Learn about Ben Robinson, chief program development officer, including his work for
the College and his professional background.
As the chief program development officer, I am tasked with researching new programs and identifying partnerships for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). In this role, I analyze the higher education landscape to identify opportunities for new programs. I also assist in developing academic partnerships with other academic institutions to facilitate things like articulation agreements and early assurances.
In my professional career, I have often been in the intersection of healthcare and higher education. In my work with the state of Georgia, I spent about 15 years directing efforts to address concerns with the healthcare workforce. During this time, I wrote “Code Blue: Workforce in Crisis'' which rededicated state efforts to support and expand the healthcare workforce. I also worked for Governor Purdue as the director of the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce (now the Georgia Board for Healthcare Workforce). In this position I played an important role in reinvigorating efforts to support the rural physician workforce, expanding support for undergraduate medical education (including the expansion of the Medical College of Georgia into Athens) and informing state leadership on the need to support expanding graduate medical education (GME).
From there, I spent 10 years with the University System of Georgia (USG). In this role, I helped direct and implement state-level policy, political funding and programmatic decisions regarding the medical workforce. I lead the USG’s efforts to expand GME slots across Georgia. I also lead the USG efforts to bolster the nursing education capacity of the USG nursing programs. Additionally, I served as the main contact for the USG with Lt. Governor’s office on issues relating to health informatics workforce in Georgia.
As a graduate-level health profession training institution we face very unique challenges. From educating a variety of health professions, to building awareness for the PCOM brand here in Georgia, we work to get our name and our full range of capabilities in front of key community members and future students.
PCOM does a great job of enabling me to succeed in family life as well as work life. I am a father and sometimes need flexibility to do things for my kids and still get my work done. PCOM has always been great at understanding these needs and providing needed flexibility.
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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