Marla DePolo Golden, DO '88, MS, FACEP, is an osteopathic physician in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Golden received her Master of Science in Chemistry at Drexel University. While working on her PhD, she was inspired by osteopathic physicians who treated her throughout her life. As a result, she decided to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine. She graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 1988. After a rotating osteopathic internship at the Osteopathic Medical Center of Philadelphia as a co-chief intern, she graduated in 1992 as Top Resident of the Year in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Dr. Golden practiced emergency medicine in many different settings from rural to urban for many years when she became interested in the treatment of patients with persistent pain. She pursued additional training in osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMT) as well as many other manual therapy techniques. She decided to use OMT as the basis for an integrative pain medicine practice which she started in 2001. She has owned and run the practice for the last 21 years. It is centered on an understanding of the key role of the connective tissue system in conjunction with the nervous systems in the maintenance of health or disease.
She is the co-founder and co-author of The Neuroplastic Transformation Program and Workbook. It was designed to empower patients with knowledge of self-directed, portable, efficacious ways to counteract and overcome their pain using neuroplasticity techniques. Dr. Golden has worked tirelessly with physician colleagues, county and state law enforcement as well as legislators in Florida to take down pill mills and effect legislation to combat the opioid crisis while ensuring legitimate pain care for appropriate patients. She started ‘The Science of Change Movement’ to invite input on best outreach and treatment practices for patients with substance and behavioral use disorders. She is board eligible in Paid Medicine and Addictions Medicine.
Dr. Golden returned to PCOM as Regional Assistant Dean in 2014 to create a new anchor site in Jacksonville, Florida and to oversee other anchor sites in South Georgia and Northeast Florida. She now continues in a limited clinical practice and is the Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia and South Georgia and the Chair of Clinical Education PCOM South Georgia. As such, she teaches in multiple courses and works administratively to recruit and engage preceptors as well as hospital systems to build the clinical education network in the South. Dr. Golden also serves as dean of the osteopathic medical program, PCOM South Georgia.
She is passionate about her work with the connective tissue system, osteopathic medical education and preserving our osteopathic principles and practice in the treatment of patients but feels most blessed to be the mother of three wonderful children, Mark, Audrey and Jessica. She enjoys the performing arts, sings in her choir, takes piano and ballroom dance and loves to spend time with family and friends.
Dr. Golden graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, Florida in 1992. She is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Dr. Golden has served as the Chair of the Credentials Committee of the American Board of Pain Medicine, as a member of the Credentials Committee and the Examination Council of the American Board of Pain Medicine. She has served on the Annual Meeting Planning Committee of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. She has been active in Florida as a spokesperson for the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine. She served on the Board of Directors and as the Legislative Chair and Public Relations Chair of the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine.
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