By Jennifer Schaffer Leone
Posthumously awarded PCOM’s highest honor, Mr. McGloin demonstrated visionary leadership that defined a transformative era, extending the College’s reach and impact.
The passing of Paul W. McGloin, CPA, LLD (Hon.), on December 6, marked the loss of a visionary leader and an integral member of the PCOM family. As a dedicated trustee and former chairman of the PCOM Board of Trustees, Mr. McGloin made contributions that profoundly shaped the College’s trajectory and extended its reach, particularly into the southern United States.
Throughout his tenure on the Board of Trustees, including more than a decade as chairman, Mr. McGloin guided PCOM through pivotal moments in its history. Under his stewardship, the College achieved financial stability and strategic growth, highlighted by the establishment of PCOM Georgia in 2005. This expansion solidified the College’s mission of advancing healthcare education and delivery beyond its Philadelphia roots.
“Paul was a steward of integrity, objectivity and competence,” shared Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81, president and chief executive officer, PCOM. “His professional acumen in business and finance ensured PCOM’s resilience, enabling us to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. His leadership was marked by a steady hand and a strategic mind, always driven by a deep commitment to PCOM’s mission.”
A graduate of Drexel University, Mr. McGloin began his career as an auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick before transitioning into banking, where he held executive leadership roles for more than three decades. His career spanned positions as division president, vice president, executive vice president and president at several banks, including First Union National Bank in Philadelphia and National Penn Bank. Following his professional retirement in 2011, he served on the board of the Almo Corporation.
In 1991, Mr. McGloin was elected to the PCOM Board of Trustees, where he served for 23 years. Upon his resignation in 2014, he was named Trustee Emeritus. Beyond PCOM, his dedication to community and civic engagement was evident in his involvement with the Foundation for Architecture and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Paul’s life reminds us that true leadership is not just about advancing an institution. It is about building a foundation for others to succeed.
Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81
In the early 2000s, as the healthcare market in the Northeast became increasingly saturated, Mr. McGloin, in partnership with the late President Matthew Schure, PhD, recognized the need for PCOM to expand its reach. This strategic vision aimed not only to address regional physician shortages but also to stabilize tuition by reducing reliance on state funding.
Suburban Atlanta was selected for the College’s first branch campus, which opened in 2005 with an inaugural class of 80 osteopathic medical students. PCOM Georgia was designed to address the state’s critical shortage of healthcare providers. By establishing a robust network of clinical rotations, internships and residencies, the campus significantly increased the likelihood that graduates would remain in the region, directly impacting healthcare disparities.
Mr. McGloin’s leadership spanned the tenure of two PCOM presidents—Leonard H. Finkelstein, DO ’59, and Dr. Schure. His ability to navigate challenges, foster collaboration and unite the Board of Trustees and College leadership under a shared vision was pivotal to PCOM’s growth.
“Paul’s enduring influence on PCOM is immeasurable,” said Dr. Feldstein. “He believed in our mission, our people and our potential to make a difference in the world. It is through his vision that we continue to thrive.”
At the time of his passing, Mr. McGloin was slated to receive the O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal, PCOM’s highest honor, during the 2025 Founders’ Day celebration. This prestigious award, named for PCOM’s co-founder and first president, Oscar John Snyder, DO, is now given posthumously in recognition of a man whose leadership and contributions set the foundation for PCOM to flourish well into its next chapter.
“Paul’s life reminds us that true leadership is not just about advancing an institution. It is about building a foundation for others to succeed,” said Dr. Feldstein. “His legacy will remain a guiding light as we continue to fulfill our mission.
“Our prayers are ever with his family—the cornerstone of his life. Mr. McGloin was deeply devoted to his family, and will be remembered as a loving husband to his wife, Bev, a proud father to his sons, and a doting grandfather. We thank them for sharing Paul with us.”
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