Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has announced that John J. McPhilemy, DO ’78, FAOAO, and Margaret M. Wilkins, DO, FACOFP, are this year’s recipients of the O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal and the PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor, respectively.
Drs. McPhilemy and Wilkins will be honored at the College’s Founders’ Day ceremony held on the Philadelphia campus on January 29, 2026.
O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal Recipient
John J. McPhilemy, DO ’78, FAOAO, is this year’s recipient of PCOM’s O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal, the College’s highest distinction. A retired orthopedic surgeon, former chair of PCOM’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and longtime medical director and team physician for the Philadelphia 76ers, Dr. McPhilemy is recognized for a lifetime of leadership, service and dedication to the osteopathic profession.
A Philadelphia native, Dr. McPhilemy’s educational and professional journey has been deeply rooted in the city. He graduated from PCOM in 1978 and went on to serve from 1992 to 2025 as chair of PCOM’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. In this role, he helped expand the College’s orthopedic surgery residency program into a nationally competitive program that has trained nearly 150 residents.
Dr. McPhilemy also served for more than 25 years as medical director and team physician for the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout his career, he has received numerous honors, including the Sports Medicine Physician of the Year Award from the Philadelphia Congress of Sports Medicine in 2005 and the NBA Team Physician of the Year Award in 2010. He was the first osteopathic physician invited to join the Philadelphia Orthopedic Society and later became its first DO president.
Still practicing part-time with Rothman Orthopaedics and consulting for PCOM’s surgical residency program, Dr. McPhilemy continues to support the institution that shaped his career.
The O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal is presented in memory of the co-founder of PCOM, and recognizes leadership and service to the osteopathic profession and to the institution.
PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor Recipient
Also receiving honors at this year’s Founders’ Day celebration is Margaret M. Wilkins, DO, FACOFP, assistant dean of clinical assessment at PCOM, who will receive the PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor. This award recognizes distinguished service rendered and loyal devotion to PCOM and is the highest honor bestowed by the PCOM Alumni Association. With nearly 40 years of experience in family medicine, Dr. Wilkins has devoted her career to advancing wellness, mentorship and educational excellence. Learn more about Dr. Wilkins.
Founders’ Day commemorates the founding of PCOM in 1899 by Drs. O.J. Snyder and Mason W. Pressly, whose vision was to bring the osteopathic philosophy of whole-person health care to Philadelphia. The ceremony on January 29 will honor the accomplishments of the 2026 Founders’ Day award recipients, who exemplify the dedication, loyalty, and service to the College demonstrated by its founders.
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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Kristen Hopf
Communications Content Specialist
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: kristenho1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6303
© 2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
