Growing up in a small town, Teighlor Ashburn, DO ‘26, recalls having to travel far for healthcare appointments, which made her aware at an early age of the barriers many rural communities face.
It wasn’t until she began working as a medical assistant that Ashburn realized her interest in medicine and the patient-physician relationship. When PCOM South Georgia hosted an open house in 2020, she recognized it as her opportunity.
“From the first time I walked through the doors, it felt like a true home away from home,” she said.
Her decision to pursue her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree was solidified by the College’s strong academic foundation and the commitment to community engagement demonstrated by faculty and staff. She said the program’s emphasis on patient-centered care and its mission to serve underserved populations were an added bonus, as they closely aligned with her personal values.
“To me, PCOM represents a supportive community that invests in its students,” she said. “From the very beginning, it was an environment where I felt known, not just as a student, but as an individual.”
Throughout her time at PCOM South Georgia, Ashburn found more than a rigorous medical education—she found a community that invested in her growth.
“What stood out the most at PCOM was the culture of advocacy and support. There was a shared commitment to helping each other grow, whether it was through encouragement during challenging moments or supporting one another academically. That environment not only made the curriculum more manageable, but also modeled the kind of culture I hope to contribute to in my future career.”
As Class Chair, she advocated for her peers and contributed to enhancing the student experience, while her involvement as an AHEC Scholar and participation in the Farmworker Project allowed her to engage directly with underserved populations and reinforced her foundational commitment to improving healthcare access in communities like her own.
Now, Ashburn looks ahead to the next chapter of her journey as a Family Medicine resident at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. She plans to remain in the South Georgia region, providing comprehensive, lifelong care to individuals and families while emphasizing prevention, education, and continuity.
“One piece of advice I would give to those coming behind me is not to feel pressured to have everything figured out early,” she said. “My path into medicine was not completely linear, and it evolved as I gained more experience and exposure. I would encourage others to stay open to opportunities and trust that growth often comes from experiences you don’t expect.”
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.
Gabrielle DePietro
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: gabrielde2@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304
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