For Madison Cohen, MS, DO '25, medicine embodies the best of both worlds: the spirit of research and the personal touch of making a difference in a patient's life.
She began her journey at PCOM Georgia while earning her Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, and during that time she fell in love with neuroscience. Driven by a passion for research, she chose to pursue osteopathic medicine because of the unique relationships she gets to form with her patients.
Cohen shared: “There is something sacred and profoundly meaningful about the physician-patient connection—being the person someone turns to in their most vulnerable moments, offering comfort and healing. Medicine allows me to have both: the ability to drive innovation through research and the privilege of making real, personal connections.”
She chose to attend PCOM Georgia because of its strong sense of community and the genuine support she felt—from the very beginning—by professors and peers alike.
“The faculty are genuinely kind and invested in our success,” Cohen said. “I always knew I had people in my corner—whether I needed academic help, mentorship, or just someone to listen.”
She selected the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program because of its holistic, patient-centered approach that resonated deeply with her values. She was drawn to the emphasis on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and on establishing trust-based relationships with patients.
“The integration of hands-on training and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) gave me a well-rounded approach to care that I knew would shape me into a compassionate and versatile physician,” said Cohen.
During her time at PCOM Georgia, Cohen engaged in several campus activities. Serving as Class Chair, working as an anatomy teaching assistant, and co-launching the Clinical Mentorship Teams with her friend Michael Bien were all impactful moments. These roles allowed her to give back to her community, develop leadership skills, and foster collaboration—experiences that helped her grow into a confident and compassionate leader.
Looking ahead, Cohen has accepted a postdoctoral research position in the Jaeger Lab at Emory University, where she will continue working on adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease treatment.
“My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, contributing to innovations that directly enhance patients’ quality of life. Ultimately, I aspire to be a physician who not only delivers excellent care at the bedside, but also helps push the boundaries of what medicine can achieve through research” said Cohen.
Cohen is the recipient of the Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal for PCOM Georgia, the highest award presented to a graduating doctor of osteopathic medicine student on each PCOM campus.
When asked who inspires her, Cohen is careful not to single anyone out in her family. “Each member of my family inspires me in their own unique way, and I truly draw strength from all of them” she said.
Outside her family, she admires Derek Jeter—not only for his exceptional talent, but also for the respect he earned from fans and rivals alike.
“Even Red Sox fans would admit he was a class act. That kind of quiet excellence and integrity has always inspired me. I hope to be seen the same way: as someone who leads with kindness, humility, and dedication to doing the right thing.”
So what is Madison's advice to fellow PCOM Georgia students?
“Don't be afraid to shoot your shot—you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish just by asking how you can help. Also, always treat every role in the hospital with respect—everyone is essential to making things run smoothly. When you take the time to learn what each teammate does, it not only makes you a better team player, but it also helps you figure out where you can step in and make a difference. Healthcare truly works best when we lift each other up and work together.”
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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.
Joy Deibert
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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