The annual campuswide talent show has raised more than $55,000 for Make-A-Wish® Foundation since the event's inception in 2007.
The Robert Berger Pediatrics Society at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently held its 12th annual, campuswide talent show to benefit Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. Since its inception in 2007, the event has raised more than $55,000 in support of local children’s wishes.
“Each year we hold this event, it gives us another chance to help the community, and lets us do that in a really fun way,” said Vanessa Valdivia (DO ’21) president of the Berger Pediatrics Society.
“As medical students, it’s important for us to see how what we do affects members of the community,” added Alexandria Ross (DO ’21) vice-president of the Berger Pediatrics Society. “And this is a great opportunity to bring the entire campus together to support a worthy cause.”
Part talent show, part auction, students and faculty showcased their unique talents—from singing to stand-up comedy—and attendees “bid” on each talent, to raise money for Make-a-Wish®. Money was also raised through ticket sales and raffles.
The event that garnered the highest bid this year was “PCOM Game Night,” an interactive skit led by Michael McGuinness, PhD, professor, anatomy, and his daughter Kylie, which raised more than $500. All told, the event raised more than $5,500.
Other acts included performances by the PCOM Pulmonics; several student singers; a duet with Lauren Noto-Bell, DO '06, assistant professor, OMM, and Evan Nicholas, DO '81, associate professor, OMM; and a Battle of the Bands between students band The IT Band and faculty band Faculty’s Intact.
“We’re grateful to the students at PCOM for hosting this wonderful event each year,” said Amy Stidham, community engagement coordinator at Make-A-Wish®. “The level of support from the students and faculty has been incredible, and it’s really through community events like these that Make-A-Wish is able to grant wishes for critically ill children.”
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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