A Note of Thanks 
PCOM Students Celebrate Faculty Who Inspire and Support Them

November 2, 2026

A small token of appreciation can go a long way. That's the simple but powerful premise behind Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's (PCOM) Thank A Faculty Member initiative, launched in 2024 by Darby Scroggs, assistant director for the Center for Teaching Support and Professional Development.

“When I was in college, I had a chemistry professor who was so kind to me during a difficult time in my life,” Scroggs said. “His kindness left such a lasting impression on me that I still tell people about today. After the semester ended, I wrote him a note of appreciation. I wanted to create a way for students to be able to do the same.”

PCOM emails all students across its three campuses, inviting them to submit thank-you letters electronically or at a designated campus drop-off location. At the end of each term, an average of 30 to 50 notes are placed in envelopes and delivered to recipients.

This year, among those recognized were Ruth Borghaei, PhD, a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at PCOM; Erik Zarandy, DO '12, an assistant professor of Family Medicine at PCOM Georgia; and Jennifer Shaw, PhD, a professor of Physiology at PCOM South Georgia.

Tamani Kingsland (MS '27) wrote to Borghaei, whom she credits as a role model for what success can look like.

“Mentorship is such a critical step in life,” Kingsland said. “It helps to see someone who’s not only succeeded, but excelled. Dr. Borghaei's continued curiosity about her field is really encouraging. It shows that you can keep learning, with something new to do and always strive for, which is why I felt compelled to write this letter.”

Borghaei said she is grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on students' lives. “I hope all of the students know that we're all on the same team, striving to help them reach their goals,” she said.

For other students, the letters recognized faculty members who supported them during difficult times. Harshita Yepuri (DO '28) wrote about how Zarandy offered encouragement when she questioned whether medical school was the right path for her.

“Dr. Zarandy welcomed me into his office and listened to me for nearly an hour; he never made me feel rushed or as if he had somewhere else to be,” Yepuri said. “That conversation played a meaningful role in my decision to continue pursuing medicine, and I wanted him to know that something he may have considered a small gesture meant far more to me than he might have realized.”

Zarandy said the letter brightened his week during a stressful period. “We talk about student burnout, but I was feeling a little burnout myself because I try to pour myself into this career,” he said. “It's really nice to hear that everything we’re doing matters.”

Brianny Medina (DO '29) chose Shaw for the energy she brings to the classroom and the impact she has had on her medical school experience. “The minute I walked onto campus, saw the size of the campus, and met faculty members like Dr. Shaw, I knew this was where I was meant to be,” Medina said.

Shaw said the recognition was especially meaningful during a busy week. “Brianny's thoughtful expression of gratitude was truly meaningful, especially during a busy week when it is easy to question whether our work makes a difference,” she said. “Her words are a powerful reminder that small acts of appreciation matter, and that, as educators, the work we do has a lasting impact.”

This initiative has reached beyond faculty to include administrators and other staff members.

“It has quickly become one of the best parts of my job,” Scroggs said. “I feel blessed that I get to see firsthand the impact PCOM is making on our students.”

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