For many medical students, curiosity about the factors contributing to human health
and disease is part of what drove them to apply to medical school. Dissecting these factors and their impact, from the molecular level to global populations,
can be incredibly rewarding, particularly when working alongside foremost experts
in the field. Thanks to a recently announced partnership, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) students can stoke that curiosity through hands-on research opportunities.
PCOM has partnered with Havas Health & You (HH&Y), the world’s largest global health network, to engage doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) students at PCOM in research. The Havas Health & You Research Scholars program, designed specifically for PCOM students, will pair DO students with mentors to guide them through the research process. First year DO students interested in applying to the program will submit research proposals of their own design and will interview with a team of HH&Y researchers. If selected for the program, students will work with HH&Y mentors who will facilitate their research efforts.
“The HH&Y Research Scholars program is a unique and important opportunity for PCOM students to develop their skills as researchers with a broad focus on global health,” said Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD, chief research and science officer. “We are extremely appreciative of the commitment of HH&Y to this program that will open doors for our students throughout their careers.“
“We are very excited to have this opportunity to connect with clinicians in training,”
said Brad Davidson, PhD, the Director of Medical Anthropology across the global HH&Y
network. “Communicating effectively about health and healthcare is challenging, as
the global pandemic has shown – yet we have never had more of an opportunity to shape
the future of the industry. We are delighted to be part of this training, and look
forward to seeing the great work these students can do.”
The program will run for three terms with three students selected for the pilot cohort. Upon completion of their respective research projects, students will have the opportunity to present their research both internally and at conferences. Their research is also expected to result in publication of their findings. Students will provide valuable feedback that will help shape the program for future HH&Y Research Scholars.
PCOM is the first and only medical school to partner with HH&Y on a program of this nature. Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, chief advancement and strategic planning officer, was instrumental in the development of the program and is optimistic about the potential for these types of strategic partnerships. “Through this program, PCOM students will have the incredible opportunity to gain critical hands-on skills and knowledge from global health professionals,” Collins said. “Unique partnerships like this expand the reach of what’s possible for our students, and we’re incredibly proud to be the first medical school in the country to be a part of something like this.”
Havas Health & You is the healthcare and wellness arm of Paris-based Havas, a division of Vivendi. The company describes themselves as “a unique health and wellness network focused on promoting healthy living decisions across the entire health ecosystem.”
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.
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360
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