2023 PCOM South Georgia Commencement Program

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes you to the South GeorgiaCommencement Ceremony honoring the Classes of 2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Classes of 2023

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

PCOM South GeorgiaOverview

Established in 2019, PCOM South Georgia is a private, not-for-profit, accredited institute of higher education dedicated to the healthcare professions e Moultrie, Georgia, campus is affiliated with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a premier osteopathic medical school with a storied histor y

Founded in 1899, PCOM operates three campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Suwanee, Georgia, and Moultrie, Georgia Joining PCOM Georgia in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state, PCOM South Georgia focuses on educating physicians for the South Georgia region

PCOM South Georgia offers both a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree Emphasizing a “whole person approach to care, ” PCOM South Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and ser vice to the wider community

e College is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

Commencement Speaker

MR. JIM MATNey, PReSIDeNT AND CeO COLqUIT T RegIONAL MeDICAL CeNTeR MOULTRIe, gA

When discussions began about the possibility of locating a medical school in Moultrie, James L. Matney became one of the leading advocates. As Colquitt Regional Medical Center (CRMC) chief executive officer since August 2011, Matney has played a prominent role in improving healthcare quality in Colquitt County and throughout South Georgia. He was instrumental in helping PCOM establish its South Georgia campus and founding the Georgia South Family Medicine and Psychiatry Residency Programs at CRMC

Originally from Grundy, Virginia, Matney earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and a master of health administration degree from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia

He began his career as a chief financial officer for HCA/HTI and Columbia Healthcare. During his 14 years with HCA, Matney served hospitals in Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee before moving to Oregon and then back to Virginia, still serving as CFO. With a d esire to move up the corporate ladder, which required experience in operations, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to become chief operating officer for Phoenix Baptist Hospital.

Matney became chief executive officer of Valley View Medical Center in Bullhead City, Arizona, in 2006. He then began employment with Ameris Health, Inc., with whom he served as CEO of Jack Hughston Memoial Hospital in Phoenix City, Alabama, followed by CEO of Smith North View Hospital in Valdosta, Georgia. When Smith North View Hospital was sold in 2011, the Hospital Authority of Colquitt County contacted Matney to become the chief executive officer of Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie.

Colquitt Regional has experienced record growth under Matney's leadership He has continued to recruit additional specialists to the medical staff, invested in the latest technology for patient care, and most recently acquired a skilled nursing facility

In 2012 Colquitt Regional made advancements in technology with the purchase of the da Vinci robot, allowing surgeons to perform more complex procedures while making smaller incisions. e following year Vereen Rehabilitation Center officially opened, and the most significant expansion and renovation project in the hospital's history began

Colquitt Regional Medical Center received an A grade for its hospital safety score in 2014. is is based on how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries, and infections. It is compiled under the guidance of the nation's leading experts and administered by the Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog To date Colquitt Regional has received 16 consecutive "A" hospital safety scores and is consistently named a "Top Rural Hospital."

Commencement Speaker

e year 2015 marked the grand opening of the $30+ million, 60,000+ square foot expansion of the hospital with a new emergency department, surgical suites, intensive care unit, and centralized patient lobby. is year also witnessed the renovation of newly vacated areas to expand and enhance patient services

In 2019, the Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program, established under Matney’s leadership, graduated its first class. So far, the program has graduated 14 residents and expanded to offer a psychiatry track.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Matney guided Colquitt Regional through challenging times He led administration and medical staff in quickly adapting to various challenges while striving to keep the doors open while prioritizing patient care and staff safety.

In 2021 Matney ushered in a new service line, radiation oncology, to the Edwards Cancer Center. Now the Center is expanding to include gynecologic oncology. e Ameris Bank Graduate Medical Education building is currently under construction on the hospital campus, with expected completion this fall. In addition to housing the residency programs, this state-of-the-art building will feature an auditorium and four simulation labs for in-depth training.

During his time at the helm of Colquitt Regional, Matney has also found ways to give back to the community. He has been chair of the Colquitt County Economic Development Authority, chair of Colquitt County United Way, and a Georgia Hospital Association board member. For his commitment to the community, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce presented him with the 2015 Man of the Year Award.

Matney lives in Moultrie with his wife, Jill. ey are the parents of three grown children

Awards

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Awards

We congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and ser vice to the College and community.

2023

DOCTOR OF OSTeOPATHIC MeDICINe

MASON W. PReSSLy AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated exceptional ser vice to the community and to the College.

William Dennison Brewster Jr.

PCOM SOUTH geORgIA STUDeNT AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who attained the highest scholastic average.

Shelby Mcgee

THe DeAN’S AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who, by personal and professional conduct and by contributions to student affairs and to the general program of PCOM South Georgia, has been deemed worthy of special citation as recipient of the Dean’s Award.

William Dennison Brewster Jr.

eXCeLLeNCe IN OSTeOPATHIC MANIPUL ATIVe MeDICINe AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty within the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, has shown exceptional ability in the use of osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic manipulative treatment

James Trenton grier

eXCeLLeNCe IN PRIMARy CARe AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has been selected as most proficient in family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology.

William Dennison Brewster Jr.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Awards

eXCeLLeNCe IN SPeCIALT y CARe AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated excellence in surger y, specialty internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurology, pathology and radiology

Pavan Patel

THe gALeN S. yOUNg, SR., DO MeMORIAL AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has shown exceptional interest and ability in the field of surger y.

Kathleen Mae Uy Br yan

P CO M S O U T H g e O Rg I A R e S e A RC H AWA R D

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated a strong interest in medical education research and/or public health research.

Max Blaze Kabolowsky

THe T.A. SAPPINgTON AWARD IN FAMILy MeDICINe

Awarded to a graduate who has been selected for a Georgia Family Medicine Residency Program and who demonstrates leadership abilities and participation in school and community activities.

James Trenton griner

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD

Awarded by the Alumni Association of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to a member of the graduating class who has been selected because of the high caliber of performance of professional duties in hospital and outpatient ser vices and academic excellence in basic and clinical sciences.

Shelby Mcgee

THe JeSSIe M. yOUNg MeMORIAL AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class for exceptional ser vice to the community or to the College.

Chizoba Ogechi Akunwanne

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Awards

PCOM SOUTH geORgIA STUDeNT AFFAIRS LeADeRSHIP AWARD

In recognition of the class member who demonstrated exceptional leadership by establishing student organizations and representing the student body in the College and the community

Matthew Thomas Powell

PCOM SOUTH geORgIA OSTeOPATHIC MeDICAL ASSOCIATION

TRIMBLe AWARD OF eXCeLLeNCe

Awarded to the student recognized as an outstanding graduate upon recommendation of the faculty and administration of PCOM South Georgia in consultation with the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association.

griffin Tygart Clyatt

PReSIDeNT ’S LeADeRSHIP IN DIVeRSIT y AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereto.

Jasmine Rogers

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Awards

We congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and ser vice to the College and community.

2023

MASTeR OF SCIeNCe IN BIOMeDICAL SCIeNCeS

THe DeAN’S AWARD

Awarded to a member of the graduating class who attained the highest scholastic average

Anna Beth Boyette

BIOMeDICAL SCIeNCeS LeADeRSHIP AWARD

This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic achievement, and the ability to effectively represent the class in college and community affairs.

Sarah Kate Boyette

Degrees in Course

Chizoba Ogechi Akunwanne

JonHenry Allen

Paulina Sima Birenbaum

William Dennison Brewster Jr.

Kathleen Mae Uy Bryan

griffin Tygart Clyatt

Kaelin edward DeMuth

Woodly Terry Dominique

Tyler Patrick Dunn

Christian gaston edwards

Moshe erdfrocht

Mumta essarani

Shelby McCoy Flowers

geossette garcia

Keith Woodward gramling Jr.

Dallas Alexander greene

James Trenton griner

Degrees in Course

DOCTOR OF OSTeOPATHIC MeDICINe

Anthony James Hubbard

Lucas Scribner Hyler

Daaniya Jamal

Petar Hu-quay Jen

Max Blaze Kabolowsky

gurshan Kaur

Jazmone e. Kelly

Hurara Khan

Miles Patrick McCabe

Shelby Mcgee

Alyson Brooke Meyer

McKay Nichols Morrow

Son Nam Nguyen

Suzie Vu Pace

Dhruv Patel

Nikhil yashvant Patel

Pavan Patel

Setu Dipak Patel

Julia Michelle Patterson

Aliza Marie Perez

Michael Lee Phillips Jr.

Matthew omas Powell

Jasmine Rogers

Smera Saikumar

Monali N. Shah

Ravi Vishnu Soni

Shivani Sookchand

Daniel Alexander Sorial

Xavia yashica Taylor

Andres Tortolero

Allison Joy Tresner

Caroline Justina Twum

Shruti Vaghasia

quy Van

Jessica Marie youssef

Degrees in Course

MASTeR OF SCIeNCe IN BIOMeDICAL SCIeNCeS

Anna Beth Boyette

Sarah Kate Boyette

Abishag TLuang Cer

Cole DeMott

Perr y Chandler Mullis

Caleb Rogers

gar y Sellers

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Chizoba Ogechi Akunwanne Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Internal Medicine

JonHenr y Allen AU-UGA Medical Partnership Athens, GA Internal Medicine

Paulina Sima Birenbaum Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston, FL Neurology

William Dennison Brewster Jr. University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington, KY Emergency Medicine

Kathleen Mae Uy Br yan St David’s Healthcare GME Austin, T X Surger y-General

griffin Tygart Clyatt HCA Healthcare/ USF Morsani GME-Largo Largo, FL Orthopaedic Surger y

Kaelin edward DeMuth HCA Healthcare East FL Division GME Plantation, FL Emergency Medicine

Woodly Terr y Dominique Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, GA Transitional Year

Tyler Patrick Dunn omas Hospital Fairhope, AL Internal Medicine

Christian gaston edwards South Georgia Medical Education & Research Consortium Moultrie, GA Family Medicine

Moshe erdfrocht Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Mumta essarani Bayhealth Medical Center Dover, DE Internal Medicine

Shelby McCoy Flowers South Georgia Medical Education & Research Consortium Moultrie, GA Family Medicine

geossette garcia HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani-Northside St. Petersburg, FL Internal Medicine

Keith Woodward gramling Jr. South Georgia Medical Education & Research Consortium Moultrie, GA Psychiatr y

Dallas Alexander greene University Hospitals-Jackson Jackson, MS Surger y-Preliminar y

James Trenton griner Floyd Medical Center Rome, GA Family Medicine

Anthony James Hubbard U of Central FL/HCA Healthcare GME Ocala, FL Anesthesiology

Lucas Scribner Hyler Campbell University Lumberton, NC Family Medicine

Daaniya Jamal Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Philadelphia, PA Transitional Year

Petar Hu-quay Jen HCA Healthcare East FL Division GME Ft. Lauderdale, FL Emergency Medicine

Max Blaze Kabolowsky Broward Health Medical Center Deerfield Beach, FL Transitional Year

gurshan Kaur Inspira Health Network Vineland, NJ Transitional Year

Jazmoné e. Kelly Community Memorial Health System Ventura, CA Orthopaedic Surger y

Hurara Khan HCA Healthcare/ USF Morsani GME-Largo Largo, FL Psychiatr y

Miles Patrick McCabe Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, GA Transitional Year

Shelby Mcgee Tidelands Health Myrtle Beach, SC Family Medicine

Alyson Brooke Meyer ISMMS Mount Sinai Morningside-West New York, NY Internal Medicine

McKay Nichols Morrow Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Spartanburg, SC Family Medicine

Son Nam Nguyen Ochsner Clinic Foundation New Orleans, LA Internal Medicine

Suzie Vu Pace St Mar y Medical Center Langhorne, PA Internal Medicine

Dhruv Patel Crozer-Chester Medical Center Upland, PA Emergency Medicine

Nikhil yashvant Patel Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, GA Emergency Medicine

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Pavan Patel Memorial Health-University Medical Center Savannah, GA Radiology-Diagnostic

Setu Dipak Patel WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Smyrna, GA Family Medicine

Julia Michelle Patterson Archbold Medical Center omasville, GA Internal Medicine

Aliza Marie Perez ISMMS Mount Sinai Hospital New York, NY Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Michael Lee Phillips Jr. Memorial Health-University Medical Center Savannah, GA Internal Medicine

Matthew omas Powell McLaren Health Care Corp Pontiac, MI Orthopaedic Surger y

Jasmine Rogers University of Central FL/ HCA Healthcare GME Kissimmee, FL Obstetrics and Gynecology

Smera Saikumar Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Philadelphia, PA Emergency Medicine

Monali N. Shah Albert Einstein Healthcare Network East Norriton, PA Transitional Year

Ravi Vishnu Soni University of Texas Medical School-Houston Houston, T X Emergency Medicine

Shivani Sookchand Florida State University COM Cape Coral, FL Internal Medicine

Daniel Alexander Sorial Kettering Health Network Dayton, OH Neurology

Xavia yashica Taylor Archbold Medical Center omasville, GA Internal Medicine

Andres Tortolero University of Florida COM-Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Emergency Medicine

Allison Joy Tresner South Georgia Medical Education & Research Consortium Moultrie, GA Family Medicine

Caroline Justina Twum University of Florida COM-Shands Hospital Gainesville, FL Emergency Medicine

Shruti Vaghasia University of Florida COM-Shands Hospital Gainesville, FL Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical

quy Van WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Smyrna, GA Family Medicine

Jessica Marie youssef Prisma Health-University of SC SOM Greer, SC Psychiatr y

P h i l a d e l p h i a C o l l e g e o f

O s t e o p a t h i c M e d i c i n e

B

o a r d s o f T r u s t e e s

A d m i n i s t r a t i o n

A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n

Boards of Trustees

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Officers

Chairman of the Board Thomas J. Gravina

Vice Chairman John B. Bulger, DO ’95, MBA

Vice Chairman Jerel A. Hopkins, Esquire

Vice Chairman A Scott McNeal, DO ’88

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

Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kenneth J Veit, DO ’76, MBA, FACOFP

Vice President for Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Peter Doulis, CPA

Chief Legal Affairs Officer and Assistant Secretar y David F Simon, JD

Chief Advancement and Strategic Carrie Collins, JD, PhD Planning Officer

Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer Marcine Pickron-Davis, PhD

Chief Campus Officer – PCOM Georgia R. Br yan Ginn, Jr.*

Executive Assistant to the President and Secretar y Lynn A Kush, BSBA

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

James H Black, DO ’62, LLD (Hon )

John B Bulger, DO ’95, MBA

Timothy P. Burgess

Joseph A. Dieterle, DO ’70

elma Dye-Holmes, PhD

Matthew O. Elkes

Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81

Marla D. Golden, DO ’88, MS, FACEP**

omas J. Gravina

*Officer of the PCOM Board only

**Faculty Representative

***Alumni Representative

Jerel A Hopkins, Esquire

John P Kearney

Vincent Lobo, DO ’65

R. David McCleskey

A. Scott McNeal, DO ’88

Wayne T. Sikes

Virginia A. Stallings, MD

Wiliam B. Swallow, DO ’79, MS/FM ’20, FACOFP***

Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, FACOFP

Administration

Jay S. Feldstein, DO President and Chief Executive Officer

Kenneth J. Veit, DO, MBA

Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean

Peter Doulis, CPA Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

David Simon, JD Chief Legal Affairs Officer

R. Bryan ginn, Jr. Chief Campus Officer, PCOM Georgia

Carrie Collins, JD, PhD

Chief Advancement Officer and Strategic Planning Officer

Marcine Pickron-Davis, PhD Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer

Linda R. Adkison, PhD, MS

Associate Provost, Accreditation, Growth and Development

Robert DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP

Dean, School of Professional and Applied Psychology, PCOM

Stephanie H. Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

Interim Dean, School of Professional and Appled Psychology, PCOM

Associate Dean for Academic Integration of the School of Professional and Applied Psychology

Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology

Robert J. Lloyd, DO, MSMed, FACOS

Interim Dean, PCOM South Georgia

Osteopathic Medical Program

Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP

Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM Georgia

gregory McDonald, DO

Dean, School of Health Sciences

Shawn Spencer, PharmD

Dean and Chief Academic Officer, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Arthur Sesso, DO

Interim Dean of Osteopathic Medical Program

Curricular Innovation and Oversight and Chair, Surgery, PCOM

David Kuo, DO

Associate Dean for Graduate Medical

Education and Director of Medical Education

Nikita Mirajkar, PhD

Associate Dean, Curricular Execution Osteopathic Medicine Program

Naushad M. Khan ghilzai, PhD, BPharm

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Michael Becker, DO, MS

Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM

Marla golden, DO

Associate Dean of Clinical Education

PCOM Georgia, PCOM South Georgia

Michael Lee, PhD

Assistant Dean, PCOM Georgia

Assistant Dean, Assessment & Program Quality, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Sara Reece, PharmD, CDCeS, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCeS

Interim Assistant Dean of Professional and Student Affairs

School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Julie Wickman, PharmD

Assistant Dean, Clinical and Experiential Affairs

School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Sue Hingley, PhD

Interim Chair,

Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM

Jeffrey Branch, edD

Chair, Department of Organizational Development & Leadership

elizabeth A. gosch, PhD, ABPP

Chair, Department of Counseling, PCOM

Jessica glass Kendorski, PhD, NCSP , BCBA-D

Chair, Department School Psychology, PCOM

Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C

Chair, Physician Assistant Studies PCOM and PCOM Georgia

Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT

Chair, Physical erapy, PCOM Georgia

Avadhesh C. Sharma, PharmD, PhD

Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Jennifer Shaw, PhD

Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences

PCOM South Georgia

John Tovar, PharmD

Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia

Richard White, PhD, FAHA

Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM Georgia

Oliver Chen, PhD Chief Library Services Officer

Jane Z. Dumsha, PhD Chief Research Operations Officer

Mindy george-Weinstein, PhD Chief Research and Science Officer

Joanne Jones, MBA Chief of Campus Operations for PCOM South Georgia

erik Langenau, DO, MS

Chief Academic Technologies Officer

Brian Mann, MA, PA-C Chief Simulation Operations Officer

Patience Mason, Med Chief Student Affairs Officer

Samuel A. Matheny, Med, MA

Chief Student Services Officer, Offices of Financial Aid and Registrar

Maureen O’Mara Carver Registrar

Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association

The PCOM Alumni Association Board of Directors 2023 Council members

executive Council

Paul LaPoint, DO ’90, President

Shanda Lucas O’Dennis, MS/ODL ’09 Vice President

Michael Becker, DO ’87, President-Elect

William Swallow, DO ’79, MS/FM ’20, Past President

Ruark Lanham, MS/ODL’ 07, Awards Committee Chair

Jessica Masser, DO ’07, Nominating Committee Chair

Jennifer Dwyer, DO ’08, School of Osteopathic Medicine Chair

Jennifer Alvarado, MS/FM ’08, School of Health Sciences Chair

Krystal Carter, MS/CCHP ’10, School of Professional and Applied Psychology Chair

Members at Large

Christopher Brown, MS/CCHP ’11

Ashara Cashaw, PsyD ’13

Dipan Desai, DO ’02

Elisa Giusto, DO ’18

Gretta Gross, DO ’97

William Pesce, DO ’89

Preston Williams, MS/PA ’07, PA-C, DHSC

Student Representatives

Matthew Peterman (DO ’25)

PCOM South Georgia

Sagar Darira (DO ’25)

PCOM Georgia

Joseph Tran (MS/Biomed ’22)

PCOM

Alumni Association Board Representative to PCOM Board of Trustees

William Swallow, DO ’79, MS/FM ’20

PCOM President & CeO

Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81

Chief Development & Alumni engagement Officer

Necie Liggeons, MS/ODL ’20

P h i l a d e l p h i a C o l l e g e o f

O s t e o p a t h i c M e d i c i n e

T h e M a c e a n d B a t o n

T h e C o l l e g e S e a l

T h e A c a d e m i c C o s t u m e

T h e O a t h

V i s i o n S t a t e m e n t

The Mace and Baton

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia Campus academic processions are led by the bearer of the College mace, who precedes or accompanies the president of the College

The bearers of the mace and baton serve as marshals of faculty

The medieval mace was first a protective device for the clergy, who were not allowed to carr y swords. Later, the mace became ceremonial and is carried today in the Houses of Parliament in England and also in the United States House of Representatives where, when in position to the right of the Speaker of the House, it is a symbol of his or her authority.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s original mace and baton were designed by Paul T. Lloyd, DO ’23, and created by William F. J. Ryan of New York, a member of the International Academy of Heraldr y. The mace and baton were presented to the College by the Alumni Association in 1972. Faculty marshals in all academic processions since that time have carried them.

The mace and baton were replicated for PCOM Georgia by Henr y Hopkins, III, a silversmith of Baltimore, Mar yland They were formally presented to President Matthew Schure on May 14, 2009, by Paul Evans, DO ’79; H William Craver, III, DO ’87; Gar y H Watson, PhD; and the Alumni Association of PCOM, whose generous contributions made the replication of the mace and baton possible

A sphere with a golden crown tops the mahogany staff heralding sovereign authority of the College to grant academic degrees by virtue of the powers given it by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Engraved on the sphere is the caduceus, the symbol of medicine. The caduceus represents the staff of Aescsulapius, the Latin name for Askelepios, the Greek god of medicine, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis. A snake is entwined on the staff ’ s branch because the serpent was held sacred to the gods and was an early symbol of medicine.

Three coats of arms appear on the upper of the two hexagonal modes: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (directly beneath the caduceus), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia (the locale of the College since its founding in 1899). PCOM’s coat of arms is engraved on the top of the marshal’s baton, a symbol of authority in keeping with the title and office held by the marshal

The metallic elements of the mace, to wit the hexagonal modes and the globe, are bronze-based with heavily plated rhodium The coronet is gold-plated and the staff is South American mahogany

The College Seal

The College seal first appeared in 1925 embossed on the cover of The Synapsis, the College’s first yearbook. Volume One of The Synapsis was published by the junior class of Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in honor of the graduating class of 1925. The first seal incorporated the College motto mens et manus, “mind and hand.” The seal’s origin is unknown, as is its designer.

In 1938, Edgar O. Holden, DO ’22, dean of the College from 1924 to 1943, and Russell C. Erb, PhD, associate dean from 1937 to 1943, proposed and designed a coat of arms. The coat of arms appeared for the first time in the 1938 alumni magazine and featured a heraldic design that applies to the osteopathic profession. The three triangles are symbolic of the three segments of the vertebral column, which has a significant part in the science of osteopathic medicine. The hand emerges from a noble crown indicative of the regal aspect and dignity, as well as the healing powers of the human hand when applied to the art and science of osteopathic medicine. The College motto was retained and the coat of arms was utilized as the College seal in various motifs through the mid-1980s

An adaptation of the first College seal was re-introduced in 1986 Today’s College seal, similar to the original, was adopted following the College’s Centennial Celebration in 1999

The seal features a centrally placed shield within which are shown a scroll and a flaming torch of knowledge. Immediately above is the College motto, reflecting the College’s osteopathic origin. Uppermost and arranged in a radial pattern are streaks of solar brilliance. Separated from either side of the shield are branches of laurel joined and bound together at the center, close to the base of the shield. These components exemplify teaching, learning and the attainment of knowledge leading to successful careers in the healthcare professions. The name of the College and the year of its founding encircle the seal.

The Academic Costume

The histor y of academic costume originated in medieval times and stems from the early days of the oldest universities It is thought that long gowns were first worn for warmth in the cold lecture halls And hoods may have covered the tonsured head (shorn crown) of priests and monks who made up the faculty One university insisted on the tonsure for scholars The hoods were replaced by the skull cap, which in turn was displaced by a headgear somewhat like that worn today.

The faculty and students of European universities still wear a diversity of academic regalia. However, in 1893, a United States intercollegiate commission dictated a uniform code that has been accepted by most American colleges and universities.

The commission devised three types of gowns and three types of hoods for the bachelor’s, the master ’ s and the doctorate degrees. All gowns are black except for the associate in arts degree, which is gray.

The bachelor’s gown features pointed sleeves and is worn closed; the master ’ s gown has an oblong sleeve and may be worn open or closed. The gown for the doctorate degree has bellshaped sleeves slashed with three velvet bars. The front of the gown is faced with velvet and is worn either open or closed.

The colorful hoods are lined with silk in the color or colors of the institution granting the degree (PCOM’s colors are maroon and gray) In addition, the hood is trimmed with velvet facing representing the academic discipline in which the degree has been granted: white for arts; letters or humanities; golden-yellow for science; purple for law; lemon-yellow for librar y science; sapphire-blue for commerce or business; light blue for education; brown for fine arts, dark blue for philosophy; green for medicine–the color of life and growth (Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons wear hoods trimmed with crimson). The length of the hood varies according to the degree: short for the associate and bachelor’s degree, medium for the master ’ s and long for the doctorate.

Mor tarboards are generally recommended for caps, although soft, square-topped caps are permissible. Tassels may be black or gold and are usually gold for the doctorate degree. While there is no r ule for the position of the tassel, many colleges and universities (including PCOM) request the candidates to wear the tassel on the right side and to shift it to the left at the moment the degree is awarded.

The Osteopathic Oath

“I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preser ve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature ’ s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recover y

I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me.

I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.

I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me.

I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still ”

Doctor of Osteopathic Class of 2023 Vision Statement

Our pledge, as future physicians of the PCOM South Georgia DO Class of 2023, is to dedicate ourselves as advocates for our patients’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. With our master y of clinical aptitude, we will nurture optimal health for each patient and the diverse community at large through interdisciplinar y collaboration, integrity, and compassion.