PCOM Digest #1 2024

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

FEATURE

85, NO. 1, USPS, 413-060

Digest Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications under the direction of Wendy W. Romano, chief marketing and communications officer.

EDITOR

Jennifer Schaffer Leone, MA

PUBLICATION DESIGN

Abigail Harmon

CONTRIBUTORS – FEATURES

Janice Fisher

Kristen Hopf

Jennifer Schaffer Leone

CONTRIBUTORS – UPDATES

Daniel McCunney

Liandra Larsen

Brandon Lausch

Cindy B. Montgomery

Barbara Myers

CONTRIBUTORS – CLASS NOTES

Alexis Martina

Meghan McCall

PHOTOGRAPHY

Daniel Shippey Photography

Bruce Fairfield

Melissa Kelly Photography

Anthony Stalcup

ILLUSTRATION

Mike Shisler (@drawn.there)

ARCHIVAL RESEARCH

Mitzi Sorrells, MLS

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Marketing and Communications, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 4180 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131-1695 215-871-6300 communications@pcom.edu

SEND INFORMATION FOR CLASS NOTES AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:

Institutional Advancement, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 4180 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131-1695 215-871-6120 alumni@pcom.edu

Periodical postage is paid at Upper Darby, PA, and at additional mailing offices.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College or the editor.

Dear Alumni and Friends:

I feel special pride as we consider our journey, a journey that began with the vision of Drs. Mason Wiley Pressly and Oscar John Snyder. In 1899, they opened the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy in two rooms of the Stephen Girard Building, establishing the nation’s third osteopathic college. Our College.

Like their mentor, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, Drs. Pressly and Snyder set out to challenge the philosophy and practice of conventional medicine and to selflessly support those in need of care. They integrated and taught an approach of hands-on diagnosis and treatment, an understanding of the full nature of the person: body, mind, spirit. In the process, they inspired so much more. They inspired a story of growth, change and innovation.

What began as a fledgling medical school has evolved into an institution that is nationally recognized for training the next generation of healthcare professionals. PCOM comprises over 3,000 students and nearly 700 faculty and staff across three campuses and across more than 25 academic programs. Nearly 20,000 alumni advance the health of diverse communities.

We are an academic community of distinction: one of teachers and mentors, students and scholars, clinical practitioners and healers, researchers and innovators. The character of our community is shaped by the expectation and respect we have for one another, for our history and for our values. It is what sustains us after all this time. And it is what will allow us to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.

I invite you to read and relish our collective history as presented in the pages that follow. I also urge you to consider supporting our United & Ignited campaign. Join those donors and partners who have already stepped forward to help accelerate academic excellence, expand clinical opportunities and enhance student experiences at PCOM.

Happy 125th anniversary!

© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

All rights reserved.

Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81 President and Chief Executive Officer

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE COVER:

Whimsical illustrations by Mike Shisler celebrate the College’s rich history and journey through 125 years and evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

2 Updates

6 Founders’ Day 2024

9 United & Ignited Campaign Launch

13 125 Years Through 125 Stories: Strengthened by Support

20 125 Years Through 125 Stories: Stitching a Legacy

26 125th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration

28 Class Notes

PHILADELPHIA UNION FOUNDATION LAUNCHES HEADFIRST, POWERED BY PCOM PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY

The Philadelphia Union Foundation, in collaboration with PCOM and Independence Blue Cross, has launched HeadFirst, a groundbreaking initiative focused on the provision of mental health resources for youth soccer players, parents and coaches. These are the key elements of the initiative:

• “A Happier U” positive psychology programming

Developed and led by Scott Glassman, PsyD ’13, director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, “A Happier U” is an interactive educational program where players learn how to build and strengthen a positive mindset related to sports, school and life at home.

• Digital Mental Health Toolkits

An estimated 125,000 youth soccer players will receive a QR code bag tag giving them easy access to Digital Mental Health Toolkits that are free and available to the public at PhiladelphiaUnionFoundation. org/HeadFirst. The toolkits cover five key drivers of mental health challenges in young people: depression, grief, social media use, anxiety and bullying. The toolkits were developed by Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, chair and professor, Department of School Psychology, PCOM, and Lisa Corbin, PhD, LPC, NCC, chair and director, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program, PCOM.

• Annual Mental Health Forum

The Philadelphia Union Foundation will host a forum for parents, coaches and all those involved in youth soccer every May in line with Mental Health Awareness Month. Healthcare leaders, mental health advocates, athletes, community leaders and other stakeholders will engage in meaningful dialogue to advance attention on mental fitness and HeadFirst.

“As our children navigate the inevitable ups and downs of sports, we’re here to provide education and encouragement so that they feel their best on and off the field,” said Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, chief advancement and strategic planning officer, PCOM.

ONE-YEAR MASTER’S IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES LAUNCHES AT PCOM, PCOM GEORGIA

Working to meet the demand of students interested in pursuing medical school or other professional studies, PCOM has expanded its accelerated one-year master’s program in Biomedical Sciences to its PCOM and PCOM Georgia campus locations. The program first launched at PCOM South Georgia. Students in this challenging pre-med program will attend lectures delivered by the same faculty who teach in the osteopathic medical (DO) program. After completing foundational coursework, students will advance to a two-course summer term to complete their master’s degree before pursuing medical school or other professional or academic options. Graduates of this accelerated program will be equipped with critical skills and a strong academic foundation for a medical school environment.

The College’s popular biomedical sciences program has expanded.

Scott Glassman, PsyD ’13, leads the “A Happier U” interactive education program, a key part of the HeadFirst initiative.

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE: STORIES OF RESILIENCE AND TRIUMPH

Celebrating the culture, history and heritage of Hispanic and Latino students and faculty, a cross-campus campaign recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month highlighted the stories and experiences of this diverse and dynamic community. Elevating the voices of individuals representing all three campus locations, the stories reflected on the struggles, triumphs and personal experiences of both PCOM students and faculty members who identify as Hispanic or Latino.

The series began with reflections from Leslie Fernandez, PsyD ’20, assistant professor of clinical psychology, PCOM, on her upbringing in a traditional Puerto Rican household and the deep connection to family her experiences instilled. “I think about how others were raised, and I’m so grateful for my family,” she shared. “If we didn’t have friends, we still had each other.”

At PCOM Georgia, student Abraham Melara (DO ’27), a first-year DO student and a native of Honduras, detailed the challenges of interpreting for his mother while she received breast cancer treatment in the United States. “As a child, I acted as an interpreter because her physicians did not speak our language,” he said. “It’s very important for me as a medical student to give future physicians the tools to communicate.” Mr. Melara and nearly 100 classmates joined a newly created medical Spanish course on campus, hoping to be a bridge to patients unable to communicate with their doctors.

Mauricio Soto (DO ’27), a student at PCOM South Georgia, revealed that during his formative years, he lived in the United

States as an undocumented immigrant. Mr. Soto achieved permanent resident status after college, eventually choosing to go to medical school. “It felt like home whenever I visited,” Mr. Soto said of PCOM South Georgia. “I saw the diversity of the student population here. And it is here, smack dab in the middle of the community that I want to serve.”

GOLDEN NAMED DEAN OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE PROGRAM AT PCOM SOUTH GEORGIA

Marla DePolo Golden, DO ’88, MS, FACEP, is the new dean of the osteopathic medicine program at PCOM South Georgia. Dr. Golden has served PCOM in various administrative and faculty capacities since 2010. She first functioned as a preceptor to PCOM students in her integrative pain medicine practice. She began her administrative career at PCOM as a regional assistant dean, PCOM Georgia, creating a clinical anchor site for PCOM in

Jacksonville, Florida, as well as overseeing other anchor sites in Northeast Florida and developing relationships with partners in South Georgia. She went on to serve as interim chair and then chair of clinical education, PCOM South Georgia, while maintaining her position as regional assistant dean, before moving into her role of associate dean of clinical education for PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia.

Dr. Golden holds the academic rank of associate professor of emergency medicine, PCOM, and has held the rank of associate clinical professor at the University of Florida Health Science Center, Shands Hospital. She recently completed a term as faculty representative to the PCOM Board of Trustees.

“I’m honored to know that the PCOM community has the faith in me to lead this campus and to continue my work in Georgia, specifically in South Georgia, a region to which I’ve become very attached. There’s a lot we can do in South Georgia because there is an incredible amount of talent in our institution at large, but specifically on the South Georgia campus. I think we will do great things for South Georgia and in South Georgia, continuing the longstanding PCOM tradition of excellence.”

Dr. Golden’s recognitions include the Felix Linetsky Award for Excellence in Education from the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine; the Outstanding Senior Emergency Department Resident Award from University Medical Center; and the William F. Daiber, DO Memorial Award from PCOM.

Marla DePolo Golden, DO ‘88, MS, FACEP, has served PCOM since 2010.

Leslie Fernandez, PsyD ‘20; Joyce Daniel Suarez (DO ‘26); and Arturo Bravo Nuevo, PhD, were among those featured in the series.

‘WHEN LIFE ISN’T IN YOUR HANDS, YOU END UP APPRECIATING IT MORE’

In the classroom, Angela Ellis (DO ’25) was learning how to care for future patients. Outside of the classroom, she was receiving treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

“You hear about it and know people who have cancer, but you don’t think you’re ever going to get it,” said Ms. Ellis. “Especially at 27 years old.”

While breast cancer most often occurs in women 50 years of age or older, its more aggressive form impacts those at a younger age.

“On the first day of my hematology/oncology rotation, I saw a 22-year-old who was also diagnosed with TNBC,” Ms. Ellis shared. “She was so scared, and I was able to say, ‘I know what you’re going through,’ ” she recalled as her voice broke. “ ‘I’m going through it too.’ ”

Ms. Ellis underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction in May, took her board exams in June (and passed), and began chemotherapy in July.

On September 15th, she rang the bell signifying the end of her treatment.

Having finished her treatment, Ms. Ellis is still on track to graduate with her class. While she’s determined to complete her medical school journey, it’s not the only one she’s on.

“I’ve taken a step back and realized that having a family, living life and doing fun things matter to me. I don’t want to die tomorrow and think all I did was study and work,” she said.

“When life isn’t in your hands, you end up appreciating it more.”

PCOM PUBLISHES FIRST ISSUE OF JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE

Aiming to reach the entire spectrum of allied health professionals working within primary care, the inaugural edition of PCOM’s firstever peer-reviewed scientific journal, the Journal of Integrated Primary Care (JIPC), was published in December.

An open-access online journal, JIPC aims to grow the evidence base related to integrated primary care professional education, practice and intervention. It will highlight the work of PCOM’s integrated primary care researchers and students, as well as scholars from across the world. The journal is led by editorsin-chief Robert A. DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, professor in PCOM’s School of Professional and Applied Psychology, and Michelle R. Lent, PhD, an associate professor of clinical psychology.

JIPC accepts original research papers, reviews, meta-analyses and case studies of interest to primary care professionals at graduate schools, academic medical centers, public health institutes, health systems, clinics, private practices and health-related community organizations.

Angela Ellis (DO ’25) ended treatment for triple-negative breast cancer in September and will graduate with her class.

JIPC is open for submissions: bit.ly/PCOMJIPC.

TERLECKI APPOINTED DEAN OF PCOM’S SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

Melissa Terlecki, PhD, has been named dean of the PCOM School of Professional and Applied Psychology, effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Terlecki joins PCOM from Cabrini University, where she has served as associate dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. Over the course of her nearly two decades at Cabrini, she also served as co-director of the Nerney Leadership Institute and chair of the Psychology Department.

She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Association of American Colleges and Universities, Eastern Psychological Association, and Commission on Cognitive Issues in Geographic Information Visualization.

Dr. Terlecki is the recipient of awards including the Harry Kirke Wolfe Distinguished Lecturer, the Distinguished Faculty Award for Internal Service at Cabrini University, and the Charles R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching. She holds a doctoral degree in cognitive psychology with a specialization in neuroscience from Temple University and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the College of New Jersey.

“I love working with students, faculty and staff and am deeply invested in the osteopathic philosophy of health care,” Dr. Terlecki said. “I can’t wait to work with the PCOM community and build our partnerships in new and exciting ways.”

LEARNING NUTRITION THROUGH GARDENING

PCOM South Georgia’s Student National Medical Association (SNMA) has been working with members of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Boys & Girls Club on a project that combines cultivating a vegetable garden with lessons in nutrition.

“This project started from a desire to engage students in learning more about nutrition and the benefits of healthy food and a healthy lifestyle,”

SNMA member Schiley Pierre Louis (DO ’25) said. “It is one thing to know that we should eat healthy food, but it is better when there is a tangible example of what it means and the process that makes it a reality.”

Boys & Girls Club members look forward to working with the PCOM students during the afterschool program.

“They get off the bus near the garden,” said La’Teegra Fiveash, program director of the Boys & Girls Club. “They check out the plants as they walk by. They’re just fascinated that they can watch something grow like that. Many of them have never had a garden before working with the PCOM students.”

“One thing I hope the members take away from this is the inherent enthusiasm for learning about nutrition,” SNMA member Emeka Ikeakanam (DO ’26) said. “There are many aspects of nutrition that they are currently learning from us, such as vitamins and minerals, healthy eating and self-sustainability through growing food. However, if the members can retain the motivation to learn about nutrition throughout their lives, that will lead to them living healthier lives and give them the ability to impact others through their own initiatives.”

STATE PHARMACY ORGANIZATION NAMES STUDENT OF THE YEAR

During their annual convention, the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) honored Andrew Wilson (PharmD ’24) by naming him Student of the Year. Along with the distinction, Mr. Wilson and the PCOM School of Pharmacy each received $500.

Mandy Reece, PharmD, assistant dean of student and professional affairs for the School of Pharmacy, said that Mr. Wilson has “dedicated significant time, energy and leadership, and this award recognizes his impact as a student leader.”

Mr. Wilson’s commitment to GPhA’s Student Leadership Board began as a student liaison, and he recently completed a yearlong term as president.

PCOM South Georgia SNMA members teach local children about nutrition through gardening.

Melissa Terlecki, PhD, will join PCOM in July.

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2024

BRUCE KORNBERG, DO ’78, FACC, FACOI

Recipient of the O. J. Snyder Memorial Medal

by Kristen Hopf

A clinical life in cardiology

Raised in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kornberg graduated from PCOM in 1978. He completed his internship and residency at PCOM and his fellowship training at Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

Dr. Kornberg officially joined the PCOM faculty in 1983 as a clinical instructor of internal medicine. He was named clinical professor of internal medicine in 1992 and was the chair of the Department of Cardiology from 1997 until his retirement last year. He was also co-vice chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at PCOM from 1990 to 2023 and core curriculum chairman for clinical cardiology from 1995 to 2023. In addition, he served as an attending physician at Main Line Health’s Lankenau Medical Center.

Dr. Kornberg is a 12-time recipient of PCOM’s Clinical Teacher of the Year Award and a recipient of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching. He has consistently been recognized as a Top Doc in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine

After four decades as a full-time cardiologist and professor, he now enjoys a more flexible schedule while working part-time with the Lankenau Heart Group. He also spends a few days a month teaching courses at PCOM and serves the institution as a member of the PCOM Alumni Association Board.

Teachers, guides and mentors

A self-proclaimed “PCOM lifer,” Dr. Kornberg recalls the teachers and mentors who guided his career. He credits his uncle for

encouraging him to stay in Philadelphia for graduate medical education, beginning his career at PCOM as chief intern.

While on a rotation in pulmonary medicine, he met John P. Simelaro, DO ’71, FCCP, FACA, FACOI, a legend to legions of PCOM alumni and patients, who later became the chief of medicine, and Dr. Kornberg his vice chairman. Dr. Kornberg later worked with Robert H. Jama, DO ’69, who would become the director of the surgical ICU and trauma unit while they were both attending physicians. Dr. Jama taught him how to multitask and move from one patient to the next.

What led Dr. Kornberg to cardiology? “I didn’t choose it, it chose me,” he says.

While on a second-year rotation at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Dr. Kornberg met Alden S. Gooch, MD. “Dr. Gooch was trained when you had your stethoscope, your brain, your hands, an EKG and a chest X-ray. And he was phenomenal.” When Dr. Kornberg was 27 years old, Dr. Gooch invited him to train with him at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, where he served as chief fellow.

In 1983, Albert Floyd D’Alonzo, DO ’56, MSc, FACOI, FACC, hired Dr. Kornberg, and he returned to PCOM. “Dr. D’Alonzo is the reason I’m here, and I became his partner.”

Taking care of the whole person

Dr. Kornberg says his osteopathic training gave him another modality to make people better. In his teaching, he encouraged his students to look at the patient both medically and psychologically, and to integrate all aspects into taking care of the person. He also taught students to take care of the patient’s family.

“Experience is education too,” Dr. Kornberg affirms. “I had 40 wonderful years as an attending. I worked hard. I loved taking care of patients.

“And I was fortunate enough to marry a girl who wanted to help me be as good as she thought I could be,” he adds. While Dr. Kornberg was working in the outpatient clinic at 48th and Spruce streets, a fellow third-year student (now his brother-inlaw) invited him on a double date. “We went to Strolli’s in South Philly because they had cheap (and good) Italian food. After that, it was ten weeks until I got a ring. We’ve been married for 45 years.”

Leaving a legacy

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Kornberg is proud to have watched more than 40 of his residents go on to cardiology fellowships. “I taught them physical diagnosis and how to auscultate a heart. At reunions they say to me, ‘When am I ever going to get your voice out of my head?’ And that’s flattering.” The greatest compliment he’s ever received, however, is when his peers brought their parents or spouses to him for medical care.

At present, Dr. Kornberg lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Merle. “I couldn’t have done any of this without her,” he says. Their son, William N. Kornberg, DO ’07, is a cardiologist with the Lankenau Heart Group, and daughter-in-law Traci Littman Kornberg graduated from PCOM’s Physician Assistant Studies program in 2010. Their daughter, Rebecca, is a reading teacher and math coach, and their son-in-law, Martin Lehr, owns a biotech company.

What led Dr. Kornberg to cardiology?

“I didn’t choose it, it chose me.”

Bruce Kornberg, DO ‘78, FACC, FACOI, addressed those in attendance at the Founders’ Day celebration held at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia.

Family and former students and colleagues came to congratulate the beloved “PCOM lifer.”

Michael A. Becker, DO ’87, FACOFP

PCOM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE OF HONOR RECIPIENT

Growing up in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, and later in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Becker was inspired to work in medicine by his family’s trusted physician, an osteopathic doctor named Harold Schreiber, DO. Little did he know that someday Dr. Schreiber would end up as his boss.

After completing an undergraduate degree in biology from La Salle University, Dr. Becker arrived at PCOM as a medical student and graduated in 1987. Upon completion of his family medicine residency, Dr. Becker joined the faculty of PCOM’s Department of Family Medicine in 1993, and rose through the ranks at Roxborough Memorial Hospital. He served as medical director of PCOM’s Roxborough Healthcare Center from 1999 to 2001. In 2001, he became family practice residency director of the PCOM/Mercy Suburban Hospital program. Dr. Becker later returned to the College in 2009 and was appointed associate dean of clinical education in 2020. In 2021, he was named campus chief of Main Line Health – Lankenau Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine.

OSTEOPATHIC INFLUENCES

“As osteopathic physicians, our approach to how we take care of our patients is unique,” says Dr. Becker. “Osteopathic manipulation really works, and we are truly holistic. The osteopathic approach is consistent with who I am as a person and as a doctor.”

Dr. Becker names Emanuel Fliegelman, DO ’42, as a physician who positively influenced his professional trajectory. “He was somebody who was inspiring for the empathy that he had, the way he talked to patients and the way he put the patient first.” He credits Bruce Kornberg, DO ’78, as another source of inspiration for him. “Dr. Kornberg made a big impact on me as a resident. He was tough, but that’s how you learn.”

LIFELONG LEARNERS

Dr. Becker says he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t involved with PCOM—as either a student, member of the medical staff or teacher.

“When you teach somebody, you’re treating thousands of patients. When we’re with our students, we model how to take care of people. I’m very conscious of that.” Dr. Becker encourages his students to be lifelong learners, and tells them, “The world keeps changing, but to be an effective educator, you have to adapt to culture changes with your students.”

Over the last few years, Dr. Becker had the privilege of sharing the campus with his daughter, Claire Becker, DO ’23. “I used to go walking with her on breaks, and we would geek out on medicine,” he says. “We have that bond because she understands the culture and the craziness of medicine.”

Dr. Becker lives in Blue Bell with his wife, Barbara. They also have a daughter, Katelyn, who works in digital communications for Elsevier, and a son, Christopher, who is a software engineer.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Dr. Becker has been on the board of the PCOM Alumni Association since 2016, and will serve as president beginning in June 2024. He hopes to bring more alumni back to campus to mentor current students.

“We are a family here at PCOM, and that means we all have a commitment to each other. I’ve started thinking about what my legacy will be, and I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference to our students, and ultimately to their patients,” he says. “It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s also a gift. I’m a PCOM lifer, and it’s really important to see the success of the College continue long after I’m gone.”

Michael A. Becker, DO ‘87, FACOFP, was presented with the PCOM Alumni Certificate of Honor by President Jay S. Feldstein, DO ‘81.

United & Ignited

125 years, one student at a time

Beginning with its first osteopathic medical student in 1899, to the many graduates who will cross the stage this year, PCOM has been steadfastly and passionately focused on students. Faculty, staff, administration, alumni and donors provide continuous and unwavering support for students through teaching, mentoring and philanthropy. Multiple generations of multiple families have walked these halls, sending student after student to be educated in various disciplines supported by osteopathic principles.

Guided by its strategic plan, PCOM 2025: A Path to Greater Excellence, the institution has a vision to transform health professions education. The first and most important step to achieving that vision is a goal to strengthen our commitment to student success. To realize this goal, we have launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign: United & Ignited. Building upon our history, we are united in advancing initiatives that will ignite the purpose, practice and passion of PCOM students.

A common calling. A common goal.

United & Ignited is a campaign to unite the entire PCOM community and ignite goals to accelerate, expand and enhance every student’s educational experience. With a goal to raise $65 million by 2026, PCOM is thrilled to embark on this endeavor—but we cannot do it alone.

This campaign isn’t about buildings; it’s about building a better PCOM.

— Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, PCOM

From student to supporter

In his second year of medical school at PCOM in 1999, Jeffrey Kingsley, DO ’01, MBA, CPI, FACRP, enjoyed the celebrations for the institution’s 100th anniversary. Between cramming for the boards and getting ready to go on rotations, he fondly recalls the banners along City Avenue and around the entire campus marked the amazing milestone.

Dr. Kingsley graduated from PCOM in 2001, and in 2005, he founded IACT Health, a clinical trial management company that provides infrastructure for medical research so that more physicians and patients can become involved in the research process. He served as CEO from 2005 until 2023, transitioning to serve as chief development officer and a board member of Centricity Research.

His storied career and accomplishments have taken him from Philadelphia to Columbus, Georgia, and Dr. Kingsley remains excited to help PCOM celebrate two incredible milestones in 2024: the launch of a comprehensive campaign and the institution’s 125th anniversary. Dr. Kingsley serves as a volunteer on the Georgia Committee for the campaign. From student to campaign volunteer, Dr. Kingsley embodies the enthusiasm and dedication of so many members of the PCOM community to the success of United & Ignited.

Three pillars of success

The campaign is organized around three pillars:

ACCELERATE EXCELLENCE & IGNITE PURPOSE

To drive students’ academic excellence, connecting in-class learning with self-guided studying to prepare them for scholastic success.

EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES & IGNITE PRACTICE

To unlock experiential learning opportunities for students, bridging the gap between theory and practice to prepare them for professional success.

ENHANCE EXPERIENCES & IGNITE PASSION

To elevate students’ experiences, bringing a holistic approach to their lives to prepare them for personal success.

This is an incredible moment in PCOM’s history. This is your moment. Your moment to help PCOM successfully position students as leaders in a competitive healthcare market. Your moment to unite with other key stakeholders in the PCOM community and make an unprecedented impact on the purpose, practice and passion of PCOM students. Join us in this historic moment.

Together, we are United & Ignited.

President’s Fireside Chat Launches United & Ignited Campaign

On January 24, Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, and Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, chief advancement and strategic planning officer, hosted a virtual fireside chat for the PCOM community.

The event marked two momentous occasions for PCOM as it celebrated the accomplishments of the institution’s 125year history and ignited exciting plans for the future with the announcement of United & Ignited, a campaign to accelerate, expand and enhance every student’s educational experience.

John B. Bulger, DO ’95, MBA, vice chairman of the PCOM Board of Trustees, and Patience A. Mason, MEd, chief student affairs officer, PCOM, joined the broadcast to discuss their support of United & Ignited to help ignite the purpose, practice and passion of PCOM students.

The evening culminated with a toast to PCOM’s 125-year legacy and its bright future.

Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, and President Jay S. Feldstein, DO ‘81, hosted a fireside chat for the community.

PCOM Celebrates Foundational

Gift to United & Ignited with Dedications of Hassman Academic Center and Hassman Family Medicine

Following the launch of United & Ignited, PCOM celebrated an eight-figure commitment— the largest philanthropic commitment in its history—by Howard A. Hassman, DO ’83. This commitment not only advances PCOM and its strategic priorities but also serves as the foundation of United & Ignited, for which Dr. Hassman serves on the advisory committee.

In recognition of Dr. Hassman’s dedication to philanthropy at PCOM, the academic building known as Evans Hall was renamed the Howard A. Hassman, DO ’83 Academic Center. Additionally, Family Medicine at PCOM, the healthcare center on City Avenue, was named the Joseph M. Hassman, DO ’65 Family Medicine Center in honor of Dr. Hassman’s father.

In addition to Joseph Hassman, who founded a private family medicine practice in Berlin, New Jersey, more than 60 years ago, and Howard Hassman, chief scientific officer and principal investigator at the clinical research organization CenExel HRI (formerly Hassman Research Institute), Howard’s sister, Elissa F. Hassman, DO ’86, and brothers David R. Hassman, DO ’91, and Michael A. Hassman, DO ’94, are all PCOM alumni.

Dedication ceremonies for the Hassman Academic Center and Hassman Family Medicine Center took place on January 25.

“As a tight-knit educational and clinical community, PCOM is often described as a family. The Hassmans are a significant part of the PCOM family, and PCOM is a big part of theirs,” said Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, PCOM.

Honoring the Legacy of H. Walter Evans, DO 1917

To continue the legacy of H. Walter Evans, DO 1917, the second floor of Hassman Academic Center, where the Provost’s Office is located, has been named the H. Walter Evans, DO 1917 Administrative Suite.

After serving in World War I, Dr. Evans joined Philadelphia College of Osteopathy (PCO) as an associate professor in obstetrics and bacteriology. He organized and chaired the Department of Preventive Medicine in 1925, and in 1932 was made professor of obstetrics.

Dr. Evans was known not only as a teacher, but as a visionary leader. He contributed to the development of the 48th Street campus and helped guide PCO through the Depression and the post-war years. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the City Avenue campus. In 1963, he was honored with the O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal, and for many years after that, served as an officer of the Alumni Association and as the director of the hospitals of PCOM.

the future of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

April 27, 2024

Four Seasons Philadelphia

PCOM is thrilled to announce a gala in support of United & Ignited. A Night to Ignite will raise funds to accelerate academic excellence, expand clinical opportunities, and enhance campus experiences—all to ignite the purpose, practice, and passion of current and future students.

Individual tickets will go on sale in March. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Learn more at campaign.pcom.edu/gala

STRENGTHENED BY SUPPORT

Stories as told to Janice Fisher and Jennifer Schaffer Leone

At PCOM, the profound impact of donors, benefactors and partners cannot be overstated. They build and sustain our legacy through their generous support. In this compilation of our 125 Years Through 125 Stories, we explore the journeys of those who, through their generosity, have become integral parts of the medical education landscape. Their commitment not only empowers the next generation of healthcare professionals but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a healthier and more equitable world.

Nicole Heath Bixler, DO/MBA ’02, FACOFP, dist.

“When I first met Nicole, she stood out as if there was a spotlight on her; you just knew early on that she was going to go further in her career, beyond being a great physician. The way she spoke, the way she carried herself—there was always a memory of something about her, something she said, that you took with you when you left the room. Within the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, we were working to involve young students, residents and other physicians in women’s leadership roles, and she was one of the key players. In life you meet one or two people every few years that you know are going to make a significant difference. Nicole was one of those persons. She did not at all surprise me when she rose to national prominence. … Nicole is a very good speaker; she commands your attention even when speaking off the cuff. And she carries herself like a leader; she displays confidence. … In her early days in medicine, Nicole started out in the great state of Pennsylvania, at PCOM. Just out of her graduation and residency, she was already a district leader with the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. I think Pennsylvania mourned for a month when we found out she was leaving to move to Florida. Fortunately, there’s still the national game. Nicole now is the past president of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. … When she began her career, there weren’t as many women in some leadership positions as there are now. So there were obstacles to overcome, and she showed no hesitation. And now she has become a mentor and role model herself—a full-time physician and mother of three. If Nicole’s a shooting star, she’s still shooting; she’s not falling yet. Her trail of light continues to illuminate the osteopathic profession.”

As told by Joan Grzybowski, DO ’87, Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, PCOM

Gene Chaiken, LLD

“I worked for Gene from 1994 to 2019. I was the CFO of his business, Almo Corporation; he was the chairman and the CEO at the time that I joined. He’s a very collaborative leader who solicits input from all of his folks, not just his management team. And as a mentor he was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with me as well as with others. He’s open, approachable, personable. That’s an extremely effective management style. … When I was interviewing for the job with Gene, he gave me a tour of one of his warehouse facilities, and as we walked through, an employee greeted us. I was struck by the fact that he and Gene called each other by their first names. That told me an awful lot about Gene and the inclusive culture he had created. I had come out of primarily large corporate public companies—buttoned up, maybe a little stiff. I went through a period of adjustment, but obviously it worked out. … Gene always spoke highly of PCOM, and he really enjoyed his 24 years as a trustee, 23 years spent as vice chairman. Around 2013, he asked me if I had an interest in joining the Board, and that’s how I got to be where I am. … Gene is loyal to the causes that drive him, and he wants to leave the world in a better place. I think his motivations are compelling and simple and earnest. He has a keen interest in the lives of the people that he’s talking to. That is a consistent feature of being around Gene. He does not make the conversation about himself, despite his successes and his station in this world. He’s understated and warm. … In addition to his financial expertise, Gene is a very good decision maker and has always had a strong interest in supporting programs that help the students at PCOM. He’s a pretty darn good role model for anybody in the business community who would aspire to lend their talents to worthy organizations or institutions.”

As

told by Matthew

O. Elkes, Member, PCOM Board of Trustees

Joe Tzong-Jyh Huong, DO ’09

“I met Joe about 10 years ago as a new physician working at Piedmont Urgent Care, which was known as Wellstreet Urgent Care when we both started. … Dr. Joe, as we affectionately call him, was a caring physician and a super-helpful colleague if I had a question or was struggling with an electronic medical record in those first days. He had a great bedside manner, and his patients seemed to love him. It was just a joy to work alongside him. … I recently filled in at a center where he was working. I’m the regional medical director now; Joe is a senior director. But it felt just like eight years ago, when we last clinically worked side by side. He’s always jumping in, always making sure that you know he’ll not only carry his load but help you if you need it. … Dr. Joe is a wonderful clinician. He’s a listener, and he is intentional. So he finds ways during a visit to connect with the patient, to make sure they know that during that visit, they’re the only one who matters. He goes out of his way to provide that customer service to a patient who needs it when they are usually at their worst and facing someone they likely have never seen or spoken to before. He has some of the highest patient satisfaction scores. … At the same time, he’s really fast! So I imagine what happens is that he is in a hurry, but not in a rush. I think that his patients forget about the length of the visit, because they recognize how meaningful it was. … He’s also an excellent clinical teacher. Not everyone will or can latch on to his efficiency; it’s something that has to be studied and learned. But his goal is for that new physician or new advanced practice provider to take something that they can tuck into their repertoire, and use it when they need to. … Dr. Joe gives back to his school, to his profession, to his colleagues. He pours out to his patients that which he has learned.”

As told by Cassandra Donnelly, MD, Regional Medical Director, Piedmont Urgent Care

Jeffrey Kingsley, DO ’01, MBA, CPI, FACRP

“Dr. Kingsley didn’t start out in medicine as a researcher. But Jeff is every bit the primary care physician he was when he came out of his residency in family medicine. This is one of the most impressive features of who he is as a professional and as a person. He and his clinical trial research company, Centricity, provide the highest level of care to anyone that comes in the door. … He’s also committed to education and mentoring. He opens his clinical trial centers for both medical students and residents for rotations. And he feels—and I completely agree with him—that this is an essential part of training. Healthcare providers have to appreciate and understand the clinical trial process that safeguards advances in medicine. Research underlies evidence-based clinical practice. Jeff makes it possible for students and residents to learn about the process and participate in it, first hand. … For the past three years, Jeff’s been invited to give two hours of lecture on clinical trials in our Foundations of Research and Medicine course. I attend them, and I learn something new every time. These extremely popular lectures are beautifully and logically developed, and completely digestible. He gets a ton of great questions afterwards because he inspires curiosity in the students. One point he stresses is the critical need to expand diversity in clinical trials and the challenges you face in doing so, including limitations in patients’ knowledge of opportunities to participate, their access to study sites, and comorbidities that may disqualify them because of broad exclusion criteria. Centricity is now across the country and in Canada, which opens tremendous opportunities for inclusion. … The passion behind his work is fueled by a commitment to providing better care to patients made possible through research and the high standards of clinical trials. … Jeff is very generous with his time. Despite his intensely busy schedule, he continues to teach medical students and residents in the classroom and in his centers. His contributions to his profession, through training and ensuring the safety and efficacy of new therapeutics, are enormous. He’s among PCOM’s most treasured alumni.”

As told by Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD, Chief Research and Science Officer, PCOM

James L. Matney

“Jim’s a very interesting man, a real visionary. Sometimes people will say, when they hear one of his ideas, ‘Why Moultrie?’ He just says, ‘Why not Moultrie? What’s stopping us? Nothing’s stopping us if we want to do something.’ That’s how he lives his life.

… Jim started a family medicine residency to not only help with recruiting physicians to his facility but because he knew that a training program would increase and enhance the quality of care at the hospital. … After that, Jim felt strongly that the area needed a medical school. He said, ‘You know, if we give the regional students a place to go to medical school and train them here, we can keep them here.’ … I’ve watched how he has grown the hospital at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, and I’ve been a recipient of the medical care there. Now there’s a cancer center, and all kinds of specialties that you would not normally see in a rural medical center. Jim wanted to know why people were going out of town for chemo when we could do that here. … Jim is a transplant to Moultrie, but he grew up in a small rural town. If he’s going to raise his family here, he wants them to have the best of everything, the opportunities to grow and prosper. So he does whatever he can do to make things better for the community.

… Rural hospitals spend a lot of money on recruiting physicians. Jim has a ‘grow your own’ mentality: make them residents, and then they’ll stay. Four graduates out of PCOM South Georgia’s first graduating class are now residents over at his hospital. The medical care that he has built to provide to this community is one of our selling points when we hire faculty. … He’s built an education center that’s going to house a simulation lab for CME training for his staff and the residents, and students on rotation will share in all the educational experiences with the residents. … Jim’s desire to make things better is infectious. If he thought it was going to better the community to have a bridge over here, he’d figure out how to get a bridge. So he’s not done. He’s always looking.”

As told by Joanne Jones, MBA, Chief of Campus Operations, PCOM South Georgia

Gregory Papadeas, DO ’88

“There are a handful of students that you just bond with from the very beginning, and Greg was one of them. I was director of admissions when he applied to PCOM, so I would have been the initial reviewer of his application. Coming from San Diego State, Greg considered PCOM his first choice of schools because of our reputation. … I got to know Greg well. He was an outstanding student from day one. And he was always participating in what was going on, always volunteering. He took part in a video we made for student recruitment, and I remember him saying that medical school is like hooking yourself up to a fire hydrant and turning it on. … We often see Greg at professional annual meetings. And although he’s a Denver native and lives in a Denver suburb now, he visits our campus when he can, and often brings his family with him. He has not lost contact with PCOM since the day he graduated. … For almost 10 years, he’s been contributing to the Dr. and Mrs. Gregory G. Papadeas & Family Endowed Scholarship, which provides tuition support to DO students of Greek heritage. He loved PCOM from the beginning, and he feels it did well by him and that his PCOM education propelled him into being an outstanding physician. He’s proud of the school, and he’s proud of being a DO. … In 2019, he hosted a cocktail party at his home for local PCOM alumni and other DOs. I was thrilled to be invited also. It was a wonderful weekend, the party was magnificent, and we all enjoyed the time spent with his lovely family. Greg is fun to be with, sincere and warm. He is one of the finest PCOM graduates that I know.”

As told by Carol A. Fox, MM, Alumni Liaison,

PCOM

David Michael Poponi, PsyD ’09

“There were 17 students in Dave’s cohort who attended all the classes in the program together and then went on to complete their internships and dissertations. They were a very tight group, and I think Dave was one of the biggest reasons for that. He has a terrific sense of humor; he’s very positive and open, and the other students warmed up to him quickly. Dave asked excellent questions in class, but he would also make some very funny comments. … I got to know Dave much better when I served on his dissertation committee. And again, he always had an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to dig in and do what needed to be done.

… After Dave received his degree, he was recruited as one of the adjuncts to teach for us. He was also invited to serve on the PCOM Alumni Association—to represent our graduate programs. … Dave loves to teach. He was a positive influence on all of our students, and he has that history of the place that he carries with him and that sets the tone. He knew what we wanted to do for our students and what we had to do to help them be successful. And he had such great experience in the field that he could share with others—that ability to teach through example, and have open dialogues with individuals. … David was always open and willing to listen to other people’s perspectives and points of view. You just knew that he was on your side, trying to help you get through the program. The students are almost all working full time and coming to school at night; many are raising families too. That’s a really hard mix, and having gone through it himself, Dave understood that quite well. The great thing about the students in our program is that they’re always willing to act on feedback, always willing to improve on their performance. And Dave embraced that and carried it forward for us.”

As told by George McCloskey, PhD, Professor, School Psychology, PCOM

Harvey and Maddy Rovinsky

“Art Freeman, my late predecessor and mentor, who brought me to PCOM, had a vision for psychology that included not only high-quality education and training but giving back by offering continuing education to practitioners in the community. The department had a program that had been called the Friday Night Speaker Series. But when it became the Rovinsky Family Endowed Lectureship, we were off and running. … Licensing boards require the completion of continuing education courses in order to maintain your license for practice in the field. In Pennsylvania, for example, they require 30 credits every two years. … What the Rovinskys have helped us do is fulfill our mission, which was to provide high-quality continuing education in the cognitive behavior therapy realm focusing on serving the underserved through the use of empirically based approaches and with an emphasis on individual and cultural diversity. It’s also an opportunity for our students to attend as a way of beginning a journey of lifelong learning, a requirement that is so essential to being a mental health practitioner in psychology and counseling. So the contributions the Rovinskys have made are actually contributing to high-quality care through the therapists that get trained in the programs that we offer. . . . There are four lectures scheduled this spring, some of them live webinars. These lectures are amenable to virtual presentations as long as there’s a live interactive component. So another byproduct of the program is that it’s a way for people to get to know PCOM. … The Rovinskys’ daughter, Julia, graduated from PCOM with a PsyD degree in 2010. They have good hearts, and they were looking for a way to give back.”

As told by Robert DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Professor, School of Professional and Applied Psychology, PCOM

M. Kimberly Rupert, PhD

“When the Physician Assistant Studies program began at PCOM—the first class entered in 1998 and graduated in 2000—it was one of our first graduate programs besides the DO. We were heading into unchartered waters, and Kimberly and her mother Sara, who was a 1933 graduate of PCOM’s nursing program, had contacted us about wanting to do something for the College. Sara had always appreciated her nursing education. And since the nursing school had been discontinued in 1960, they thought the PA program might be a good match for them. … Kimberly and her mother were a shining light on the PA program. Through their interest, they gave it validity and made it important. And their level of support has been unmatched. Initially they endowed a Student Humanitarian Award and a Physician Assistant Scholarship . … At our Centennial Ball in 1999 to celebrate PCOM’s 100th anniversary, they were there supporting the College. Their physical presence as well as their financial support showcased how important the PA program was to them. … Kimberly would bring her mother to campus all the time, even when it was a two-and-a-half hour drive from Shippensburg. They came to the Graduate Programs Commencement and for dinner dances. They came to the White Coat ceremony for the PAs; they endowed a fund to provide all those coats, first for the Philadelphia campus and then for Georgia. … PA students have to take state exams in the fall after they graduate. There are two prep books, and they’re very expensive. Kimberly made a gift of them to each student when they graduated. You’re loaded with debt and now have to pay a couple hundred dollars to pass this exam, so this was another way to support the students. … Sara died in 2008, but Kimberly has been steadfast in her involvement. She has a quiet type of strength—she doesn’t talk a lot about herself—and her devotion to her mother is and was amazing. They were on the same wavelength. … I am very grateful to the Rupert family.”

As told by Pamela

J. Ruoff, MS, Senior Manager of Alumni Special Services, PCOM

Clyde and Sandra Strickland

“Clyde likes to say that he and Sandra are an open book; what you see is what you get. They are both originally from North Carolina. They love Gwinnett County, they love family; they love God first. They’re what my great-grandmother would call the salt of the earth—just good people. … Clyde pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. At one point he collected mounds of dirt, and drove out of town to sell them for $5 a load. He realized he could sell four or five loads before he went to his job and make more money than he did from that job, which paid $1.78 an hour. That story stuck with me. When Clyde tells you these stories, you’ve just got to listen, because if you don’t, you will miss something. … Sandra and Clyde are equally yoked. They have two different skill sets, but I feel that they’re both primary in their relationship— strong complements to one another. Sandra likes to call herself a city girl, because in the area of North Carolina where they grew up, she was more in the city. She has the same commitment to God and faith and family, the same commitment to hard work. I would guess that they have not made a major decision one without the other. … Their name is on everything in this community. We know about the gifts to the hospital, the football field at a local high school, the main stage at a local theater, and their support of community non-profits and education. … When they made their gift to PCOM, the Clyde and Sandra Strickland Endowed Doctoral Scholarship Fund to support students at PCOM Georgia, Sandra called me on my personal phone to tell me herself. ‘This is what Clyde and I prayed about,’ she said, ‘and this is what we’ve decided, and I wanted to be the one to tell you.’ … Sandra and Clyde give over and over again, but they give of their time and their talents as well. They have sat on numerous boards and have been community volunteers for years. Sandra puts together baskets every holiday season and delivers them herself. Both being 80 years old or more, Sandra jokes, ‘We can’t fold the tables, but can buy the paint.’ Their giving has touched the lives of many and reaches beyond Gwinnett County.”

As told by Alisa Toney, Senior Director of Development, PCOM Georgia

Courtney Arianne Washington, DO ’17

“Courtney’s always been very engaging, very determined—laserfocused. You knew that she was going to be successful, not because things were going to come easy for her but because she was disciplined, thoughtful, and intentional about her future goals, what her plan was. From that perspective, she always stood out to me. … Courtney was fun, too. She never let anything get her down. She’s a strong personality who’s going to fight for what she believes is right. She had her shares of ups and downs, but you couldn’t keep her down. Some people may have a setback, and they allow that to dictate where they go in life. Courtney’s reaction was to say: okay, let me figure out a different way of achieving my goals. You take lemons, and you make lemonade. … Courtney supported herself financially since a fairly young age. One summer she was in a clinical research program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, which she described as a phenomenal experience. She was seeking not only to enhance her clinical knowledge but also to earn income. I think it makes you a little bit more compassionate when you understand the extra effort that it takes to be able to survive and succeed when you have some things against you. … A few years ago, Courtney started a primary care clinic, Fleur-De-Lis, in New Orleans, and she makes it a priority to do community outreach. Now FleurDe-Lis also has an aesthetics practice—skincare, Botox, and fillers. Courtney had been interested in dermatology, and she was creative about her professional path, keeping the focus on whole-person, preventative care. That’s what I’ve seen in her from day one. It’s a special person that can say, I’m not going to be sidetracked by these obstacles, because at the end of the day this is where I want to be.”

As told by Patience A. Mason, MEd, Chief Student Affairs Officer

Murray Zedeck, DO ’62

“When I first arrived at PCOM in 2015, I met with each member of the Board of Trustees to hear their perspectives on the College. It took a fair bit of cajoling for Dr. Zedeck to agree to meet with me, but what was supposed to be a one-hour lunch turned into a three-hour meeting of kindred spirits. My absolute favorite moment was when he explained to me that ‘in order for alumni to be disgruntled, they have to first be gruntled,’ and Dr. Zedeck wanted to be gruntled again. From that moment, Dr. Zedeck has been a mentor, guide, critic and friend to me, never one to hesitate to share his ideas and speak his mind. … Dr. Zedeck’s creativity and practicality were forged during his career as a pharmacist, then as an osteopathic family medicine physician, and finally as the founder of several community banks in South Florida. We talked at length at that first lunch, and in multiple conversations thereafter, about how frustrated we got when we saw an idea, recognized the positive impact it could have, but couldn’t get traction. I believe this is what cemented our bond: Dr. Zedeck had an idea, I recognized the positive impact of that idea, and together, we made it happen. … Incorporating humanities into medical education? Dr. Zedeck funded a lecture series for just that purpose, and I made certain that three lectures were held each year. Giving books of Scottish poetry to graduating DOs? Thanks to my colleague at the University of St. Andrews, Dr. Zedeck and I made that happen. Highlighting alumni and their passions outside of medicine? Our alumni e-newsletter now showcases someone’s avocation, thanks to Dr. Zedeck’s idea. Teaching future physicians the foundational principles of business? Dr. Zedeck, I’m still working on this one! … He advocates for the College, supports aspiring healthcare professionals, and works to keep his classmates from the class of 1962 in touch and informed. He recently celebrated a milestone birthday, and his family reached out to me so that PCOM could be included in the celebratory video. Over the years, I haven’t been able to make all of Dr. Zedeck’s ideas a reality, but I was never more tickled than when I received an email from him that said simply, ‘Carrie, I am very gruntled.’ ”

As told by Carrie Collins,

JD, PhD, Chief

Advancement

and Strategic Planning Officer, PCOM

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation

“Jackson Electric Membership Corporation is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Georgia and the nation. Through our Jackson EMC Foundation, and in particular, our Operation Round Up program, nearly 90 percent of Jackson EMC cooperative members contribute to community-based programs throughout the ten counties we serve.

We believe in a collaborative approach to investing in our communities. We were proud to partner with PCOM and to sponsor program supplies and meals for the PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy in 2023. This summer STEM program cultivates interest in science among those traditionally underrepresented in medicine. In this case, the program introduces Gwinnett County high school students to medical topics through lectures, labs and simulation experiences. Ongoing crises in our nation—from mental health to opioids— underline the urgency to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals who will provide better care for our communities.”

– Kenneth Lumpkin, Jackson

EMC Foundation Representative

West Allegheny Physicians Association

“The mission of the West Allegheny Physicians Association (WAPA) is to support osteopathic education in Western Pennsylvania. We provide funds to help establish key partnerships between osteopathic medical schools in the Commonwealth and organizations that understand and value osteopathic practice. Fellow PCOM alumnus Bern J. Bernacki, DO ’81, and I were pleased to partner with PCOM to utilize WAPA funds to establish a new Core Clinical Campus (CCC) at Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania. CCCs ensure that third-year medical students can perform all of their clerkship rotations at one hospital site. We wish to acknowledge our personal gratitude to PCOM for their support, direction and dedication to bringing more physicians to an area that is in need of quality patient care.”

– Sanford A. Gordon, DO ’60, President, WAPA

Osteopathic Institute of the South

“Working with students every day, many of us have met someone struggling through a personal or family crisis, trying to navigate medical school through tough times. The OIS Endowed Student Emergency Fund was established in 2022 by the Osteopathic Institute of the South. The fund assists PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia students when emergencies arise that cause sudden financial difficulties, impacting education and training. Since the fund’s inception, the College has been able to help 13 students with a range of challenges such as unexpected medical expenses, vehicle repairs, financial support while caring for a sick loved one, the purchase of textbooks and a computer.”

– Grace Taylor, MAH, CPFM, Associate Director of Financial Aid, PCOM

W.W. Smith Charitable Trust

“The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has been a vital partner in our Healthcare Centers’ mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care to vulnerable patient populations with particular attention to social determinants of health. Thanks to the foundation, over $27,000 was earmarked this past year for this cause. The funds allowed us to redouble on our commitment to onsite food pantries at our Centers at City Avenue, Cambria Street and Lancaster Avenue, providing nourishment for some 5,000 individuals.

Nearly 16 percent of Philadelphians—almost 250,000 people— experience food insecurity. Access to healthy food varies widely by race and neighborhood. For many of our patient populations, our partnership with the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust is a critical lifeline to nutritious food. It also embodies our osteopathic philosophy of caring for the whole person and addressing root causes, not just symptoms.”

– Stephen Castellano, MBA, Chief Practice Operations Officer, PCOM

by Jennifer Schaffer Leone and Kristen Hopf

PCOM stands as a living testament to the myriad stories that have shaped its existence.

As we commemorate our 125th anniversary, let us take an opportunity to unravel some of the interconnected narratives that have brought us to this significant juncture—the people, the programs and the moments that have made our College the remarkable institution that it is today.

OSTEOPATHIC PIONEER

Osteopathic medicine as we know it began with frontier physician Andrew Taylor Still, MD, who introduced its concepts in 1874. Dissatisfied with the effectiveness of 19th-century medicine, Dr. Still offered a basic tenet: the human body was much like a machine, one that would function well if all its parts were in proper mechanical relationship.

Dr. Still’s story is one of personal conviction, political controversy and medical nonconformity. Over the course of his life, he was a tireless student of health and the human body, an abolitionist, a Civil War surgeon, a state legislator and a supporter of equal rights and women’s suffrage. As founder of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, he is the pioneer of osteopathic education as well.

Philadelphia

Journal of Osteopathy

Beginning publication in 1899 and ceasing around 1914, the Philadelphia Journal of Osteopathy was the College’s first publication. Mason Wiley Pressly, DO, served as the original editor. The journal promoted the emerging science of osteopathy as well as providing news about enrollment and study at the newly founded College and Infirmary of Osteopathy.

A resurgence of the Philadelphia Journal of Osteopathy came about in 1927 with the publication of The Osteopathic Digest. The name was changed to The Digest in 1973.

FIRST WOMAN GRADUATE

Gene G. Banker, DO 1900, was the first woman student and one of the original two graduates of Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy. She lived to her 99th year, passing away in 1969.

After graduation, Dr. Banker opened the Women’s Infirmary of Osteopathy at 1533 Chestnut Street. Her practice partner was Lillian L. Bentley, DO 1901, and the two specialized in “diseases of women and children.”

In 1916, Dr. Banker moved her practice to 526 West Hortter Street, Germantown, news she published in The Osteopathic Physician (Feb. 1917). She practiced in Germantown for the remainder of her life—a beloved and skilled general practitioner.

One of her longtime patients described her as having “a cheery optimism, faith, humor and a zest for living. She was little more than five feet tall, thin of face with lovely graying hair. But she was wiry, and with strong fingers and wrists as she administered treatments. She never became wealthy because her services were frequently contributed when patients couldn’t pay.”

Educating Nurses

The School of Nursing opened in 1917, when entering students wore homemade gingham uniforms, and, as was customary in most training schools of the time, the course of instruction was two years.

Like her classmates, Jean Sheperla, RN 1919, DO 1926, experienced every aspect of surgical nursing, from assisting doctors in the OR to sterilizing the instruments after an operation. She was later accepted into and graduated from the College’s osteopathic medical program.

Student nurses were taught osteopathic techniques, making the School of Nursing distinctive. The war years especially seemed to bring out the best in the school, and in the 1940s, PCOM provided nursing staff for military and civilian hospitals. The School of Nursing closed its doors in 1960.

A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine.

The first issue of the Philadelphia Journal of Osteopathy was published in January 1899.

FRATERNITIES

In the early 20th century, a tradition of fraternities was beginning at the College. The Zeta chapter of Phi Sigma Gamma was founded in 1917, with the goal of facilitating social and professional relationships between medical students and practicing physicians. Membership was open to male students, and a variety of meetings, educational seminars, parties and banquets were held throughout the year at the Phi Sig fraternity house, located at 270 West Walnut Lane, Philadelphia. Lambda Omicron Gamma (LOG), originally known as the Blue and White Club, was established in 1919 by Jewish medical students seeking mentoring, postgraduate training and employment. By 1929, LOG became a national organization, and the PCO Philadelphia chapter was named the Caduceus Chapter.

In the 1930s, osteopathic fraternities at the College also included Theta Psi, Iota Tau Sigma and the Atlas Club. By the 1950s, almost all osteopathic institutions had active LOG chapters, and membership was open to women and minorities, who were excluded from other fraternities on the basis of race or gender.

Today, medical and graduate students at all three PCOM locations are members of various national organizations such as Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity.

The Survivor’s Club

This organization began in 1946 when Galen S. Young, Sr., DO ’35, professor emeritus of surgery and later chancellor, invited retiring intern and resident staff to a banquet “in appreciation of services rendered to his patients while in the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy and Hospital.” According to records, there were 12 in attendance at the first dinner, and “filet mignon was the main order of business.”

The banquet and ensuing awards ceremony became an exclusive event, held each October. Interns and residents who “survived” the final year of their education at the Hospital of PCOM would be the guests of Dr. Young and other members of the club.

Today, this tradition continues under the auspices of Graduate Medical Education.

BOOTH DOCTORS

In 1929, the College completed construction of an 80-bed hospital at 48th and Spruce Streets. Here, a basement clinic—comprising rows of 40 numbered booths—would thrive for roughly half a century as a service to the community and a training ground for third- and fourthyear students, aptly called “booth doctors.”

New patients registered in the general clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Pediatrics had its own clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After an interview with the head of the Social Service Clinic, each patient was assigned to a student physician and a booth number.

“We spent three months in the clinic and we had our own little cubicles which they referred to as booths, and many of our patients referred to us as their booth doctors,” recalled Eleanor V. Masterson, DO ’57, in an oral history. “We were given our own little clientele, and we followed those patients for three months. If any of their family members would register in the clinic, we also got those patients.”

Clinic patients having acute problems or needing surgery were referred to the hospital wards free of charge.

LOG was established in 1919 by Jewish medical students.

Patients lined up to be seen by training “booth” doctors in the basement clinic at 48th and Spruce Streets.

Survivor’s Club 1984 with Galen S. Young, Sr., DO ‘35 (far right).

THE FOLLIES

In the 1950s in the College’s 48th Street auditorium, PCOM students resurrected an annual satirical show of musical performances that had thrived in the 1920s and 1930s. Held alongside a Christmas party in the hospital for patients and the community, the humorous performances showcased student parodies of the faculty, administration and even themselves. In the 1980s, the show evolved into the “Flounders’ Day Follies” and then simply the “Follies.”

What did the Follies mean to the PCOM community?

Bruce Kornberg, DO ’78, FACC, FACOI, reflects: “It was a comic relief, a morale booster, and something to look forward to at the end of exams. In my days, we did it toward the end of the semester and it was a lot of work, but we all participated. It was a fun break for us, and we used it to get back at the professors—the highlight of the year! You couldn’t get a seat in the place. Everyone came. You had to be careful; even Dr. Rowland was fair game!”

The Follies was later scheduled as part of Founders’ Day Weekend; the annual tradition continued through the early 2000s.

A Wishbone Tradition

PCOM Rugby Squad

Though athletics had been a part of student life since 1910 with the fielding of track, swimming, fencing, hockey, baseball and basketball teams, the fall of 1974 marked the arrival of PCOM’s men’s rugby team. In its inaugural year, the team was made up of 40 students and played against such opponents as Temple Medical School, Villanova Law School and St. Joseph’s College. Hale T. Peffall, Jr., former executive director of alumni relations and development, was the longtime coach of the PCOM rugby squad and spearheaded the establishment of the graduate rugby divisions along the East Coast.

On several occasions, PCOM’s rugby team traveled internationally to compete against other collegiate teams, including trips to the Bahamas in 1985 and Ireland in 1994. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its rugby club, PCOM hosted the 1994 U.S. Rugby East Graduate School Championships. PCOM ruggers were often honored at the annual PCOM Sports Banquet, which recognized seniors who played on a PCOM sports team for at least two seasons.

The PCOM rugby team played competitively against other collegiate squads for several decades.

THE PHILADELPHIA FAIR

For nearly a decade, beginning at the 1968 Commencement Dinner, Sherwood R. Mercer, AB, AM, dean, and his wife, Rowena, gifted sterling silver wishbone pins to the wives of graduating students.

It was said that physicians’ spouses need three things to withstand the effects of medical school on their families: a backbone, a funny bone and a wishbone. The Mercers decided that the spouses already had plenty of backbone and funny bone after four years, so they would provide the wishbone as a “symbol of hope to reach their material and spiritual goals and good wishes for the future.”

The last presentation was in 1976 when Dr. Mercer retired from the College.

The inaugural Philadelphia Fair was held on September 6, 1980. Family tickets for this first annual fundraising event were $5 and offered access to games and amusements, prizes, baked goods, music, balloons, an antique sale, an art and print show and more. Members of the PCOM community were invited to bring their children to delight in the merriment, including clowns and an organ grinder and his monkey. To promote the event, a large balloon reading “The Philadelphia Fair” floated 200 feet above campus, and on the eve of the Fair, a champagne reception was held to preview the antiques and art show that would be on display at Saturday’s main event.

The fair was held throughout the early 1980s.

During the Flounders’ Day Follies, members of the first- and second-year classes spoofed their life as medical students and poked good-natured fun at their professors.

PUPPET AMBASSADORS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH

In 1988, Oliver C. Bullock, DO ’78 , who served as director of PCOM’s Healthcare Centers, worked with “The Muppet Show” and the Nick Swindlin Puppet Theater to develop a program to allay children’s fears and increase their understanding of medical instruments used in physical exams. The collaboration resulted in a staged program that featured puppet characters on an imaginary trip to a physician’s office.

For many years, PCOM staff took the show to elementary schools throughout the Philadelphia School District as well as to local hospitals.

PCOM Golf Classic

Chaired by Albert D’Alonzo, DO ’56, 135 golfers enjoyed a picture-perfect day of golf and camaraderie as PCOM presented its inaugural Golf Classic on September 20, 1993, at Torresdale-Frankford Country Club. The sold-out event raised $50,000 for primary care education and community outreach programs. This popular outing would continue for 25 years, attracting philanthropic support and bringing many prominent community members onto the greens to focus attention on the PCOM Healthcare Centers and their critical significance to the communities they serve.

COMMITMENT TO THE SOUTH

PCOM’s commitment to the South began in the early 2000s. An assessment of growing health disparities in the southern United States substantiated an infrastructure for support of new osteopathic and graduate healthcare-focused education programs.

Under the leadership of Matthew Schure, PhD, president and chief executive officer, PCOM chose suburban Atlanta for its first branch campus. By 2005, PCOM Georgia, located in Suwanee, Gwinnett County, welcomed its first class of 80 doctor of osteopathic medicine students.

Over the years, as PCOM Georgia continued to expand its academic degree programs, it became apparent that the South Georgia region did not have the same local access and attention for similar opportunities. Pursuits began to take shape when Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, PCOM, and representatives from the South Georgia Medical Education and Research Consortium signed a memorandum of agreement in 2016. By 2019, construction of the Moultrie facility was completed and a diverse group of 59 DO students began classes at PCOM South Georgia.

META L. CHRISTY AWARD

Twenty-two years after Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy’s founding, Meta L. Christy, DO 1921, would graduate as the College’s first African American student and the first African American doctor of osteopathic medicine in the nation as recognized by the American Osteopathic Association. The honor that bears her name, the Meta L. Christy Award, was first presented by the PCOM chapter of the Student National Medical Association in 1989. It has been given since that time at the Annual Recognition Reception, which acknowledges the efforts of individuals who have been involved in establishing and realizing the role played by minorities in the osteopathic profession.

Thomas J. Gravina, chairman, PCOM Board of Trustees (second from right), headed the College’s Golf Classic from 2005 to 2011.

Oliver C. Bullock, DO ‘78, used puppets to build a healthier and more informed community.

June

GROWTH OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS

After nearly a century of training osteopathic physicians, PCOM expanded its academic offerings in 1993 to include a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree. Leonard H. Finkelstein, DO ’59, MSc ’63, FACOS, past president and chancellor, announced the news in the President’s Perspective (winter 1994): “With the hand of the College on the pulse of the needs of our students—and prospective students—the College launched a graduate program in biomedical sciences. In August, the premier class of 35 students took their seats in the two-year evening program. The new program fills a critical need for students who require additional preparation for admission to PCOM or to other institutions.”

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

According to records kept at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, W. Kenneth Riland, DO ’36, provided osteopathic manipulative treatment to President Richard M. Nixon at the White House two to four times a month in 1969 and 1970. He also traveled with the president to China and the Soviet Union.

U.S. Navy Captain Sean Patrick Conley, DO ’06, FACEP, served as White House physician and physician to the president from 2018 to 2021. He treated President Donald J. Trump when he tested positive for COVID-19 and acted as the president’s chief White House medical advisor during the pandemic.

U.S. Navy Commander Matthew V. Speicher, DO ’14, presently serves as White House physician, Joseph R. Biden administration. He travels with the president, vice president and their families.

MILITARY TRAILBLAZERS

Preceding a change of command ceremony, Lieutenant General Mary Krueger Izaguirre, DO ’95, was sworn in as the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army on January 25, 2024. Of the 46 U.S. Army Surgeons General, she is the second osteopathic physician.

The first osteopathic physician to hold the rank was Lieutenant General Ronald Ray Blanck, DO ’67. He served as the 39th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2000. Dr. Blanck, who served a tour in Vietnam as a battalion surgeon, was one of the first DOs to practice medicine as a commissioned Army officer.

Lieutenant General Mary Krueger Izaguirre, DO ‘95, is the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army. Photo courtesy of Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, FASA, FAMIA, FCPP.

THE SWEETEST PLACE ON EARTH FOR CME

Hershey, Pennsylvania, has played host to PCOM’s Family Weekend CME for nearly three decades. The continuing medical education program was initiated in 1993 by the late David H. Loughran Jr., DO ’83, a longtime professor and chair of infectious disease, and Harry J. Morris, DO ’78, MPH, professor and chair, family medicine. Today it is moderated by Daniel J. Parenti, DO ’87, FCCP, FACOI, chair and professor, internal medicine, and Erik G. Polan, DO ’07, FACOI, assistant professor, internal medicine.

Some 6,000 physicians and allied health professionals have participated in this popular continuing education program over the years.

In

1995, the inaugural class of five students graduated from the Biomedical Sciences program.

Marking the Celebration

Moment Walls were installed at all three College locations and will remain throughout the year as a visual representation of PCOM’s storied history.

During the kick-off event, members of the PCOM community happily engaged in the celebration. Students at PCOM South Georgia showcased their pride by wearing baseball caps that feature the College’s 125th anniversary logo. The logo is included on banners and anniversary merchandise as well as on the PCOM website and social media.

125TH ANNIVERSARY

Steeped in a rich history of healing, discovery and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, PCOM marked the start of its 125th year on January 25 with a grand celebration of its past, present and future. Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and chief executive officer, served as master of ceremonies to a large assembled crowd. “What began as a fledgling medical school,” Dr. Feldstein said, “has evolved today into an institution that is nationally recognized for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The ceremonies, simulcast to students, faculty and staff on the PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia campuses, culminated with the presentation of a time capsule. “This symbolic treasure trove,” Dr. Feldstein said, “will encapsulate the memories and aspirations of our community. The items included in it reflect the diverse and vibrant tapestry of our College’s life.”

KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

“Not all educational institutions survive 125 years. The 125 years of PCOM’s existence are a testament to the enduring values that underpin our educational mission and its potential to change lives and impact the health of humanity.”

– Thomas J. Gravina, chairman, PCOM Board of Trustees

Time Capsule

Marcine Pickron-Davis, PhD, chief diversity and community relations officer, added PCOM’s first HEED award. Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, FACOFP, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, placed a brick from the remains of the former City Avenue Hospital. Trustee Wayne Sikes placed a coin created in celebration of PCOM Georgia’s 10 years of impact in Gwinnett County and the state of Georgia and a ceremonial shovel from the 2018 groundbreaking of PCOM South Georgia. President Jay S. Feldstein, DO ‘81, placed a copy of PCOM Heroes of the Front Lines, a poster signed by the PCOM community of the present, and a letter to the PCOM community of the future.

ALUMNI REUNITE AFTER 65+ YEARS DURING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SNOWSTORM

by Alexis Matina

After falling out of touch, Jay Harris Joseph, DO ’56, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and William R. “Bill” Hemsley, Jr., DO ’56, Yucaipa, CA, made plans to reunite after 67 years. On the day of their scheduled get-together, Mother Nature had other plans as a rare snowstorm hit Southern California.

After graduating from PCOM, Dr. Hemsley obtained an internship in California and remained practicing in Riverside, leaving the East Coast behind. That was until two years ago, when he attended a virtual 65th reunion for the class of 1956. It was there that he reconnected with Dr. Joseph.

“It had been 67 years since I last saw Bill,” Dr. Joseph said. After graduating from PCOM, Dr. Joseph went on to do his internship and residency in Philadelphia, where he then stayed to practice.

After the virtual reunion, Dr. Joseph had a trip planned to California not far from the San Bernardino Mountains where Dr. Hemsley resides.

“When I realized I would be near Bill, I decided to reach out to meet up,” Dr. Joseph said. “However, our planned dinner meeting almost didn’t occur. The area had their heaviest spring snowfall in over 100 years.”

The morning prior to their planned dinner, Dr. Hemsley called to cancel, saying he was snowed in and roads were completely covered. That was until a miracle happened overnight. “Bill called and said the plow had miraculously gone through and plowed the main road. If I could drive up the mountain, he would walk through the snow and out to the main road to meet me.”

So, Dr. Joseph did just that. He drove up the San Bernardino Mountains and met Dr. Hemsley. In spite of the weather, the two were able to go out for dinner, where they swapped stories and discussed all the happy memories of their time at PCOM.

1961

Carl R. Spease, DO, Hummelstown, PA, is proud of his granddaughter, Kelsey Bentz, DO ’23, who graduated from PCOM this past spring.

1962

Murray Zedeck, DO, Sarasota, FL, was interviewed in an article for Op-Med titled “Do Most Doctors Have a Financial Advisor?” (June 20, 2023).

1969

Barclay M. Wilson, DO, Milton, PA, retired after practicing medicine in Milton for over 50 years. Dr. Wilson’s retirement was featured in the Standard-Journal in an article titled “Hanging Up the Stethoscope” (September 29, 2023).

1972

Stephen L. Burnstein, DO, FACR, FACOI, Marlton, NJ, was recognized as an honorary life member of the Associated Alumni of Central High School in Philadelphia.

1973

Eric Eugene Shore, DO, JD, MBA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, was recognized

for his 50 years of service to the community with an award at the annual conference of the American College of Legal Medicine (ACLM). Dr. Shore’s service includes 30 years of clinical medicine followed by 20 years in medicine and healthcare law. The ACLM is an international organization whose fellows all hold dual degrees.

1976

William R. Henwood, DO, Hermitage, PA, was awarded the Orel F. Martin Medal by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons on September 22, 2023, in Chicago. Dr. Henwood was recognized for his remarkable career as an osteopathic surgeon, leader and educator.

Francis P. Sutter, DO, Gladwyne, PA, was the subject of an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “A Lankenau Surgeon Is a Leader in Robotic Heart Surgery. Why Aren’t More Following?” (July 24, 2023).

Kenneth J. Veit, DO, MBA, Lafayette Hill, PA, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, PCOM, delivered the 2023 A.T. Still Memorial Lecture at the American Osteopathic Association’s

at games as well as supporting Wellsboro’s athletic trainers.

1979

James G. Dale, DO, Luray, VA, celebrated his 40-year anniversary of working at Page Memorial Hospital in Luray. The staff at Page Memorial threw Dr. Dale a surprise celebration in honor of his anniversary. Dr. Dale runs a private practice, Valley Health PMH Family & Internal Medicine. He previously served as a hospitalist at Page Memorial and as a member of the Valley Health Board of Trustees.

1980

Thomas M. Bozzuto, DO, Bangor, PA, was appointed professor of emergency medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton. Dr. Bozzuto moved back to Pennsylvania in June 2022 and serves as the northeast section chair of wound care in the Musculoskeletal Institute of Geisinger Health System.

1981

James R. DeSalvio, DO, Ocala, FL, is now semi-retired.

House of Delegates meeting in July. Dr. Veit discussed the osteopathic profession’s past, present and future during the lecture. Dr. Veit was also highlighted in an article by KevinMD titled “When an MBA Degree Meets Medicine: An Eye-Opening Experience” (March 25, 2023) about dual-degree physicians.

1977

Sol Lizerbram, DO, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, was the subject of an article for San Diego Jewish World titled “Helping Israel to Grow Its Economy, Shepherd Its Resources Are Sol Lizerbram’s Priorities” (September 10, 2023).

1978

John S. Kasper, Jr., DO, Dayton, OH, served as the guest speaker at the Hillsdale County Veterans Hall of Valor Committee’s Veterans Day Awards Ceremony. Dr. Kasper is a retired US Army Reserve brigadier general.

Donald D. Shaw, DO, Wellsboro, PA, was inducted into the class of 2023 Wellsboro Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Shaw served as Wellsboro’s team physician for 29 years (19882017), providing medical coverage

Jay S. Feldstein, DO, Gladwyne, PA, president and chief executive officer, PCOM, wrote an article for US News & World Report titled “Why America Needs More Diversity in the Doctor’s Office” (August 4, 2023). Dr. Feldstein offered commentary in Fortune on the importance of DEI programs for an article titled “Persistent Health Disparities Are Proof that DEI Programs Remain Necessary, Even as the Term Becomes a Political Football” (June 19, 2023). Dr. Feldstein was also recognized by Metro Philadelphia as a 2023 Health Care Power Player (October 2023).

1982

Edward V. Reardon, DO, East Greenwich, RI, was the recipient of the Dr. Hal Horowitz Lifetime Achievement Award at the Arthritis Foundation’s Commitment to a Cure Rhode Island event in October. Dr. Reardon is a board-certified rheumatologist who has practiced in Warwick for 34 years. He was selected for the award for having made a positive impact on the lives of arthritis patients in Rhode Island.

1983

Robert A. Kimelheim, DO, New Braunfels, TX, got together with Dan Battafarano, DO ’83. Dr. Kimelheim and Dr. Battafarano are both rheumatologists.

Kenneth E. Wood, DO, Hershey, PA, was named executive vice president and chief medical officer for Penn State Health in April 2023.

1984

Steven E. Barnes, DO, Van Buren Point, NY, was one of eight physicians awarded the 2022 Excellence in Patient Experience Award from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Barnes was chosen from 5,000 UPMC physicians after receiving the highest ratings from patients in practice provider domains. Dr. Barnes is an internal medicine physician with UPMC at Great Lakes Physician Practice in Silver Creek.

Elaine G. Pendrak, DO, Norristown, PA, retired in November 2022 after serving as a preceptor with PCOM’s Suburban Family Medicine Residency Program since 2007. Prior to that, Dr. Pendrak was in private practice for 23 years.

1985

Charles H. Bell, DO, Spring Hill, TN, was a featured guest on the Tate Chronicles podcast, which explores emerging technologies that hold potential to bring beneficial disruptions to health care. Dr. Bell serves as a physician consultant for CereCore and MEDITECH, an electronic health record software provider.

Ellen Davis Conroy, DO, Norristown, PA, was elected president of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society – Philadelphia Chapter for the upcoming year. Dr. Conroy also serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine, most recently as treasurer. Dr. Conroy is actively involved in numerous committees supporting women working in the fields of addiction and mental health.

Dr. Conroy is retired from the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital, where she worked extensively with veterans in addiction and mental health treatment.

Bruce Grossinger, DO, Wynnewood, PA, was a guest on the Who’s Who in Philly Labor Show for a podcast episode titled “The Who’s Who in Philly Labor Show with Guests Kaitlin Files, Esq. of Files Injury Lawyers and Derek Patterson, Esq. of Patterson Injury Lawyers” (April 10, 2023). Dr. Grossinger was also a guest on June 20, 2023, with Sonny Banks and Heidi Villari.

1987

Michael A. Becker, DO, MS, Blue Bell, PA, who serves as associate dean, clinical education, PCOM, was recognized as one of Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Doctors in the May 2023 issue.

Daniel J. Parenti, DO, Philadelphia, PA, who serves as chair, department of internal medicine, PCOM, was interviewed by Healio for an arti-

cle titled “Debt Relief, Reducing Administrative Burden: Primary Care Shortage Needs Several Solutions” (September 6, 2023). In the article, Dr. Parenti shared observations of students pursuing careers in hospital medicine over primary care. Dr. Parenti also completed and passed the subspecialty examination of the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine for recertification in pulmonary medicine.

1988

Russell G. Clayton, DO, Fernandina Beach, FL, was appointed as chief medical officer of Larimar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company.

Marla DePolo Golden, DO, Saint Johns, FL, who serves as dean, osteopathic medical program, PCOM South Georgia, and Jennifer Mitchell, EdD, assistant director of diversity and community relations, PCOM, represented PCOM South Georgia at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast.

Ronald M. Lieberman, DO, Dover, DE, was featured in the March 2023 issue of Suburban Life magazine in an article titled “Back in Action.” The article focused on a procedure called Discseel® that Dr. Lieberman specializes in. The procedure offers a non-surgical pathway to back pain relief.

Gregory G. Papadeas, DO, Englewood, CO, was named one of Denver’s Top Doctors by 5280 Magazine (August 2023). Dr. Papadeas was selected by colleague physicians who were asked whom they would trust most for their dermatologic needs for themselves and their families. Dr. Papadeas is the past president of the Colorado Dermatologic Society and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

1989

Steven J. Halm, DO, Cincinnati, OH, was named founding dean of Xavier University’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Halm will move to this new role after serving for four years as the dean of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. At Xavier, he will be charged with laying the foundation for the launch of the first Jesuit osteopathic medical school.

Gregory McDonald, DO, Philadelphia, PA, who serves as dean of the School of Health Sciences and chair of the Forensic Medicine Program, PCOM, was named to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle A. Henry’s Medical and Legal Advisory Board on Child Abuse, Child Homicide, and Child

Neglect. Dr. McDonald was a guest on the podcast You Matter! with Karen Ortman for an episode titled “Episode 137: Dr. Gregory McDonald, Fentanyl Awareness,” in which Dr. McDonald discussed the proliferation of fentanyl. Dr. McDonald was also a guest on the podcast All Sides with Ann Fisher for an episode titled “Examining the National Shortage of Forensic Pathologists” (May 18, 2023).

George J. Papanicolaou, DO, Byfield, MA, was interviewed on the podcast The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D. for an episode titled “Is Your Bloating a Sign of a More Serious Condition?” (April 10, 2023).

William J. Pesce, DO, New Britain, CT, was recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a Top Doctor in the May 2023 issue. Dr. Pesce serves as the senior vice president and chief medical officer of Hospital for Special Care, where he has helped develop a multidisciplinary team approach. He has been in practice for more than 30 years.

1991

Lee Ann Van Houten-Sauter, DO, Williamstown, NJ, was named the 2023 Physician of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. She was recognized for this honor at the Atlantic Regional Osteopathic Conference meeting held in April.

1992

Coyle Sean Connolly, DO, Moorestown, NJ, was named a 2023 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Dr. Connolly is a nationally recognized and board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical and cosmetic dermatology. Franklyn Robert Gergits, III, DO, Bloomsburg, PA, was featured in Patient Daily in an article titled “Scottsdale Balloon Dilation Physician: ‘I Have Personally Performed Over 2,000 In-Office Balloon Sinuplasties’” (June 14, 2023). Dr. Gergits was the first physician to perform a balloon sinuplasty in Pennsylvania, and has since performed over 2,000 procedures.

George Nicholas Spyropoulos, DO, West Chester, PA, was awarded the 2023 Master Preceptor Award by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

1993

Joseph Anthony Ronsivalle, DO, Elmira, NY, was named president of Guthrie Medical Group, PC, effective May 1, 2023.

Paul Marc Schwartzberg, DO, Chattanooga, TN, joined Children’s Hospital at Erlanger’s Children’s General Pediatrics. Dr. Schwartzberg was named associate dean of academic affairs and designated institutional official at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine – Chattanooga, effective May 1, 2023.

1994

James Leonard Hubbard, DO, Rock Hill, SC, was named the 2023 Physician of the Year by the South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society on June 8, 2023.

Tina Marie Piraino, DO, Portland, ME, is working with the Association of American Medical Colleges and was awarded a small grant to better aid transitions of care from inpatient to outpatient.

1995

Anthony Joseph Abbruzzi, DO, Philadelphia, PA, was named chief medical officer for Angelic Health. In this position, he oversees all clinical aspects of Angelic Health’s programs in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

Michael Ernest Fiorina, DO, Butler, PA, was featured in an article in Cranberry Eagle titled “Son Follows Father’s Footsteps as Doctor” (June 14, 2023). Additionally, Dr. Fiorina hooded his son, Christopher Fiorina, DO ’23, at his graduation from PCOM in May 2023.

Troy Michael Kerner, DO, Newtown, PA, was featured in the April 2023 issue of Suburban Life magazine with Garvey Choi, DO ’00, for their work as general surgeons with Lower Bucks Hospital. The article, titled “A Cut Above,” focused on how Dr. Kerner and Dr. Choi use advanced training, minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge technology to help patients heal.

Johnny Leon Serrano, DO, Peoria, AZ, recently published his first book, Becoming a Surgeon: My Story of the Journey from Surgical Residency to Life as a Surgeon (2023). Dr. Serrano says the book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the indomitable will to make a difference in the face of unimaginable challenges. Dr. Serrano is a general surgeon in Glendale.

1996

Christopher Charles Clark, DO, Erie, PA, was named president of Allegheny Health Network Grove City in Pine Township.

1997

Joanne Michelle Kakaty-Monzo, DO, Malvern, PA, clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PCOM, commented on a shortage of obstetricians in South Georgia for WALB News in a segment titled “OBGYN Deserts Grow in South Georgia” (April 28, 2023).

1998

Jorge A. Gadea, DO, RES ’98, Tampa, FL, is an internist with Tampa General Medical Group Westchase.

Brian D. Rosenthal, DO, Blue Bell, PA, joined Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group as a urologist with St. Mary Comprehensive Urologic Specialists.

Thomas Donald Scott, DO, Danville, PA, joined the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Williamsport. Dr. Scott previously served as the director of cardiac catheterization laboratories and of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at Geisinger Medical Center.

William Joseph Strimel, DO, Philadelphia, PA, was featured in a video created by Vision by Protiviti titled “Physician on the Metaverse: It Will Fundamentally Change Patient Care” (April 7, 2023).

1999

Marie-France Morton McIntee, DO, Lewes, DE, joined Beebe Healthcare as a palliative care physician at Beebe Palliative Care Long Neck, Tunnell Cancer Center and South Coastal Cancer Center.

Paul Eugene Shields, DO, Buffalo, NY, was featured in an article by Buffalo Business First titled “Excellence in Health Care: Paul Shields of Great Lakes Integrated Network, IPA” (June 9, 2023).

2000

Kristen Anne Berry, DO, Ardmore, PA, was interviewed in an article by Healio titled “Biden Administration Designates Fentanyl Laced with Xylazine an ‘Emerging Threat’” (April 13, 2023).

Garvey Choi, DO, Bensalem, PA, was featured in the April 2023 issue of Suburban Life magazine, along with Troy Kerner, DO ’95. The article, titled “A Cut Above,” focused on how Dr. Kerner and Dr. Choi use advanced training, minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge technology to help patients heal.

2001

Ian Michael Baxter, DO, Seaford, DE, joined the staff of TidalHealth OB/GYN in Seaford.

Jeffrey Allan Reyer, DO, Sarver, PA, joined Independence Health System in Greenburg as a family medicine physician.

2002

Karen S. Barbosa, DO, RES ’02, Hurlock, MD, joined Beebe Healthcare’s Center for Breast Health as an oncoplastic breast surgeon.

Brian A. Bast, DO, Norwalk, CT, was recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a Top Doctor in the May 2023 issue. Dr. Bast is a non-surgical specialist who treats patients of all ages with spine, sports and musculoskeletal injuries.

Nicole Heath Bixler, MBA/DO, Land O’Lakes, FL, was named a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) at its annual convention in March 2023. Dr. Bixler was also elected to serve on the Executive Conclave of Fellows for the ACOFP.

Robert Earl Davis, Jr., DO, Paxinos, PA, joined the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Williamsport. He most recently practiced at Geisinger’s Heart and Vascular Institute.

Marshall G. Miles, DO, Orefield, PA, is the associate chief within the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence in Allentown.

Michael Ernest Srulevich, DO, Wynnewood, PA, was awarded the 2023 Master Preceptor Award by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

2003

Keith L. Leaphart, MBA/DO, Philadelphia, PA, was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as a commissioner of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Dr. Leaphart will serve on the commission’s board as secretary-treasurer.

Robert J. Strony, DO, Danville, PA, was appointed as the senior medical quality officer for UPMC’s medical group practices in North Central Pennsylvania. In his new role, Dr. Strony collaborates with leadership and medical staff to support activities, processes and policies resulting in high-quality patient care driven by system-wide clinical practices in standards. In addition to this role, Dr. Strony will continue to practice as an emergency medicine physician.

2004

Gustavo Augusto Lopes, DO, Palm City, FL, joined the staff of Palm Beach Health Network Physician

Group. He also plans to open a bariatric and general surgery clinic in Port St. Lucie.

2005

David Lewis Ambrose, Jr., DO, State College, PA, joined the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Williamsport. He most recently practiced noninvasive cardiology with Geisinger Medical Group in Port Matilda.

Tammy Lynn Dietz, DO, Austin, TX, was featured in Best of Texas Magazine as a Top Doc for her contributions to emergency medicine and aesthetics (2023).

Kissinger P. Goldman, MBA/DO, Fort Lauderdale, FL, published his first book, Dr. Goldman’s Guide to Effective Patient Communication (2023). The book is available in all major bookstores. The book and its companion online training course are being incorporated into the third- and fourth-year curriculum at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Chavone D. Momon-Nelson, MBA/ DO, Carlisle, PA, spoke to today. com for an article titled “I’m an OB-GYN. Here’s How I Talked to My Daughter About Periods” (March 30, 2023). Dr. Momon-Nelson weighed in on the importance of educating girls early about menstruation.

2006

Anna M. Zacharcenko, PsyD, New Hope, PA, obtained a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023.

2007

Jessica Lynn Masser, MS/Biomed, DO, Johnstown, PA, was the 2023 recipient of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association’s Family Physician of the Year Award. Dr. Masser serves as the assistant director of the family medicine residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding service to the profession, including selfless acts of service to the profession, displaying attributes of the ideal family physician such as empathy and patient-centered care, having respect for the profession and modeling professionalism in the community and the profession. Dr. Masser was nominated for the award by Peter Bidey, DO ’08 Erik George Polan, DO, Moorestown, NJ, provided insight on Healio.com about a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The article, “MDs and DOs Offer Similar Quality, Cost of Care” (June 1, 2023), showed

that there are no major differences between MDs vs. DOs in terms of mortality, readmission, length of stay and health care spending for Medicare patients.

2008

Peter Frederick Bidey, DO, MSED, FACOFP, Haddonfield, NJ, dean and chief academic officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM, provided a perspective for Healio.com in the article “‘Stripping Away Care’: Judge Rules ACA Preventive Services Requirement Unconstitutional” (March 31, 2023) about supporting and enhancing preventive primary care services, especially in underserved communities. Dr. Bidey was also interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer for an article titled “Five Questions with a New Dean at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine” (May 25, 2023).

Jacqueline Marie Braden, DO, Lewisburg, PA, joined Evangelical Community Hospital as an obstetrician/gynecologist. Dr. Braden is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Erik Christopher Freeland, DO, Niagara Falls, NY, joined the orthopedic team at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Joni Felicia Jefferson, DO, Raritan, NJ, was featured in an article in Uptown Magazine titled “Introducing Dr. Joni Jefferson, the ‘Zen Doctor’” (April 26, 2023). Dr. Jefferson is the owner of Zen Aesthetics and is committed to making access to healthy skin care more inclusive.

Jared Zavilla, MS/PA, Coopersburg, PA, was promoted to the role of network chairman of advanced practice at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem. In this role, he coordinates and supports advanced practice endeavors throughout the health network, which includes more than 800 advanced practitioners. He is focusing on synchronizing physician and advanced practitioner workflows, standardizing care and improving network processes to result in the top decile of patient outcome.

2009

Brian David Anderson, DO, Jacksonville, FL, opened his fourth clinic specializing in longevity care in Wesley Chapel. Anderson Longevity Clinic offers holistic longevity medicine that does comprehensive health analyses to determine the root cause of health issues. Dr. Anderson also runs clinics in Jacksonville and Cranston, Rhode Island.

Perry Wynn Doan, Jr., DO, Wellsboro, PA, joined UPMC Cole as medical director for emergency services. Dr. Doan also serves as a physician with emergency services at UPMC Wellsboro.

Tiffany Lee DuMont, DO, Sewickley, PA, was named a 2023 Top Physician

Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. DuMont is board-certified in internal medicine, specializing in pulmonology and critical care. Her nominator said, “Dr. DuMont is a hard-working physician who is interested in the good of the community and the advancement of the field of pulmonary critical care. She is a role model, placing patient needs above her own, a respected educator, and problem solver who expeditiously implements program initiatives for the fellowship.”

Zachary Peter Englert, DO, Lincroft, NJ, was recognized as a Top Pinnacle Healthcare Professional by the Inner Circle. Dr. Englert is a trauma and general surgeon at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital –New Brunswick and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Somerset.

Lisa Ann Marie Hain, PsyD, Narvon, PA, was promoted to associate professor of psychology at Albright College’s School of Professional Studies. Dr. Hain also serves as the chair and as a full-time faculty member of Albright’s School of Professional Studies’ Organizational Behavior and Applied Psychology program.

David Holloman, MS/ODL, Philadelphia, PA, was appointed by then Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney as the interim executive director for the city’s Office of Homeless Services in October 2023. Holloman previously served as the chief of staff for the Office of Homeless Services and has over 15 years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

Puja P. Patel, MS/PA, St. Helena, CA, joined Adventist Health’s St. Helena location as an orthopedic surgery physician assistant.

Brian Alan Pryor, DO, Wildbraham, MA, has joined Cooley Dickinson Northampton Plastic Surgery and the Cooley Dickinson Hospital medical staff.

2010

Jessica Ann Ayres, DO, Clearfield, PA, was featured by the Progress News in an article titled “Ayres Brings Traditional Approach to Modern Medicine at Susquehanna Wellness Clinic” (May 19, 2023). Dr. Ayres offers a traditional approach of full attention to her patients to establish trust and two-way communication. Dr. Ayres also offers

patients in-house visits as well as in-home prescription management and vaccinations.

Daria Lin Guelig, DO, Lewisburg, PA, joined the Thyra M. Humphreys Center for Breast Health. Dr. Guelig continues to work at Evangelical Hospital as a general surgeon while devoting time as a breast surgeon to the Center for Breast Health.

Christopher David Hibbard, DO, Philadelphia, PA, joined the staff of St. Luke’s Buxmont Gastroenterology.

Chadd Kenneth Kraus, DO, Allentown, PA, was elected to the American College of Emergency Physicians’ 2023-2024 board of directors. Dr. Kraus is an emergency physician and vice chair of research in the Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown.

2011

Christopher Steven Blanchard, DO, Alpharetta, GA, wrote an article for Best Self Atlanta titled “What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?”

(June 30, 2023). Dr. Blanchard practices at Resurgens Orthopaedics in Cumming and Roswell.

Kennita Luvangee Burns-Johnson, DO, State College, PA, joined the general surgery staff at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Abigail L. Chua, DO, Wayne, NJ, was featured as a “DO to Know” by The DO in an article titled “DO Headache Medicine Specialist Uses Her Unique Experiences to Raise Awareness of Headache Disorders” (September 1, 2023). Dr. Chua is the director of neurology at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Sheedeh Madani, MS/Biomed, Bryn Mawr, PA, was featured in Suburban Life Magazine in an article titled “Building a Strong Foundation” (June 2023). Dr. Madani is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Bala Kids Dentistry in Bala Cynwyd.

Carrie Dawn Watson, DO, Gainesville, FL, was acknowledged by the Inner Circle as a distinguished healthcare provider for her contributions to the trauma surgery field.

2012

Blake Christopher Bailey, DO, Reading, PA, was named a Top Physician Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Bailey is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with Reading Hospital. His nominator said, “What continues to impress me about Dr. Bailey is his dedication to education, both personally and for the residents within our program. He is a self-proclaimed lifelong

learner and as he has taken on more responsibility in the department, he’s developed an interest in leadership and operations.”

Jasmine E. Sessoms, MS/ODL, Philadelphia, PA, joined the Community College of Philadelphia as chief engagement officer. In this newly created role, Ms. Sessoms will oversee the Office of Engagement, which includes managing the College’s local, state, and federal government and legislative priorities, community relations, and workforce development initiatives.

Erik Zarandy, DO, Duluth, GA, assistant professor of family medicine, PCOM Georgia, led a group of medical students in providing medical support at the PGA TOUR Championship at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. As volunteers for medical coverage, students learned to manage varying degrees of heat-related illnesses.

2013

Brian Toy Burgess, DO, Fayetteville, NC, joined FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology in Fayetteville.

Megan Elizabeth Campbell, DO, New Orleans, LA, wrote an article for New Orleans Mom titled “Three Ways to Talk to Children About the Importance of Mental Health” (October 23, 2023). Dr. Campbell is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.

Gina M. DeGregorio-Sonbert, MS/CCHP, Merrick, NY, published a children’s book titled Theodore Bearkins Lost His Blue Sunglasses The book follows a bear who has

autism and features a discussion guide for parents to answer questions about autism spectrum disorder. Ms. DeGregorio-Sonbert founded Families for Inclusion, a nonprofit that teaches people how autism should be approached and understood.

Scott David Glassman, PsyD, Cherry Hill, NJ, director, Applied Positive Psychology Program, PCOM, co-authored an article for the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “How Layoffs Affect Your Health and What to Do About It” (April 18, 2023). He was interviewed by Well+Good for an article titled “3 Surprising Ways That Attending Live Music Concerts Can Improve Your Well-Being” (April 19, 2023). Dr. Glassman also authored an article for Psychology Today titled “Are We Ready for Artificial Empathy?” (April 21, 2023), in which he discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence–simulated empathy. He provided insight for an article by Healthline titled “How the Brain-Body Connection Affects Mental Health Risks” (September 15, 2023). Dr. Glassman was interviewed for an article in Tech Times titled “Suppressing Negative Thoughts for Better Mental Health: Research Reveals Intriguing Results” (September 21, 2023). He was interviewed by NBC 10 where he discussed the psychological benefits of sports in relation to the Phillies’ playoff games (October 18, 2023). Jana Renee Himmelbaum, DO, Buford, GA, returned to PCOM Georgia to teach as a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics.

ANGIE AMADO, PHARMD ’18

Improving Patient Care Through Speciality Pharmacy

by Meghan McCall

As the director of specialty pharmacy services at Visante, Angie Amado, PharmD ‘18, Spring Hill, Tennessee, helps health systems optimize pharmacy services and patient care through operational, clinical and business innovation.

After graduating from PCOM Georgia, Dr. Amado completed a community-based residency at the University of North Carolina’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She then pursued a second year of residency in health system pharmacy administration and leadership in specialty pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin.

“Residency is a novel idea for pharmacists already, and doing a second year of residency is even more unique. It really gave me both the confidence and experience to be a leader,” Dr. Amado explains. An emerging area of pharmacy, specialty pharmacy focuses on high-cost, high-touch medications for patients with complex disease states. It requires a higher level of oversight to ensure medications reach patients in the proper state and are administered properly.

“The focus is on bringing the patients back,” says Dr. Amado. “Patients are seeing a health system’s providers, but they’re having their prescriptions filled by an outside agency. There is a great value of care that a patient can get by internalizing the entire process. By adding pharmacists to the care team, they are able to see the entire picture and not just the prescription.”

Although she does not directly interact with patients, Dr. Amado finds satisfaction in the legacy she leaves with each health system she works with. “I know that I’m indirectly impacting the patient by making sure the overall process works to get them what they need,” she says.

Joanna Marie Kraynak-Appel, DO, Bloomsburg, PA, was named a 2023 Top Physician Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Kraynak-Appel is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine.

Asita Vinayagalingam, MS/ Biomed, Dayton, OH, joined the staff of Almoney & Brown Dental Group in April 2023.

Joy Leigh Ishii Zarandy, DO, Duluth, GA, returned to PCOM Georgia to teach as an assistant professor of family medicine.

2014

Corey Gillespie, MS/Biomed, Smyrna, GA, started a five-year MS/ DO program at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine – Arkansas in the summer of 2023 to pursue his dream of becoming a physician.

Thomas Matthew Lettich, DO, Sugarland, TX, joined the staff of Baylor College of Medicine as a pulmonary and critical care attending.

Kerry-Anne A. Perkins, MS/ Biomed ’09, DO, New City, NY, wrote an article for Philly Voice titled “Closing the Health Care Disparity Gap for Black People Who Are Pregnant” (June 21, 2023).

Kamina Richardson, MS/ODL, Wilmington, DE, joined the board of Collective Success Network, a volunteer-run Philadelphia-based nonprofit that supports first-generation and

low-income college students to help them achieve their academic and career aspirations through mentorship, professional development, networking and leadership opportunities.

Gilbert Albert Smith, DO, Gillette, WY, joined the staff of Campbell County Health Behavioral Health Services.

LeeAnn Mie Tanaka, DO, Philadelphia, PA, was interviewed by WHYY for an article titled “Philly Doctors Call New OTC Birth Control Pill a ‘Game Changer’ for Reproductive Health Options” (July 18, 2023). Dr. Tanaka also wrote an article for Healio titled “Women with Disabilities Face Lower Odds of Receiving Cervical Cancer Screening” (August 31, 2023). Dr. Tanaka is a physician with PCOM’s Healthcare Centers.

Hans Thoele Zuckerman, DO, Lebanon, PA, was named a 2023 Top Physician Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Zuckerman is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine.

2015

Claire Elizabeth Mei M. Otteni, DO, Philadelphia, PA, was named one of the 10 Best Dermatologists in Philadelphia by US Today News (September 18, 2023). Dr. Otteni is board-certified and specializes in surgical, cosmetic and general dermatology.

Delaware Cardiovascular Associates as a cardiology physician assistant.

Michael Giovanni Tecce, DO, Philadelphia, PA, joined Fox Chase Cancer Center as an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Tecce will focus on complex cancer reconstruction using microsurgery in bone, soft tissue and the lymphatic system.

2017

Shimy Apoorva, DO, New Hyde Park, NY, joined SightMD Connecticut as an ophthalmologist. Dr. Apoorva specializes in the management of ocular inflammatory diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and infectious eye conditions including scleritis, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and uveitis. She also manages patients with glaucoma, cataracts, keratitis, diabetic retinopathy, AMD and dry eyes.

Brianna Mew, DO, Duncansville, PA, joined the staff of Community Physician Group Primary Care.

Carmen M. Piccolo, DO, RES, Florence, SC, is a surgeon with McLeod Vascular Associates in Florence, where he plays a crucial role within the Vein Center. Dr. Piccolo is board-certified in both general surgery and vascular surgery.

Mark D. Williams, DO, Harrisonburg, VA, was interviewed for an article in the Citizen titled “For Joint Replacements, Outpatient Procedures Become More Common at Sentara RMH” (September 19, 2023). Dr. Williams is an orthopedic surgeon at Sentara RMH Medical Center. He specializes in total joint replacement of the hip and knee.

2016

Brian Kim, DO, Ambler, PA, is a physician with St. Luke’s Gastroenterology, seeing patients in Jim Thorpe and Coaldale. Dr. Kim completed his gastroenterology fellowship at St. Luke’s. While a fellow, Dr. Kim won the American College of Gastroenterology’s Annual GI Jeopardy Championship.

Darra O. Markland, MS/PA, Rehoboth Beach, DE, joined Beebe Healthcare General Surgery. She assists with surgical cases and performs procedures at the bedside as well as preoperative and postoperative patient assessments. Prior to joining Beebe Healthcare, she worked for

James J. Giannone, DO, RES ’17, Binghamton, NY, joined St. Joseph’s Health Physicians in Liverpool as a general surgeon. Dr. Giannone is a board-certified, fellowship-trained general surgeon specializing in foregut, hernia, and gastrointestinal surgeries, and wound healing.

Sarah Elizabeth Kleinle, DO, Nazareth, PA, was appointed medical director of the John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center at Lehigh Valley Health Network in September 2023.

Shane Richard Specht, DO, Lancaster, PA, was named a 2023 Top Physician Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Specht is a board-certified internist and is affiliated with UPMC Community Osteopathic and UPMC Lititz.

Courtney Arianne Washington, DO, New Orleans, LA, was the focus of an article on nola.com titled “Dr. Courtney Washington Thrives with Commitment to Educating Patients and Empowering the Next Generation” (July 2, 2023).

2019

Alyssa Lauren Kurtz, DO, Pottstown, PA, joined Axia Women’s Health Valley Forge OBGYN.

Ali H. Moosavi, DO, Harrisburg, PA, was recognized by Penn State College of Medicine’s Office for a Respectful Learning Environment for its “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program. The program recognizes exceptional faculty, residents and fellows each month. Dr. Moosavi is a fifth-year radiology resident.

Chike Olisa Nwokolo, DO, Valparaiso, IL, joined Northwest Medical Group as a family medicine physician, working out of the group’s Valparaiso location.

2020

Leslie Mauras Fernandez, PsyD, Philadelphia, PA, director of clinical training and assistant professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, PCOM, was featured in a CBS Philadelphia news report during Hispanic Heritage Month titled “Two Professors in Wynnefield Heights Hope to Diversify the Medical Field Ahead of National Latino Physician Day” (September 28, 2023).

Ashley Oneal Poole, PsyD, Philadelphia, PA, assistant professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, PCOM, is serving as the faculty advisor for PCOM’s Sisters in Medicine chapter. The group aims to support the next generation of Black women in medical and graduate school. Dr. Poole was interviewed about the group for an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “The Black Women of Sisters in Medicine Are Helping One Another Make It in Health Care” (September 19, 2023). Dr. Poole wrote an article for Healio titled “Connections between Depression and Cannabis Strengthened with Recreational Legalization” (October 17, 2023). Dr. Poole was also featured on NBC 10 in a segment about PCOM’s Sisters in Medicine organization (October 23, 2023).

Yassmin Shariff, DO, Rome, GA, graduated from the Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program. After graduation, she joined Northside Hospital Primary Care in Peachtree Corners.

2021

Aaron Michael Brooking, DO, RES ’21, Fort Lauderdale, FL, joined Holy Cross Medical Group as a neurosurgeon at the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute and Phil Smith ALS and Movement Disorders Clinic. The group is the only specialized care for ALS patients in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Kevin Michael Klifto, DO, Columbia, MO, is conducting a clinical trial to determine if the standard treatment for cat bites, the prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent infection, is helping patients or contributing to antibiotic overuse. Dr. Klifto is a plastic surgery resident at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

2022

Jacob Ioannis Valvis, DO, Wilmington, DE, matched to Beebe Healthcare’s newly established family medicine residency program.

2023

Xavia Taylor, DO, Moultrie, GA, was featured in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution titled “What Is an Osteopath? Georgia School’s Graduates Caring for Rural Communities” (September 22, 2023). The article focused on the impact that PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia are having on health care in rural communities. Dr. Taylor is an internal medicine resident at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville. She grew up in Colquitt County, where Archbold is located.

William Dennison Brewster, Jr., DO, Lexington, KY, is completing his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

IN MEMORIAM

Robert J. Aitken, DO ’81, Haddonfield, NJ, July 6, 2023

Allen L. Axe, DO ’73, Boynton Beach, FL, June 24, 2023

Lawrence W. Bailey, DO ’44, Harpswell, ME, November 12, 2023

Kenneth R. Bill, Jr., DO ’88, Falls Creek, PA, September 22, 2023

Robert D. Bricker, DO ’89, Pottsville, PA, September 5, 2023

Charles R. Bridges, DO ’64, Philadelphia, PA, July 28, 2023

Thomas W. Cerato, DO ’79, Glendale, AZ, November 5, 2023

David Coffey, DO ’84, Philadelphia, PA, June 2, 2023

John J. Damiani, DO ’54, Warren, OH, September 18, 2023

Jeffrey L. Drobil, DO ’94, New Tripoli, PA, August 29, 2023

Philip W. Eppley, II, DO ’72, York, PA, November 14, 2023

Janis Fegley, DO ’87, Lacey, WA, July 3, 2023

D. Bruce Foster, DO ’72, Waynesboro, PA, December 17, 2023

Anthony J. Fugaro, DO ’66, Glen Mills, PA, December 23, 2023

James C. Giudice, DO ’68, Haddonfield, NJ, August 1, 2023

B. Marilee Glauser, DO ’79, Pompano Beach, FL, November 11, 2023

Harvey A. Harris, DO ’66, Boca Raton, FL, January 9, 2024

Charles W. Hash, Jr., DO ’72, York, PA, September 2, 2023

Paul W. Herr, DO ’52, East Petersburg, PA, August 28, 2023

Bennett Kugler, DO ’79, Glenside, PA, July 30, 2023

Jeremy V. Lawimore, MS/Psy ’07, Philadelphia, PA, September 8, 2023

James A. Lazor, DO ’73, Newton Falls, OH, January 17, 2024

James N. Masterson, DO ’87, Greensburg, PA, July 31, 2023

William Gilbert McDowell, DO ’54, Hermitage, PA, December 22, 2022

Michael P. Najarian, DO ’77, Harrisburg, PA, June 20, 2023

John H. Nicholson, DO ’77, Palmerton, PA, January 30, 2024

Francis H. Oliver, DO ’73, Ardmore, OK, February 4, 2024

Richard B. Omel, DO ’62, Brighton, MI, August 26, 2021

Arthur G. Pappas, DO ’57, Melbourne, FL, July 21, 2023

Richard A. Pinkerton, DO ’71, Johnstown, PA, August 30, 2023

Gerson Schwartz, DO ’53, Audubon, PA, October 28, 2023

Ira C. Sachs, DO ’80, Bryn Mawr, PA, January 22, 2024

Richard L. Shaffer, DO ’79, Daytona Beach, FL, October 2, 2023

Salvatore R. Vasile, DO ’57, Wilmington, DE, January 19, 2024

Walter O. Willoughby, DO ’57, McMurray, PA, December 21, 2023

Joseph J. Zienkiewicz, DO ’02, Pottsville, PA, October 26, 2023

Christopher Shawn Holaway, PharmD

Former Assistant Professor, PCOM School of Pharmacy November 19, 2023

Christopher Shawn Holaway, PharmD, former assistant professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, PCOM School of Pharmacy, passed away on November 19, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. A registered pharmacist, Dr. Holaway viewed his clinician/educator role as a passionate calling and service of faith to help eliminate health disparities in order to create health equity.

The first in his family to attend college, Dr. Holaway earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Alabama-Birmingham, a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University and his doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Florida.

He also taught in the Department of Family Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine and was a longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Hosea Helps and the Atlanta Track Club. However, of all his many interests, he was most passionate about serving God and being a loving father to his son and daughter.

For the 125th anniversary, Marketing and Communications and Social Media teams are recreating historic photos found in the Digest database. New shots were set up similar to the original, and tell a story each month to show how PCOM has remained the same, and how we have changed. Look for a new photo each month on our social media channels!