Dr. Donald P. Masey, professor in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has co-authored an article set to be published in the December 2024 edition of the Pennsylvania Psychologist, a publication of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.
The article, titled "Promoting Positive Perceptions of Aging Through Social Engagement and Creativity," was written in collaboration with Jotie Mondair, MS, LPC, ATR-BC. It explores how cultural, social, and economic factors influence perceptions of aging and their impact on physical and mental well-being.
“The topic of fostering more positive views of aging is crucial and requires moving away from deficit-based models and instead emphasizing social connection, skill preservation, and creativity,” Masey explained.
Key insights from the article include:
Masey, a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical neuropsychology and psychological assessment, brings more than 20 years of experience to his role at PCOM. He completed his PsyD in clinical psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an APA-approved internship at Temple University Hospital and Medical Center.
At PCOM, Masey teaches courses in behavioral medicine, psychological assessment, and biological psychology. He also serves as the supervisor for adult neuropsychology assessment services in the Center for Brief Therapy (CBT), an APA-approved training clinic.
“Dr. Masey's expertise, coupled with his passion for student mentorship, is exemplified in student-faculty research and co-authorship,” said Missy Terlecki, PhD, Dean of the School of Professional and Applied Psychology at PCOM. “PCOM School of Professional and Applied Psychology is known for its practitioner-scholar framework and intimate student-faculty ratios where learners are engaged, first-hand."
PCOM's APA-accredited Clinical PsyD program emphasizes a holistic approach to interdisciplinary care and service to diverse populations. The program combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experience, preparing students for careers as clinical psychologists. Masey noted students at PCOM have multiple opportunities for collaboration not only with faculty within the clinical psychology program but also with faculty across other disciplines.
"I have always had a strong interest in training clinical skills in students and PCOM has been a great fit for me in being student-centered," Masey said. "Whether it be in collaborative research involvements, authoring articles together, and/or doing professional presentations, being student centered and collaborative represents a core value for both me and my fellow faculty members."
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