When PCOM South Georgia student Darya Khani (DO ’26) learned about national non-profit IMPACT Melanoma’s sunscreen dispenser initiative, she immediately felt inspired. “I thought it was the coolest thing,” she shared. “We have hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere and sunscreen is just as important, so I knew I wanted to get involved somehow.”
Khani has always had a keen interest in dermatology. Growing up, she saw firsthand how various skin conditions can affect one’s physical and mental wellbeing and thus vowed to pursue a career that could help treat them.
Recognizing a need to make preventive care more accessible in her community, Khani reached out to Impact Melanoma and pitched the idea of bringing a sunscreen dispenser to Moultrie. She then presented the idea to representatives at Colquitt Regional Health System, outlining the community health benefits and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Installed at the hospital over the summer, the bright yellow dispenser quickly garnered attention and praise from staff and visitors.
“This project is a great example of how innovative ideas from our medical learners can meaningfully impact community health,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. “Darya recognized a need, brought forward a thoughtful solution, and we were honored to help bring it to life. Preventive care matters, and initiatives like this help keep our community healthier and safer.”
Khani is especially proud to bring free sunscreen to the region because of its warmer climate and large farming community. “With Georgia being part of the Sun Belt region, daily sun exposure is a regular occurrence for residents, especially those working in agriculture, so sunscreen has become essential.”
Combined with limited access to dermatology care—there is just one dermatology clinic in Moultrie—the dispenser serves as a small but meaningful tool for improving community health. “Offering free, easy access to sunscreen removes one more barrier to healthy habits,” Khani explained.
The success of the first dispenser has sparked momentum for Khani, as she hopes to place additional sunscreen stations across Moultrie, whether it be at trails, community centers, or other healthcare facilities. “I’m so grateful to Colquitt Regional Health System for their partnership and support,” she said. “Knowing that this project helps people keep their skin healthy—especially in the Georgia heat—makes it all the more worth it.”
If you are a Georgia resident and interested in having a sunscreen dispenser in your community, please reach out to Darya Khani at dk3148@pcom.edu or info@impactmelanoma.org to learn more.
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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