PCOM Names OMM Chair Alex Nicholas as 2019 Snyder Medal Recipient
January 22, 2019
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has announced Alexander S. Nicholas, DO ’75, FAAO dist., professor and chair, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), as the recipient of
the 2019 OJ Snyder Memorial Medal. It 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. Dr. Nicholas will receive his medal during PCOM’s Founders’
Day luncheon on Friday, Jan. 25.
During his tenure at PCOM, which began in 1976, Dr. Nicholas has made an impact on
the lives of countless osteopathic medical students. He is the 1996 recipient of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching; the 2005
recipient of the American Osteopathic Association’s Mentor Hall of Fame Award; and
the 2014 recipient of the Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor.
In addition, Dr. Nicholas has made numerous contributions to the profession of osteopathic
medicine; in 1980, he helped developed the nation’s first residency program in OMM (now osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine) with his father, osteopathic pioneer
Nicholas S. Nicholas, DO, FAAO, and David Heilig, DO, FAAO—both former presidents
of the American Academy of Osteopathy.
He also lectures internationally on osteopathic manipulative techniques and the benefits
of OMM on myriad issues, and is the honorary president of the German-American Academy
of Osteopathy. With his brother, Evan A. Nicholas, DO ’81, associate professor, OMM,
Dr. Nicholas is the author of the Atlas of Osteopathic Techniques, a widely used textbook first published in 1974 by their father.
In addition to his father and brother, Dr. Nicholas’ family boasts even more health
practitioners; his daughter, Veronica, and son-in-law, Dave, are also osteopathic
physicians, and his daughter-in-law, Mary, is a physician assistant.
Dr. Nicholas is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative
medicine. He received his bachelor’s degree in General Arts and Science from Penn
State University in 1971, and is a 1975 graduate of PCOM.
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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