Jesse Rivera's, MS/PA '25, journey into health care began long before he set foot on the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) campus. Inspired by the doctors who cared for his family during times of crisis, he saw firsthand the role a compassionate caretaker can have on patients and their loved ones.
When it came time to choose a graduate program, Rivera was drawn to PCOM's Master's in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program due to its friendly atmosphere and the camaraderie among students.
“From the first time I visited campus, I could see PCOM was a close-knit community and had such a welcoming environment,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of the PA program because I could tell they cared about their students and would prepare them for their future careers.”
For Rivera, PCOM became much more than just an academic institution. He described it as a pathway for students to be trained not only in patient care, but also to discover and reach their own potential. “PCOM is a place where we are trained to care for others with compassion and a refined skill, but it is also a place where we learn the most about ourselves.”
Throughout his time in school, Rivera also participated in intramural basketball and enjoyed spending time at the PCOM cafeteria, proclaiming its chicken tenders are his favorite food in the world.
Looking ahead, Rivera is preparing to start a fellowship in Critical Care at Christiana Hospital in the fall. He is eager to apply everything he has learned and to contribute as a valuable member of a dedicated healthcare team. His goals are clear: “I aspire to make the most out of my education and be a part of a great team.”
When asked who inspires him most, he says he draws daily inspiration from his grandmother, who cares for his grandfather with unwavering positivity and love. Her example reminds him of the importance of resilience and optimism, qualities he strives to bring to his own work.
To those also pursuing healthcare careers, Rivera offers this advice: “Seek purpose, not happiness. Happiness can come and go, but having a purpose will bring real joy to your life.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Gabrielle DePietro
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: gabrielde2@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304
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