Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) tied for the highest number of top-cited research articles in osteopathic medical education over a 45-year span, according to a study in the December 2025 edition of Medical Reference Services Quarterly.
Researchers analyzed osteopathic medical education journal articles authored by faculty associated with U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine between 1975 to 2020. Their analysis found that PCOM and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine “were at the forefront,” tying for the highest number of top-cited articles (15 each). PCOM also led all institutions in total citations among the top-cited articles, with 395.
“Our program of research continues to grow and is an integral part of the didactics, training and mentoring provided at PCOM,” said Michelle R. Lent, PhD, interim chief research and science officer and a professor in PCOM's School of Professional and Applied Psychology. “PCOM faculty are committed to contributing to the evidence base and training our students to not only be consumers of research, but producers as well.”
The bibliometric analysis of the 100 top-cited articles in osteopathic medical education aimed to “identify characteristics of the articles and to explore the thematic structure and connections among common topics.” The study identified four thematic groupings: humanistic and whole-person care; clinical science and training; educational technology; and health-care systems.
The study also found that Richard M. Kriebel, PhD, a PCOM professor emeritus, was the most-cited individual author among the top-cited articles, with 133 citations.
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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Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312
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