1. Where is the college?
The new branch campus is in Suwanee, GA at 625 Old Peachtree Rd.
2. What programs are available at Georgia Campus-PCOM?
Presently, we have a DO program only. There are plans to develop a master's degree in biomedical science in approximately two-three years.
3. How do I get information to apply for the DO degree program?
Refer to the PCOM Web site at www.pcom.edu.
4. When does the first class start?
Orientation is planned for the week of August 8th and classes start on August 15, 2005.
5. How do I get information about financial aid for students?
Refer to the Web site or contact the Financial Aid Office at the Philadelphia campus.
6. Where are the clinical training hospitals going to be?
Negotiations have not been completed, but we are looking at establishing clerkships in the metro Atlanta area, in Columbus, GA and in Augusta, GA to name a few. We are exploring other opportunities in AL, TN, FL NC, SC and other southern states as well. Clerkship training will not start until June 2007, so there is some time before final arrangements must be completed.
7. Where will the faculty be located?
Full-time basic science PhDs will teach at the Georgia Campus, predominantly in the first and second year. Some lectures will be provided by visiting professors from local universities or medical schools. Limited instruction will be offered by distance learning. Most clinical instruction will be done by community physicians with some lectures by visiting clinical professors from the area. Full-time physicians will direct the osteopathic principles and practices section and the primary care skills course with assistance from part-time local physicians.
8. Will the College have a hospital or clinic on campus?
No. Clinical training will be arranged with independent hospitals and clinics in the community. There will be some affiliations planned for clinical faculty with local practice sites.
9. Are there residency programs affiliated with GA-PCOM?
Not directly. We plan to start affiliations with programs for our students and will look for partnerships with residency programs in the future. Some residency programs are affiliated directly through the Philadelphia campus and its network.
10. What specialty can I choose as a DO?
All medical specialties in primary and specialty care are available for DO graduates. Osteopathic physicians serve in all medical specialties as surgeons, internists, psychiatrists, obstetricians, pediatricians, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, family physicians, pathologists, neurologists etc. Training is done in residency or fellowship programs independent of the College. Since our curriculum is designed to emphasize primary care, almost half of osteopathic physicians choose a primary care residency upon graduation from PCOM. We anticipate a similar interest in Georgia.
11. I have applied, but I have not yet received an interview request. Who should I call?
The deadline for applications was March 1 this year. Applications are processed through the Office of Admissions at the Philadelphia campus. Georgia campus receives applicant packets screened for interviews from Philadelphia, and assignment of interview dates and times are also done there. If an applicant's packet is incomplete, no interview is possible. A check to make sure your packet is complete is encouraged. Interviews began in November and will most likely continue through the spring. Questions about applications should be directed to the main campus.
12. What are the clinical training requirements? Are there hospital rotations that are required? What electives can I select?
Clinical trainining occurs in the third- and fourth-year of the DO curriculum with supervision by a licensed physician. Core hospital rotations will be in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery and emergency medicine. Thre will be required rotations in family medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, rural and community medicine and in other areas. Not all rotations will not be done in the Atlanta area. Rotation schedules will be determined through a class lottery system in the last term of the second year. Electives and selectives may also be chosen from a list of suggested specialties and can be done in varied locations with approval. Clerkships will require the completion of specific learning objectives and may include written tets and supervisory physician evaluations. The clinical training experience is designed to give students a broad exposure to all areas of medicine.
13. I have been accepted but would like more information on student life and preparing for the first year. Where should I go?
We have a new area on our Web site called “new students” that covers the nuts-and-bolts of items needed to prepare for starting at our college. There are some general areas that cover both campuses and some Georgia specific areas there. (http://www.pcom.edu/Student_Life/Student_Welcome/student_welcome.html)
We are also working with some local apartment complexes close to the College for student discounts or special incentives. Keep checking back on our site for specifics.
