As a child, Olivia Cunningham, DO ’25, often accompanied her family to routine medical appointments. But what stood out most wasn’t the medicine—it was the kindness.
“I was inspired to pursue a career as a primary care physician because I want to meaningfully serve others and support the health of the community I live in,” she said. “Part of that came from the compassionate care I received from my own primary care physician growing up.”
That early interest only deepened over time. As an undergraduate, Cunningham worked as both a nursing assistant and a pharmacy technician. These experiences expanded her understanding of patient care and solidified her decision to pursue medicine.
“Medicine allows me to combine my love for science, my excitement for health care, and my passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said.
Drawn to a holistic approach to care, Cunningham chose to pursue her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at PCOM, where she found a program that aligned with her values.
“The osteopathic philosophy’s recognition of the mind-body-spirit connection resonated deeply with my vision for how I want to care for patients,” she said. “It was also obvious to me that a deep level of care is put into fostering a kind and accepting student body that genuinely cares for each other and the community served.”
Cunningham’s time at PCOM has been shaped by that same spirit of service and connection. Her experiences taught her the power of collaboration and leadership.
Cunningham served as ethics chair for her class, helping to uphold the values at the heart of the osteopathic profession, and she has held multiple leadership roles within PCOM Hearts, a student-led organization focused on community outreach. Rising from manager to director and senior leader, she collaborated with peers to lead initiatives—many in partnership with the Community Wellness Initiative—that provided direct support to patients and families in need.
After graduation, Cunningham will begin a Family Medicine residency at the Carilion Clinic at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. She plans to pursue tracks in Lifestyle Medicine and Osteopathic Recognition, with additional focus areas in academic medicine, leadership, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ care. She also has a strong interest in teaching and hopes to serve as a faculty member at an academic medical center.
“I want to inspire future medical students the same way my mentors at PCOM inspired me, and continue to be an advocate for whole-person, community-centered care,” she said.
Cunningham credits her success to the support of her family, friends, faculty, and classmates. She says PCOM gave her more than clinical training; it provided a lasting foundation of growth, community, and resilience, along with lifelong friendships and a deep sense of belonging.
For those starting out, she emphasizes how much mindset and a strong support system matter.
“Medical school is a long, intense journey, but it's still four years of your life—and life is too short not to find something to be grateful for each day,” Cunningham said. “Celebrate the small wins, lean on your community, and never forget why you started.”
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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Kristen Hopf
Communications Content Specialist
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: kristenho1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6303
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