The Berger Pediatrics Society at PCOM recently held its 11th annual, campuswide talent show to benefit Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Since its inception in 2007, the event has raised more than $50,000 in support of local children’s wishes, and has impacted the lives of 12 area children and their families.
“This event is a great way for everyone on campus to come together and help make a difference in a child’s life, and one that allows us to have fun while we do it,” said Mackenzie Kramer (DO ’20), president of the Pediatrics Society.
Part talent show, part auction, students and faculty showcased their unique talents—from singing to dancing to cooking—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 a skit performed by Michael McGuinness, PhD, professor, anatomy, and his daughter, with a total of $850. All told, the event raised more than $5,700.
Other acts included performances by The Medical Music Association, PCOM’s “house band;” a Bollywood dance; a duet with Lauren Noto-Bell, DO '06, assistant professor, OMM, and Evan Nicholas, DO '81, associate professor, OMM; a student-led skit titled “Med Students on a Plane;” and a cooking segment with Kerin Claeson, PhD, assistant professor, anatomy.
Prior to the performances, the Figueroa family, whose daughters were Make-A-Wish recipients, shared how donations like the ones from PCOM helped their daughters realize their dreams. Mikayla Thornton, Community Engagement Coordinator for Make-A-Wish, presented the Pediatrics Society with a plaque for their continued support of the foundation.
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.
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Daniel McCunney
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Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
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