For Arielle Worth, MS/Biomed ’15, DO ’21, RES ’26, wearing a white coat has been a dream inspired by her pediatrician. But, personal experiences compelled her to execute that vision.
The loss of her father during college and her own journey living with ulcerative colitis solidified her decision to attend PCOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program and enter PCOM's residency in General Surgery. Both experiences deepened her understanding of the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.
“Surgery became the perfect combination of science, technical skill, teamwork and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives during some of their most vulnerable moments, ” Worth said.
Throughout her medical school experience and five years of residency, Worth endured many peaks and valleys, but she credits her mentors and patients as being the driving force to fulfill her purpose.
“Surgery often allows you to meet people during incredibly difficult moments, and witnessing their resilience, trust and strength is both humbling and motivating,” she said. “My patients are my daily reminder of why I went into medicine.”
Worth's most meaningful experiences came through leadership and mentorship. She served as co-founder and vice president of the Global Surgery Group. This role allowed her to create opportunities for education, advocacy and discussion surrounding disparities in surgical care worldwide. She also served as vice president of the Association of Women Surgeons.
Through every stage of her training, she grew academically, personally and professionally. Over the years, PCOM became more than the place she trained. It became home.
“Beyond the operating room and the classroom, PCOM gave me opportunities to lead organizations, mentor students, conduct service work, and build lifelong relationships with mentors and colleagues,” Worth said. “These experiences taught me how to communicate effectively, advocate for patients, and lead with empathy.”
When she isn't in the operating room, Worth enjoys spending time with her husband, John Cunningham, whom she met in college, and her dog, Tucker. A New York native, she doesn't mind a drive to the Jersey shore, watching a Villanova basketball game or cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles.
As Worth begins the next chapter of her career, she hopes to build a practice where she can provide excellent surgical care while developing long-term relationships with her patients and community.
“I am excited to grow technically and professionally and plan to work in a community hospital performing bread-and-butter general surgery,” Worth said.
For those wanting to pursue a career in medicine, Worth has this piece of advice: “Be willing to ask questions, seek mentorship, and trust that you do belong in the room, even on difficult days when imposter syndrome kicks in.”
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.
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.
Kyra Jones
Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: kyrajo@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6672
