Med Buddies Learn and Play at PCOM
March 11, 2019
Graduate and medical students teach Special Olympics athletes fitness and health at
the second annual event.
For the second year in a row, students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) welcomed athletes with the Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia program for a day dedicated
to physical fitness, arts and crafts and health and wellness education. This year’s
event more than doubled in size; more than 100 athletes were partnered with students
in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Bio-Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies and Psychology programs on activities such as basketball; parachute time; t-shirt design; x-ray
pictures; and “Pretend Doctor,” where athletes practiced their medical skills and
knowledge.
The annual event is designed to teach special needs children about health, nutrition
and physical fitness, while giving students studying in the medical, behavioral health
and health science fields exposure to a population they may not otherwise interact
with so early in their careers.
“We will be working with the special needs population in the future, so it’s a great
way for us to connect and interact with this population early on,” said Jasmine Park
(DO ’21), chair of the DO Council Special Olympics Committee.
“PCOM’s commitment to providing physical activity and health information in an inclusive
setting is outstanding,” said Chase Trimmer, director, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia.
The event was hosted by the DO Council Special Olympics Committee in conjunction with
Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, and with support from with support from PCOM AID
(Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities); The Robert Berger Pediatrics Society;
PCOM Students for Life; and the PCOM Ophthalmology Club.
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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded 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 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, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
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.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360