The College has announced that Francis P. Sutter, DO ’76, Andrew G. Canakis (DO '18) and Danielle M. Ward (DO '18) are this year’s recipients of the OJ Snyder Memorial Medal and the Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medals, respectively. Both Dr. Sutter and Mr. Canakis will be honored at the 2018 Founders’ Day luncheon on Friday, January 26 at Philadelphia’s Union League. Ms. Ward will be honored at a separate ceremony in the spring at GA-PCOM.
Francis P. Sutter, DO '76
Dr. Sutter is chief of cardiac surgery at Lankenau Medical Center and clinical professor
of surgery at Jefferson Medical College. He is renowned for his innovative approach
to coronary bypass surgery, which is far less invasive than traditional coronary bypass
surgeries. He has performed close to 1,700 of these procedures—more than any surgeon
in the United States—and has presented his method to cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists
across the globe. Learn more about Dr. Sutter.
Andrew G. Canakis (DO '18)
Mr. Canakis comes from a long line of doctors, all of whom have a passion for community
service. While at PCOM, Mr. Canakis founded the College’s Gastroenterology Club and
the PCOM chapter of Philadelphia’s Health Career Academy, a program through Lankenau
Medical Center that brings medical students into Philadelphia high schools to educate
those students on issues such as diabetes, cancer and trauma. He is also passionate
about research, most recently presenting a case report he authored at the World Congress
on Gastroenterology. Learn more about Mr. Canakis.
Danielle Ward (DO ’18)
Ms. Ward made history earlier this year when she became national president of the
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)—she is the first osteopathic medical student
to assume this position since the SNMA’s founding in 1964. She also authors "Aspiring
Minority Doctor," a blog in which she describes her journey through medical school
as an African-American single mom to an active 10-year-old daughter. Learn more about Ms. Ward.
The OJ Snyder Memorial Medal is presented in memory of the co-founder of PCOM and is the College's highest award, which recognizes leadership and service to the osteopathic profession and to the institution. The Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal is presented to students for their outstanding achievement and service to the College, the community and the osteopathic profession. Recipients are selected by representatives of the overall College community.
Also receiving honors at this year’s Founders’ Day celebration is Robert Cuzzolino, EdD, vice president for Graduate Programs and Planning, who will receive the PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor. Learn more about Dr. Cuzzolino.
Founders’ Day celebrates the birth of PCOM in 1899 by Drs. Snyder and Pressly, who
sought to bring the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person, not just
their symptoms, to Philadelphia. In addition to the offsite luncheon, celebrations
are planned on both College campuses.
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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