As a fellow, Gregory McDonald, DO ‘89, will work to improve the science of medicine
and support public health initiatives throughout Philadelphia.
Recently, Gregory McDonald, DO '89, dean of the School of Health Sciences and chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), was inducted as a fellow into the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Since 1787, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has joined together medical professionals “to advance the science of medicine and thereby lessen human misery.” Dr. McDonald’s induction was sponsored by PCOM leaders Kenneth Veit, DO '78, provost, dean and senior vice president for academic affairs and Robert DiTomasso, PhD, chair of the School of Professional and Applied Psychology.
“It is an honor to be inducted into the College of Physicians,” said Dr. McDonald. “I’ve always had a penchant for medical history and to be a part of an organization that’s been in existence since the start of the country is very humbling. I never thought this would be possible, so it was very exciting for me,” continued Dr. McDonald.
During his induction ceremony, Dr. McDonald was invited to step forward and sign his
name in the Book of Fellows, a record of members that dates back to the start of the
organization. In addition to securing the sponsorship of two established members,
Dr. McDonald was required to submit an autobiographical statement as well as his curriculum
vitae to be considered for induction. This process ensures candidates have established
continued service to the field of medicine.
As part of his fellowship with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Dr. McDonald will support the organization’s mission of improving public health initiatives throughout the City, fundraising to support these causes and maintaining an accurate record of medical history. Dr. McDonald will also continue to volunteer his time with the organization’s Mütter Museum, a museum located in Philadelphia that aims to instruct the public on the human body and the history of diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Originally founded in the eighteenth century as an organization exclusively for physicians, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has expanded to include pharmacists, mental health professionals and other local health professionals. Emanuel Fliegelman, DO ‘42, was the first doctor of osteopathic medicine inducted into the organization. Dr. Fliegelman was Dr. McDonald’s professor when he was a student at PCOM.
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.
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