrepresented communities. As our population continues to grow more diverse, the need is critical for health professionals to be representative of the people and communities they serve. PCOM has an important role to play in creating a more equitable system of healthcare across the country, and I hope you enjoy this frank conversation on how we might achieve that equity and attract a more diverse student population. Listen now and subscribe on SoundCloud or iTunes, or visit http://pcom.edu. , the Office of the President to learn more.

Each year, our three campuses nominate one student for the Student DO of the Year, a nationwide award presented by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The students are selected by their classmates and faculty members based on their service to the college, their leadership and research experiences, and their dedication to the osteopathic profession. In this episode, we discuss why these nominees chose osteopathic medicine, how they’re making the most out of medical school during COVID-19 and how to establish trust and personal relationships with patients amidst the pandemic. We also dive into the topics of mental health and meaningful medical school experiences.

With a focus on our students, this episode features a discussion with PCOM leaders Patience Mason, MEd, and Patrick Wolf, MBA, about the College’s response to the challenges we have faced due to the pandemic. Patience is the College’s Chief Student Affairs Officer and leads the student affairs operation for our 2,800 students at the Philadelphia, Suwanee and Moultrie campuses. Patrick is the College’s Chief Occupational and Environmental Safety Officer. He is responsible for ensuring PCOM work environments in Pennsylvania and Georgia comply with all institutional, city, state and federal safety policies, codes and regulations. During our discussion, we talked about the precautions and safety initiatives we’ve instituted across all campuses, the success of these guidelines, the challenges we’ve faced, and some of the lessons we’ve learned during this time.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM South Georgia’s Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Stacie Fairley, PhD. Since making its way into our country earlier this year, COVID-19 has impacted all areas—urban and rural. The rural areas have seen devastating effects of the pandemic with contributing factors such as under-resourced health systems, disproportionate rates of poverty and food insecurity, limited internet access, and economies largely built on essential industries and services. During this podcast, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on rural America, the importance of osteopathic physicians in these areas, and how PCOM South Georgia is helping to combat the underlying issues that have been brought to light by the pandemic.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM's chair of school psychology, Jessica Kendorski, PhD. The fight against COVID-19 has drastically affected how students around the country will be receiving their education this fall. Dr. Kendorski gives guidance for parents as they determine the best plans for their family and what they can do to support their children's mental health as they return to school. In addition to advice on back-to-school planning, Dr. Kendorski and I also discuss the long-term effects the pandemic may have on children as well as the impact of this challenging time on the College’s emergency response plans.

Along with social distancing, hand sanitizing and wearing a mask, the development of a vaccine is seen as the foremost way to combat COVID-19, a global pandemic with far-reaching effects. Currently, there is a race taking place among researchers and laboratories to develop a vaccine to immunize citizens of the world against this novel coronavirus. PCOM Georgia faculty members discuss with PCOM President Jay S. Feldstein, DO, the process involved in developing, testing and distributing a vaccine.

This episode features a discussion with PCOM students Hiral Patel (DO ‘22), PCOM Georgia, and Gabi Yankelevich (DO ‘21). Looking for ways to support their communities as the COVID-19 crisis deepened, Hiral and Gabi gathered with classmates and decided to organize and make a difference. In Suwanee, Hiral and others established a student-run service offering grocery shopping to local residents. In Philadelphia, Gabi and her classmates responded to the urgent need for personal protective equipment by raising funds to secure FDA-approved N95 respirator masks for local health professionals. With the onset of a global health crisis, PCOM students have risen to the occasion and shown remarkable strength, resilience and, perhaps most importantly, humanity. I am incredibly proud of the work these and other students have done to represent the PCOM community, as well as their own communities, in a time of great need.

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Erik Polan, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, PCOM Transitional Year Program Director, and core faculty for PCOM Internal Medicine residency. Most recently, Dr. Polan has been working on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 with internal medicine residents at Roxborough Memorial Hospital . Our discussion explored what life has been like for Dr. Polan and his residents; the unique challenges this public health crisis presents; tips for the general public to reduce the risk of infection; and what the future of healthcare may look like post-COVID. We also discussed ways the PCOM community can support and keep each other safe during this time.

This episode marks February as American Heart Month and features a discussion with Cathy Hatcher, PhD associate professor of neuroscience, physiology and pharmacology, on her research into the abnormal processes in cardiovascular development that can lead to congenital heart defects. Our conversation touched on the prevalence of those defects, the future of research in this area, and how students play an incredibly important role in her laboratory. Listen now and subscribe on SoundCloud or iTunes, or visit the Office of the President to learn more.

The January podcast, which features a discussion with Dr. Ruth Maher, a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at PCOM Georgia, is now live. Professor Maher is a board-certified clinical specialist in women’s health from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Prior to joining academia, she owned and ran private physical therapy practices in Dublin, Ireland, and in the United States specializing in women’s health and chronic pain conditions. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Maher’s work in the treatment of individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction and we’ll learn more about a device that is helping many patients overcome what has been termed an epidemic. In addition, we discussed how we as clinicians can help change the healthcare system to improve patient outcomes.