Anthony Dove Jr.’s mother, a nurse, inspired him to go into medicine.
“Growing up, I watched her study and dedicate herself to helping others, and I was fascinated by how much she understood about the human body,” he said. “I admired how our family naturally turned to her when they had medical concerns. That sparked my own curiosity and desire to learn more. I wanted to be someone my family and community could rely on for guidance and clarity when it came to health.”
Dove said he considered several factors when selecting the right medical school.
“I was drawn to PCOM South Georgia for its mission to serve rural and underserved communities, which aligns closely with my background and goals,” he said. “What sealed the decision was the warm, family-oriented atmosphere, and the fact that both my wife and I were accepted. It was the easiest choice we ever made.”
Originally from Kinston, North Carolina, Dove said he prefers the osteopathic approach to medicine.
“I chose the DO program because osteopathic medicine emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the disease. That philosophy resonates with how I believe healthcare should be delivered, especially in underserved areas where social and environmental factors often play a huge role in health outcomes.”
As a student, Dove was involved in many student organizations at PCOM South Georgia. He was a founding member of Brothers in Medicine, an initiative to address health disparities and mentor local youth. He served as an ambassador, a Health Career Collaborative Co-director, a peer tutor and as a certified men’s health educator. Dove also helped plan the curriculum and operate Opportunities Academy, a summer program that introduces high school students to careers in science and medicine.
For all of his academic and extracurricular activities, Dove received this year’s Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal for PCOM South Georgia. Named for one of the founders of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, this is the highest award presented to a graduating doctor of osteopathic medicine student on each PCOM campus.
“To me, this award represents more than recognition,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the community that raised me, the mentors who guided me, and the patients and peers who have inspired me every step of the way. Coming from a rural town like Kinston, North Carolina, and being the first in my family to become a doctor, this award affirms that purpose and service matter. It reminds me why I started: to bridge gaps in health care, advocate for underserved populations, and uplift others as I climb.”
Dove doesn’t see this as just his award.
“This isn’t just a personal win,” he said. “It’s a celebration of everyone who believed in me, and it motivates me to continue making a meaningful impact as a physician, a mentor, and a leader.”
Receiving such a prestigious award is truly an honor, but Dove isn’t inspired by awards.
“My son inspires me every day,” he said. “Knowing that he will grow up in a world that can be challenging in many ways motivates me to keep pushing forward—to create opportunities for him and be the kind of role model he can be proud of. I’m also inspired by my wife, who’s been my partner throughout this journey, and by the mentors and community members who believed in me when the path wasn’t easy.”
His wife, Justice Dove, '25, will also graduate on May 15 with the DO degree. Their son, Anthony “Trey” Dove III, is 9 months old. He may not remember the day his parents graduated from medical school, but Trey will hear the stories about their time as students at PCOM South Georgia.
Next up for Anthony Dove is residency.
“I matched into a diagnostic radiology residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, and I look forward to becoming a radiologist because I enjoy solving clinical problems through imaging and contributing to patient care across all specialties,” he said. “Radiology combines my interests in technology, medicine, and collaboration.”
For those medical students still working toward the graduation finish line, Dove offers these words of wisdom.
“Stay connected to your purpose,” he said. “Medical school will test you in ways you never imagined, but remembering why you started will keep you grounded. Build community with your peers, lean into mentorship, and don’t be afraid to lead, even if you’re the first to do so. You belong here, and your presence matters more than you know.”
In 2019, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a premier osteopathic medical school established in 1899, extended its commitment to the Southeast by establishing PCOM South Georgia. An additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia, PCOM South Georgia offers both a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit institution that trains professionals in the health and behavioral sciences fields. Joining PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state, PCOM South Georgia focuses on educating physicians for the region. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 229-668-3110.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Cindy B. Montgomery
Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: cindymo@pcom.edu
Office: 229-668-3198 | Cell: 229-873-2003
© 2025 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
