Shahrzad Zamani (DO '25), president of the PCOM South Georgia research and journal club, was selected by her peers as the Student Researcher of
the Year.
Zamani has a diverse background in research, from working with people living with HIV to examining state-level maternal and child health programs. But she says her research background is chiefly in cancer epidemiology and population health.
“I believe that evidence-based research is essential for providing excellent primary care and preventive medicine,” Zamani said. “I plan to advance the osteopathic profession by contributing to population health research and increasing research in health outcomes that will deliver the most efficient care to more patients. I aim to serve the marginalized and underserved communities and incorporate my osteopathic medical education in the holistic care of communities.”
Zamani's research focus at PCOM South Georgia includes anatomical research on the Xiphoid process. She has also conducted research outside of medical school conducting population-based studies in Florida.
“One of my research projects focuses on the role of cancer screening in underserved populations,” she said. “In this project, I have analyzed health data of more than 70,000 cancer patients investigating the disparities in rates of receiving cancer screening and early detection. This is a rather new area of research, and we hope our work informs the clinical and research community about the experience of cancer care among this population and serves to improve that in the long term.”
After applications for Student Researcher of the Year are submitted, the PCOM South Georgia Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Council and Student Government Association review the applicants diligently and select one student as the Student Researcher of the Year (SROY) for each academic year.
In addition, the student leadership nominates the SROY to represent PCOM South Georgia in the national competition led by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, an official council of the American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine. The award recipients have not only demonstrated passion for research but have upheld the principles of osteopathic medicine in their work.
“Shahrzad has always shown genuine enthusiasm for her work and a love for learning,” said Shiv Dhiman, MD, associate professor of anatomy. “She has a unique perspective and consistently generates creative ideas. She shows a strong commitment to her research and consistently strives for excellence."
Learn more about student research projects at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia.
In 2019, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a premier osteopathic medical school with a storied 125-year history, 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.
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