When describing his most meaningful activities as a PCOM Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine student, Corey Nick Brisseau, DO '25, uses these terms: end-of-life doula; geriatric community COVID tester; medical missionary; chronic care advocate; and regional advocacy and policy liaison.
His passion for medicine is defined by a steadfast commitment to equity, dignity, and the belief that healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege. With over 17 years of service to marginalized communities, Brisseau's journey is shaped by hands-on advocacy.
“I have seen firsthand how systemic barriers and social isolation prevent individuals from receiving humane care, and it is this awareness that drives my desire to be part of the solution,” he said. “Medicine is not only a medium for healing the body but also a platform for restoring dignity and rebuilding trust.”
Brisseau chose PCOM for its alignment with his holistic vision of healthcare. PCOM's philosophy of treating the mind, body, and spirit resonated deeply, as did its commitment to community-focused care.
“While supporting terminally ill patients and walking alongside individuals in vulnerable stages of life, I witnessed the transformative power of presence, empathy, and touch, elements central to osteopathic medicine,” he said.
At PCOM, Brisseau found a community that integrates science, humanity, and compassionate advocacy: “PCOM is more than just an institution to me; it's a community committed to healing, justice, and service,” he said. “It offered the training, support and mission-driven environment I needed to become the empathetic, transformative physician I am today.”
After graduation, Brisseau will begin an Internal Medicine residency with plans to specialize in Geriatrics and Hospice & Palliative Care. He aims to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to aging individuals and those facing advanced illness, focusing on patients who often navigate complex medical, emotional and social challenges.
“I plan to build a career that integrates hands-on care with research, education and advocacy, shaping a healthcare environment that respects the whole person, addresses systemic inequities, and champions equitable access to end-of-life care for all,” he said.
Brisseau draws inspiration from his mother, whose resilience and unconditional love have shaped his approach to medicine. She “embodies the kind of compassion I aspire to bring into medicine: a love that is not transactional but deeply rooted in empathy and humanity.”
A defining moment in Brisseau's life was surviving three powerful earthquakes in Haiti over two days, an experience that deepened his sense of purpose and commitment to service. “The strength I saw in others became the mirror that helped me rediscover my own,” he recalled.
Brisseau offers this advice: Focus on being impactful rather than just impressive.
“Being impressive might open doors, but being impactful keeps them open for others,” he said, adding, “Impressiveness may get attention, but impact builds legacy. So, strive to be the kind of doctor who leaves a mark not just on charts but also on the hearts of those hurting and isolated.”
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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