For many years, the tourism slogan for the state of Delaware was “Small Wonder.” Though that tagline has since been retired, the sentiment remains through two strategic partnerships Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) maintains in the state that continue to produce significant opportunities for PCOM students.
The Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research (DIMER) and the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance (DHSA) are two interstate partnerships with the common goal of advancing healthcare in the state. DIMER provides opportunities for Delaware residents to access quality medical education through PCOM and Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, with both effectively acting as Delaware’s medical schools. DHSA is a partnership designed to promote collaborative education, research and programs across Delaware and Philadelphia, including opportunities for PCOM students and faculty to access the resources available at each member's institution.
Most recently, the DHSA partnership offered the opportunity for four research teams from member institutions to compete for $50,000 in funding through a “Shark Tank” style competition. The proposals, this year highlighting issues related to COVID-19, were judged by a team of panelists, including PCOM’s Chief Research and Science Officer Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD. The format of the competition was designed to promote collaborations among member institutions and identify research studies that will have a significant impact throughout the state.
In addition to the research competition, Dr. George-Weinstein and DHSA President and
CEO and professor of Family Medicine at PCOM, Omar Khan, MD, MHS, FAAFP, co-chaired
a research group for PCOM students in Delaware. This program has created opportunities
for students to publish in the Delaware Journal of Public Health.
Both DIMER and DHSA highlight the importance of expanding collaborations between institutions working to promote and advance medical education and research through strategic interstate partnerships.
“PCOM has a really important role to play in the future of Delaware’s healthcare system,” said Dr. Khan. “Their contribution to medical education is so appreciated and important, and they are an amazing partner for our students.”
For the past 125 years, 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.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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