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March 2008
PCOM Research in the News
Hundreds of young lives are lost each year to Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS). A leading cause of SADS is Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). While most people have never heard of this condition, it is three-times more common in the U.S. than childhood leukemia.
LQTS is a disorder of the heart's electrical system. The condition leaves the patient vulnerable to fast, chaotic heartbeats that may lead to fainting - and in some cases, cardiac arrest and possibly sudden death. Most of these deaths can be prevented if LQTS is diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, because there are often no signs or symptoms of this genetic disorder, LTQS frequently goes undiagnosed.
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, associate professor, vice-chair, and director of PCOM's clinical PsyD program, discovered her daughter had LTQS soon after she was born two years ago. The family is never far from her automatic external (heart) defibrillator (AED).
Discovering there is no literature concerning how this condition impacts the lives of those living with LTQS, their families and caregivers, Dr. Felgoise, working with PCOM graduate students and pediatric cardiologist Victoria Vetter, MD of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has initiated the first psychosocial study of LTQS.
Stephanie Felgoise discussed her resarch on the 10Show. To view this segment, click here.
 January 2008
Governor Rendell Promotes Health Coverage Plan at PCOM
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PCOM President and CEO Matthew Schure, PhD, left,
welcomed Governor Rendell to campus. |
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell held a press conference at PCOM on January 14 to discuss his health care coverage proposal, Cover All Pennsylvanians (CAP). The Program, part of his Prescription for Pennsylvania, offers affordable basic health coverage to small businesses and the uninsured through the private insurance market. Governor Rendell said all uninsured Pennsylvanians, no matter the size of their employer, will be able to purchase affordable health insurance through CAP.
Joining the Governor were representatives from POMA, The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, State Senators Vince Fumo and Vincent Hughes and State Representative Kathy Manderino.
Founders' Day
James H. Black, DO '62
O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal
During a distinguished military career that spanned 24 years and two oceans, Dr. Black was one of the first osteopathic physicians to be selected for flag rank by the Navy, retiring as a rear admiral in 1998. Throughout his years of service, Dr. Black remained intensely loyal to his osteopathic roots and to PCOM. A charter member and past president of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS), he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and respect for osteopathic physicians within the Navy.
Dr. Black first learned about osteopathic medicine from his family physician, the late William Martz,DO '50. "Looking at the patient as a whole person and not a disease seemed like a good philosophy to me," says Dr. Black.
Before joining the Navy, Dr. Black and several of his fellow physicians started what would become the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Now part of the University of North Texas, Dr. Black also served as a member of the school's admissions committee and was appointed a clinical instructor.
Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of giving back to PCOM. "Without the College, none of us would be where we are today," he stresses. As a member of PCOM's Board of Trustees and past president of the Alumni Association, Dr. Black continues to give back in myriad ways. "I have great pride in the College and I'm committed to seeing that we continue to maintain our excellent standing among medical schools."
Sallee Ann Eckler, PhD (DO '08)
Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal
For Sallee Anne Eckler, PhD, (DO '08), the 2004 tsunami in Southwest Asia was a defining moment. Inspired by the desire to provide meaningful assistance to the victims of this disaster, she created the campus-wide "Sacrifice-2-Save Tsunami Campaign." The campaign raised almost $12,000 for the American Red Cross.
But that was only the beginning of Dr. Eckler's efforts to serve others. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast the following year, she organized another Sacrifice-2-Save campaign, collecting money as well as clothing and food that PCOM students transported to New Orleans. As president of PCOM's Student Government Association (SGA), Dr. Eckler had the opportunity to present her philanthropic idea to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents. As a result, other osteopathic medical schools initiated similar programs.
Dr. Eckler has also stepped up to serve her fellow students. When the first class of students arrived on the Georgia Campus in 2005, she flew down to help introduce them to life at PCOM. She then went a step further and initiated a very successful "Big Brothers, Big Sisters" program, matching first-year students in Georgia with second-year students in Philadelphia.
Dr. Eckler is a recipient of the Morton E. Terry Memorial Student Leadership Award, the Martha and Michael J. Avallone Memorial Scholarship and the PCOM Alumni Association Scholarship.
December 2007
PCOM in the News
PCOM's programs and faculty have recently been highlighted on several news broadcasts and television shows. The School Psychology Program's collaboration with the Russell Byers Charter School in Philadelphia was a feature story on NBC's 10! Show. Elizabeth Gosch, PhD, and Yuma Tomes, PhD, spoke about school bullying on WPVI Action News, and Fred Rotgers, PsyD, explained the theory behind Harm Reduction Therapy. To view these informative video clips, click on the links below.
November 2007
Two New Offerings from Psychology
The clinical psychology program has added two post-doctoral certificates, one in clinical health psychology and another in clinical neuropsychology. Each program provides one year of specialty training to doctoral-level psychologists or current PCOM clinical PsyD students. Graduates of the programs will be equipped to provide psychological care in medical settings and to medical patients. In addition, the training may lead to licensure in psychology or to board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology. More information.
October 2007
White Coat Ceremonies
First-year DO and Physician Assistant Studies students received their first white coats signaling the beginning of their new medical careers. The White Coat Ceremony was initiated by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a public, not-for-profit charity dedicated to fostering humanism in medicine. The white coat, in the words of Dr. Gold, symbolizes "a physician's responsibility is not only to take care of patients, but also to care for patients.
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Pat Coughlin. PhD, professor, anatomy,
cloaks a first-year Physician Assistant student. |
First-year DO students cloak one another
during their white coat ceremony. |
September 2007
Emergency Notification
PCOM is implementing a new emergency notification system that will inform students, faculty and staff in the event of an extreme emergency through text messaging or e-mail.
The system uses e2Campus, a Web-based, mass notification system that allows College administrators to send alerts instantly and simultaneously to students', faculty and staff's cell phone or e-mail. The system will soon be able to send messages to land lines as well. Students, faculty and staff opt in for text alerts through Nucleus, the College's intranet service.
"e2Campus is a service provided by Omnilert, LLC, a company located in Virginia," explains MIS Director Jim Williams. "During a crisis, when voice and data networks may be jammed, the small size of a text message alert allows it to get through the system quickly. But the system will only be effective if everyone signs up. I can't stress enough how important it is for everyone on campus to provide us with their contact information so we can contact them anywhere, anytime."
July 2007
Graduate Programs Commencement
PCOM graduated 215 students from seven graduate programs on Wednesday, July
25 at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Students earned doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and school psychology and masters degrees in school psychology, counseling and clinical health psychology, clinical psychology, organizational development and leadership, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, and physician assistant studies.
Gerald L. Zahorchak, Ed.D., secretary of education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gave the commencement address. Dr. Zahorchak has worked with students at virtually every level of education as a superintendent, principal, teacher and football coach. Prior to his appointment as secretary of education, Dr. Zahorchak was deputy secretary for elementary and secondary education. In this position he was responsible for the education of more than 1.8 million school children in the Commonwealth.
June 2007
DO Commencement
PCOM awarded 236 doctor of osteopathic medicine degrees, including one DO/MPh and five DO/MBA combined degrees, at its 116th commencement ceremony on June 3 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Commencement speaker was Richard H. Jadick, DO, Commander, Medical Corps. USNR, Active Duty, United States Navy. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Jadick has served as battalion surgeon, regimental surgeon and as a marine expeditionary unit surgeon. He saw combat operations in Mosul, Iraq, as well as stabilization and anti-terrorism operations in Liberia, Djibouti and Kenya. For his courage, Dr Jadick was presented with the Bronze Star with a Combat V for valor. Dr. Jadick's story was told in a Newsweek Magazine cover story, and he has published his own account of his experiences in One Call in Hell: A Doctor's Iraq War Story.
The title of Professor Emeritus was bestowed on Daniel H. Belsky, M.Sc., DO '57, FACOOG and on Henry W. Hitner, PhD.
May 2007
Laura Molloy, MMS, PA-C, Named Lindback Award Recipient
Laura Molloy, MMS, PA-C, assistant program director, physician assistant studies, has been awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. The Lindback Award recognizes academic excellence and outstanding teaching and is one of the most prestigious awards conferred to an instructor in higher education.
Ms. Molloy joined the department in 1999, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in family medicine and women's health issues. She has been active in developing community health service projects and initiating the physician assistants club at both the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
She has a bachelor of science degree from Hahnemann University and a bachelor of arts in Spanish and sociology. She earned her master of medical science degree from Saint Francis College. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants. Ms. Molloy maintains her clinical practice in family medicine.
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Dr. Kuchera, center, with Nicholas Alexander, DO,
chair, OMM department, and the PCOM chapter
of the UAAO. |
April 2007
Extraordinary Achievements
PCOM was recognized for outstanding accomplishments in osteopathic
medicine at this year?s Convocation
of the American Academy of Osteopathy. Michael Kuchera, DO, professor, department of osteopathic manipulative medicine, was awarded the A. T. Still Medallion of Honor, which is the highest award the academy offers. In receiving this award, Dr. Kuchera follows in the footsteps of PCOM alumni Drs. David Helig, Nicholas Nicholas and Wayne English. Dr. Kuchera is especially proud to note that his father,William A. Kuchera received this award in 2001.
Also at this year?s convocation, the PCOM Undergraduate Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO) won the chapter of the year award for the third time in five years. "This award gives national recognition to PCOM that we are committed to giving as many opportunities as possible to students to learn and practice osteopathic manipulative medicine in a variety of settings with a variety of teachers, and to always have a chance to build upon the skills we learn as first- and second-year students." Explains PCOM UAAO President Heather Roehrs (DO ?09).
Michael Lowney (DO ?08), a PCOM third-year OMM fellow, took fourth place in the Hollis Wolf, DO case presentation contest.
March 2007
SNMA Recognizes Greta Stewart, DO '96
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Monique Gary (DO '09) and
Matthew Montgomery (DO '09), SNMA
chapter co-presidents, present Dr. Greta
Stewart, DO '96 with the Meta Christy Award. |
The PCOM chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) honored Greta Stewart, DO '96 with the Meta Christy Award at its annual recognition reception. Dr. Stewart is medical director of Delaware Valley Community Health's Fairmount Health Center. The Center provides high quality, culturally competent primary, dental and behavioral health care services to underserved communities. In addition, Dr. Stewart serves as a preceptor for fourth-year medical students, and her commitment to quality clinical training in urban care has placed her among the vanguard of minority physicians who train minority medical students. The Meta Christy Award was established in honor of PCOM's first minority graduate and is given in recognition of the exemplarily practice of osteopathic medicine, service to the community and inspiration to future DOs.
February 2007
CCDA Receives $2 Million Endowment
PCOM's Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA) has received a $2 million endowment from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation to advance the work of the Center. The Columbus based Osteopathic Heritage Foundation promotes quality of life, community health, osteopathic medical education and research through targeted funding initiatives, research sponsorships and endowments. The endowment is named in honor of three PCOM alumni: Ruth E. Purdy, DO '50, George O. Faerber, DO '61 and Peter E. Johnston, DO '59, all of whom are also associated with the Foundation. The College has provided a 25 percent match of $500,000 to the endowment.
The mission of the CCDA is to improve the quality of life for all individuals suffering from age-related chronic diseases and disorders by supporting and facilitating collaborative research and educational programs. The CCDA provides opportunities for osteopathic medical students, residents and graduate students in numerous disciplines to work closely with researchers in addressing the most pressing needs of aging individuals with chronic conditions.
The Center supports basic and applied investigations into areas such as Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, obesity, gingivitis, hypertension, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, reperfusion injury, rheumatoid arthritis and spinal cord injury, among others.
Modern medicine is enabling people to live longer, but longer life results in an increase in age-related chronic diseases, explains the Center?s basic science director, Brian Balin, PhD. Chronic conditions may originate at any point in one's life span, and therefore, these processes must be studied from birth to the end of life.
The CCDA's clinical research director, Michael Kuchera, DO, stresses that while the CCDA addresses chronic disorders, it does so within the framework of health promotion and prevention. We have an obligation to explore measures to prevent or slow disorders that reduce vitality or quality of life. We intend to reach beyond the institution's walls to collaborate with city, state and national researchers and to be a resource for information on the latest advances in the clinical application of research findings. The underlying principle guiding the Center?s activities is that although the risk of disease and disability clearly increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation has been impressed with the rich tradition and quality programming at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, said Richard Vincent, President and Chief Executive of the Foundation. The work of Dr. Balin and others at the Center align with the Foundation's mission and we are pleased to provide funding to support work directed to age-related chronic diseases.
January 2007
PCOM Celebrates Founders' Day
The annual observance of Founders? Day honors the founders of PCOM: Oscar John Snyder, DO and Mason Wiley Pressly, DO. The O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal is the College's highest award, presented to reward and recognize leadership to the osteopathic profession and to the College. The Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal is presented to the student who is recognized by students, faculty and the administration as "Student DO of the Year." The recipient is honored for outstanding achievement and service to the College, the community and the osteopathic profession.
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| John P. Simelaro, DO |
John P. Simelaro, DO '71, FACOI, FCCP 2007 O. J. Snyder Memorial Medal Recipient
John P. Simelaro, DO '71, is an institution at PCOM. His career in academic medicine has spanned more than three decades and touched the lives of virtually every student who has attended PCOM during his tenure. He is a ten-time winner of the PCOM Teacher of the Year Award as well as a recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching. Many students
have benefited from the Gina M. Simelaro Memorial Scholarship established by Dr. Simelaro in honor of his late daughter.
Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Simelaro takes pride in having established the College's division of pulmonary medicine and in his clinical research in pulmonary pharmaceuticals, particularly drugs to treat asthma.
Throughout his career, Dr. Simelaro has stayed on the cutting edge of medicine through his involvement in many professional organizations. A fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, he served on that organization's board of directors for 12 years. He
is also a fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American College of Angiology, and a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
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| Jessica Yahnert Masser |
Jessica Yahnert Masser (DO '07)
2007 Mason W. Pressly Memorial
Medal Recipient
"I was born to be an osteopathic physician," says Jessica Yahnert Masser (DO '07). "Ever since I was five years old, I've wanted to be the kind of doctor who really cares about her patients and puts her whole heart into making them better."
Now finishing her final year of an osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) fellowship, she has discovered that, in addition
to becoming an osteopathic physician, she wants to help teach the next generation. She plans to complete a residency in family medicine plus one year in Neuromuscular Medicine (NMM). This will enable her to be double board certified with the emphasis of her practice
on OMM.
"I find it amazing to be able to use my hands to help people feel so much better," says
Mrs. Masser, who also received the Louisa B. Smith Memorial Scholarship awarded each year to a female student who shows outstanding capability and strong motivation in osteopathic philosophy. "With OMM, I can help people who no one else has been able to help."
December 2006
New Simulator Suite Dedicated
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Dr. Ginsburg and his daughter, Susan
Apollon outside the newly-dedicated
simulation suite. |
In recognition of a generous $100,000 gift to PCOM from Harry Ginsburg, DO'42, the College has named a new robotic simulation area in Evans Hall the Simmy Ginsburg Robotic Simulation Suite in honor of Dr. Ginsburg's late wife, Simmy.
The suite offers PCOM students and surgical interns some of the most advanced surgical training opportunities currently available including a laparoscopic simulator, a central venous catheter (CVC) insertion training simulator and Trauma Man.
Trauma Man allows students to practice minor surgical procedures including tracheotomies and chest tube insertion. The CVC insertion training simulator lets students learn subclavian catheterization.
Most impressive, however, is the laparoscopic simulator, which Arthur Sesso, DO '81, professor and chair, department of surgery, and program director, general surgery residency, uses to train third- and fourth-year students and surgical interns to perform a variety of laparoscopic surgical procedures.
"PCOM is the only medical school in the city, and one of only a few in the country, to own such a device. It's set up to look and feel exactly as it would in an operating room," explains Dr. Sesso. Like the other simulators, the laparoscopic simulator is essential for training medical students to become proficient in certain procedures before they treat human patients. But the laparoscopic simulator may prove even more valuable. As Dr. Sesso explains, "This training may reduce malpractice insurance rates for surgeons and even reduce the length of surgical residency."
November 2006
New Marketing Campaign Begins
Six large program banners will rotate on the outside of Evans Hall
facing City Avenue to promote greater awareness of the College.
PCOM has embarked on a new integrated marketing campaign to build awareness of the College through a variety of media. The first phase of the campaign will give the College and its campus a larger presence on City Avenue with the installation of banners with bold new graphics on the outside of Rowland and Evans Hall. The banners represent each of the College's academic programs and will rotate throughout the course of the year. Additional PCOM logo banners have been hung along City and Monument Avenues. The remaining phases of the campaign will include newspaper, television and bus advertising and marketing materials -- all with the new look.
Sacrifice 2 Save Targets Habitat for Humanity
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PCOM's third annual Sacrifice 2 Save campaign has earmarked this year's proceeds for Habitat for Humanity. Sponsored by PCOM's student government association, Sacrifice 2 Save asks students, faculty and staff to sacrifice something for two weeks and donate that amount to the campaign. Last year's event raised $6,500. The goal for this year is $10,000. The event will conclude at noon on November 15 with a small ceremony at which all proceeds will be presented to Habitat Philadelphia Executive Director Timothy Block.
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| Cupcakes and donations marked the kick-off of Sacrifice 2 Save. |
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October 2006
Dr. Schure Honored by Peers
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Matthew Schure, PhD, president and CEO, PCOM, was recognized for his contributions to osteopathic medicine when the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine presented him with the Dale Dodson Award. The award, presented at the annual meeting of the American Osteopathic Association, is presented to a CEO or CAO of an osteopathic medical school who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of osteopathic medical education and who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
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Dr. Schure, right, received the
Dale Dodson Award from
AACOM President Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH. |
White Coat Ceremony
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Two first-year DO students proudly wear their new white coats donated by the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. |
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The DO Class of 2010 participated in a time-honored tradition when they received their first white coats on October 7. The White Coat Ceremony, established in 1994 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, is designed to establish a psychological contract for beginning medical students that stresses caring for patients as well as curing patients. The physician's white coat has been part of the profession since the 19th century.
September 2006
Community Health Fair
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A PCOM student doctor completes a blood pressure screening for a health fair attendee. |
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PCOM Healthcare Center--Lancaster Avenue Division held its annual fall health fair on September 28. The fair featured blood pressure screenings, representatives from the psychology department and patient information. Physicians as well as student doctors were on hand to greet visitors. Students from The Martha Washington Elementary School were treated to entertainment provided by a clown and a magician. The fair was a great opportunity for members of the West Philadelphia neighborhood to learn about the Center and all the health care services it provides.
August 2006
Arthur Sesso, DO '81, Receives Lindback Award
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Dr. Sesso accepts the Lindback Award from Kenneth J. Veit, DO '76, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean. |
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Dr. Arthur Sesso, chairman and professor, general surgery residency program; general surgery clerkship program director, was awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. The Lindback Award recognizes academic excellence and outstanding teaching and is one of the most prestigious awards conferred to an instructor in higher education.
Dr. Sesso is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association. His published papers include "Rapid Homeostasis for Blunt Trauma to the Liver" (1983) and "New Indications for Peritoneal Lavage" (1984) in the Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. Dr. Sesso has lectured on endoscopy, chest trauma, colonic disease and general anatomy to both students and experienced surgeons.
Dr. Sesso received the Henry E. D'Alonzo Award for Interns and for Residents in 1982 and 1983 respectively. In 1983 he was also honored with the Resident of the Year Award for Outstanding Teaching and Clinical Skills. Dr. Sesso is certified
in Advanced Trauma Life Support and his hobbies include military
vehicle restoration and piloting radio-control helicopters.
July 2006
PCOM Holds Graduate Degree Programs Commencement
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John P. Walters, the White House Drug Czar provided the keynote address at PCOM's commencement. |
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PCOM graduated 206 students from nine degree programs on Friday, July 28 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Students earned doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and school psychology and masters degrees in school psychology, counseling and clinical health psychology, clinical psychology, organizational development and leadership, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, and physician assistant studies.
The keynote speaker was John P. Walters, the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. In this position, Mr. Walters coordinates all aspects of federal drug programs and spending.
June 2006
PCOM Hold its 115th DO Commencement
PCOM graduated 243 doctors of osteopathic medicine at its 115th Commencement on June 4, 2006 at the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia. Of the 243 graduates, 62 percent will remain in Pennsylvania for their residency. Richard A. Cooper, MD, professor of medicine and senior fellow at Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, was the keynote speaker.
Dr. Cooper is a researcher who has published over 130 scientific articles with topics ranging from hematology to health policy. He has focused for the last 12 years on health policy and the health care workforce. He has developed models for projecting the future demand for physicians, most importantly, the "Trend Model," which is built around long-term economic and demographic trends. He has championed the notion of an impending physician shortage based on this model.
Dr. Cooper currently serves on four national advisory committees for medical organizations and has received numerous awards. Among these awards, the most recent is the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine?s William D. Miller Award (2005).
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President Matthew Schure, PhD, presents
Paul McGloin, chair, PCOM Board of Trustees,
with an honorary degree. |
A newly minted physician is hooded
at PCOM's 115th commencement. |
May 2006
Psychology Department Celebrates 10th Anniversary
In August 1995, PCOM announced the creation of a new program leading to a doctor of psychology degree. Today, PCOM's psychology department has grown to offer seven degrees: doctor of psychology in clinical psychology, doctor of school psychology, master of science in school psychology, educational specialist/certification in school psychology, master of science in counseling and clinical health psychology, master of science in organizational development and leadership, and certificate of advanced graduate study in psychology.
To celebrate this milestone, the department hosted a reception and lecture by Norman Anderson, PhD, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Anderson has dedicated much of his professional life to studying the relationships between health and behavior and health and race. The topic of his talk was "Unraveling the Mystery of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: A Multi-Dimensional Approach."
National Anxiety Screening Day
Anxiety and depression are the most common of all mental illnesses. They affect more than 35 million Americans each year. Social anxiety disorder affects 10 million Americans, making it the third most common psychiatric disorder after alcoholism and depression. For those suffering from social anxiety disorder, even the simplest of social interactions can cause intense crippling fear and anxiety. PCOM's Center for Brief Therapy is offering free, anonymous anxiety screening on Tuesday, May 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Lobby of Rowland Hall on PCOM's campus, 4190 City Avenue. For more information, you can call the Center at 215-871-6467.
March 2006
College Merges Family Practice Residency Program with
Mercy Suburban Hospital
The merger of PCOM's Family Practice Residency Program with Mercy Suburban Hospital combines the strengths of two superb medical institutions to benefit patients, family practice residents, interns and students.
David Kuo, DO '96, assistant residency director of the PCOM Mercy Suburban Hospital Family Practice Residency, reports, "This new partnership is a wonderful opportunity that makes an already successful residency program even better. The Mercy Suburban Family Practice Residency has flourished under the leadership of Dr. Michael Becker (DO '87) over the past few years. Now, with the addition of PCOM's multitude of educational resources and faculty, the program has become even stronger."
Harry Morris, DO '78, chairman, PCOM Family Practice Division, agrees: "This is a great fit for us. Mercy Suburban has all the rotations we need, including medicine, surgery, pediatrics and OB-GYN. Their family medicine continuity-of-care Family Practice Center and dedication to the residents of Norristown offer our students an ideal learning environment for family medicine."
February 2006
Lancaster Avenue Healthcare Center Receives Grant for Youth Physicals
PCOM Healthcare Center - Lancaster Avenue Division received a $50,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation to provide complete physicals, including psychological referrals, to youth participating in the Youth Empowerment Centers in West and North Philadelphia.
The goal of the Youth Empowerment Centers is to ensure that all of Philadelphia's youth have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce. Each center enrolls approximately 250 youth who receive GED education, job counseling and job placement assistance. The ultimate goal is for the youth to secure employment. Once the youth have a successful job interview, they often need a pre-employment physical. Most of the youth do not have primary care physicians, nor are they insured or financially able to pay for a physical
With financial support from the Wachovia Foundation, the Lancaster Avenue Healthcare Center will be able to provide physicals, including any necessary lab work, to approximately 145 youths from the Empowerment Centers over the course of the year. The PCOM Healthcare Center -- Lancaster Avenue Division is one of four urban healthcare centers the College operates in Philadelphia. In addition to healthcare, the Centers provide the communities in which they are located with a variety of services to help the communities thrive. The Centers are also training facilities for the College's medical and psychology students who also serve as role models to youth who are treated there.
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