Earlier this month, PCOM Georgia student John “Jackson” Norris (DO ‘29) walked across the stage to receive his white coat, just as his father, J Norris, DO’ 17, had done just twelve years prior.
“I was in middle school when my father was a student here,” Norris said. “So I got to see his journey, and I can still remember going to campus with my mom and brothers to see him after he finished classes, or while he took a study break.”
For Norris, to say his father is his greatest inspiration in his life is an understatement, as he recalls how his dad was able to spend so much time with the family while still succeeding in medical school and balancing other life stressors.
“I can't begin to imagine the financial strain that was placed on my parents while my dad was in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, but we always had food on the table and a good roof over our heads while my dad continued to receive good grades and praise from his professors.”
These childhood memories and close proximity to campus only further solidified Norris’ decision to attend PCOM Georgia. “I was honored to be accepted by the same medical school that accepted my dad 12 years ago, and am excited to be following in his footsteps,” he shared.
Dr. Norris, a specialist in internal medicine now working as a hospitalist at Wellstar Kennestone, expressed pride and encouragement in his son’s recent achievement.
“I know the hard work that he has put into this, and it is nice to see that it is paying off. I want Jackson to remember that there will be ups and downs, but he will come out of this with one of the most rewarding professions. It's a stressful time, and the days will seem long, but the years will fly by, just remember it will be worth it in the end.”
While donning his white coat, Norris was humbled by the long road ahead: “It feels like I’m one step closer to becoming a doctor, but I see it as a Learner’s Permit—an acknowledgment that I still have much to learn, but that it is a goal worth working toward.”
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.
Joy Williford
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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