PCOM South Georgia Programs 
Connecting the Local Community, Agriculture, and Well-Being

AgriHealth at PCOM South Georgia: Bridging Healthcare and Agriculture

AgriHealth at PCOM South Georgia is an innovative initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of agricultural communities through hands-on training, research, and community service. Rooted in the osteopathic philosophy of whole-person care, AgriHealth takes a holistic approach—acknowledging the deep connection between the body, mind, and environment.

Program Highlights

• Community-Based Training – Medical students gain practical experience through partnerships with local farms, agricultural organizations, and clinics.
• Research in Preventive Health Education – Faculty and students are actively studying ways to improve access to preventive health education for farmworkers and rural communities, focusing on chronic disease prevention, occupational health, and wellness initiatives.
• Health Education & Outreach – Providing workshops, screenings, and wellness resources to farmworkers and their families.
• Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiatives – Partnering with local organizations o promote access to fresh, nutritious foods and the role of food as medicine.

Why AgriHealth Matters

South Georgia’s agricultural industry is a cornerstone of the region’s economy and community, powered by resilient and hardworking individuals. AgriHealth at PCOM South Georgia builds on this strength by integrating healthcare and agriculture to enhance the well-being of rural communities. Through innovative partnerships, hands-on learning, and preventive health initiatives, we empower farmworkers and their families with the resources, education, and care they need to thrive. At the same time, we are equipping the next generation of physicians with the skills and knowledge to serve agricultural communities with excellence and a deep understanding of their unique health needs.

Key Initiatives

Mobile Health Education Clinics (Pop-Up Clinics)

Designed to bring health education and preventive screenings directly to residents and farmers, these clinics provide:

• Health screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Educational workshops on wellness, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention.

Partners: Sunbelt Ag Expo, Boys & Girls Club of Moultrie/Colquitt County

Farmer Health Education Workshops

Providing agricultural workers and their families with practical health knowledge, these workshops focus on:

• Preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension through lifestyle choices.
• Mental health awareness and stress management techniques.
• Nutrition education and healthy meal planning using locally grown foods.

Partners: Rural Health Initiative, Sunbelt Ag Expo

Youth and Family Wellness Program

Strengthening the foundation for lifelong health, this initiative includes:

• Health education to encourage early healthy habits.
• Community garden and food as medicine initiatives that promote nutrition, sustainability, and access to fresh produce.
• Mentorship to inspire the next generation of rural healthcare leaders.

Partners: Boys & Girls Club of Moultrie/Colquitt County

Research on Preventative Health Strategies for Communities

Through research-driven solutions, we aim to improve health outcomes for agricultural communities, including migrant farmworkers. Our focus includes:

• Preventive techniques for reducing injuries and chronic disease
• Tracking health trends in populations to identify key areas for intervention.
• Developing data-informed programs that enhance long-term community health.

Partners: Southern Valley Farms

By providing education, resources, and research-driven solutions, PCOM South Georgia is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to support rural communities in leading healthier lives.

PCOM's Community Wellness Initiative (CWI) was founded to create educational and health services programming that support health and wellness in communities surrounding the College's locations.

CWI programs and events provide opportunities for PCOM students and staff to engage in patient care, community health education and research.

The Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship was created by the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships in collaboration with the Division of Research and the PCOM Library.

Funding is awarded annually to faculty members who engage community-based organizations and PCOM students in collaborative research studies. Preference is given to proposals that focus on inter-professional initiatives and allow multiple students to volunteer with research duties.

About the award

The President's Campus and Community Engagement Award is given to a graduating student in each academic program at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia, who has made a unique contribution to the College's mission of “educating health professionals to care for the whole person and advance the health of diverse communities.”

Criteria

1. Commitment to advancing the health of diverse communities, including but not limited to: establishment of an annual event or program, community outreach or engagement, providing a distinctive service to the PCOM community, research to advance the health of diverse communities in their respective field.
2. Sustainability of above mentioned initiative.
3. Ability to engage others in initiatives.
4. Be in good academic standing.

Learn about the 2025 award winners.

The Employee Campus and Community Partnership Award is given to one faculty member and one staff member on each campus who go above and beyond to foster strong connections and collaborations within and beyond their campus community.

Awards are given at the annual Employee Recognition event.

Criteria

Award recipients are those who have gone above and beyond to:

• Champion Education and Communication for Connection: Promote initiatives and ideas that encourage open dialogue and strengthen workplace relationships, helping build a campus community where employees feel valued and connected.
• Collaboration and Connection: Facilitate meaningful partnerships and teamwork across departments, groups, or community outreach.
• Sustained Impact: Implement lasting efforts that enhance collaboration, communication, and community engagement, positively affecting the PCOM and/or local communities over time.

The Office of Campus and Community Partnerships (CCP) is committed to promoting student development, community health, and workplace excellence. In alignment with PCOM’s 2028 strategic plan—preparing students to excel in tomorrow’s healthcare workforce and lead in their chosen professions—CCP supports initiatives that enhance education, build community ties, and foster an engaging, supportive environment for students and employees.

As part of this mission, CCP provides funding support for students to attend one national conference during their time at PCOM. This funding opportunity is designed to assist and encourage students in furthering their academic and professional growth while advancing the mission of the College. Conferences can also serve as meaningful professional development experiences, helping students become leaders in healthcare who build strong, empathetic relationships with patients and communities.

Learn more and apply

The PCOM South Georgia Opportunities Academy is a summer enrichment program for local high school students interested in healthcare careers. Medical students, faculty and staff at PCOM South Georgia lead participants through full days of hands-on learning. Youth explore various medical subjects from cardiology to infectious diseases to neuroscience as well as gain exposure to different careers in health care.

The PCOM South Georgia Community Engagement Internship Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to earn internship hours by assisting with pathway programming and community outreach initiatives at the Moultrie, Georgia, campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Scholarship Initiative for Supporting Transformative Excellence in Research and Science research pathway program is a pioneering initiative designed to empower undergraduate students by providing them with research opportunities and mentorship in the field of healthcare. This program offers participants hands-on experience in research, guided by the mentorship of medical students who are passionate about osteopathic medicine.

Through the program, undergraduates will gain invaluable exposure to the principles and practices of osteopathic medicine, while actively contributing to research that addresses unique health challenges. The program is committed to fostering a new generation of scholars and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to advancing healthcare and making a transformative impact in their communities.

PCOM South Georgia serves as a Co-Lead Partner with Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia (RCSWGA). This partnership will expand our engagement efforts with the campus (faculty, staff, and students) as well as with the community across the region to incorporate information and advocacy for behavioral health access and trauma-informed systems. PCOM South Georgia will also collaborate with RCSWGA on our shared objectives to:

• Assist in communicating the importance of building a comprehensive health continuum of care and resources for individuals from birth through age 26 and their families.
• Use the PCOM South Georgia network of community and campus contacts to disseminate trauma-informed information across Southwest Georgia.
• Engage with stakeholders from the region to ensure participation and access.
• Strengthen regional capacity through shared resources.

PCOM South Georgia and the Sunbelt Ag Expo share a long-standing partnership focused on improving the health and well-being of rural communities. Together, they provide opportunities for education, outreach, and service that connect healthcare and agriculture. This ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health, promoting access to care, and fostering meaningful connections between medical education and the agricultural community.

• PCOM South Georgia focuses on farmers with Rural Health Initiative