Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has named Florastine “Flo” Byarms as the College’s new Director of the President’s Community Wellness Initiative (CWI), effective November 8, 2021.
In this role, Flo will be key to the expansion and growth of the CWI, which creates and promotes educational and health services programming and resources, including direct patient care and community-based research, both with local partners and by the College itself. These activities support and sustain the physical, mental, nutritional and environmental wellness of the individuals in the College’s surrounding communities. As CWI Director, Flo will establish and strengthen ties to various community organizations, conduct overall planning, implementation, and management of programs, and devise new opportunities to develop and enhance the CWI at PCOM’s three locations.
Flo brings significant experience to the role, most recently serving as manager of community health and outreach for Main Line Health’s Paoli Hospital and Health King of Prussia locations. There she oversaw development and implementation of community education programs focused on chronic disease management and equitable strategies designed to combat social determinants of health. She was also responsible for the department’s strategic planning process as well as fostering relationships with vested stakeholders and community members for collaboration and trust building. She has additional experience in crisis management and program implementation and development.
“It is an honor to join the distinguished and talented team at PCOM,” said Flo. “A healthy neighborhood starts with good community partners and quality health and wellness programs. I am confident the experience I bring to this role will serve the College and the communities it serves well, and I am looking forward to delving in and expanding on the great work that has already started.”
As CWI director, Flo will report to Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, chief advancement and strategic planning officer. “I am thrilled to welcome Flo to the PCOM team,” said Collins. “As the health and wellness needs of our surrounding communities continue to grow, so, too, must the College’s role as a key community partner. I’m confident Flo’s extensive experience will be an ideal fit for achieving the goals of the CWI, and we welcome her to the PCOM community.”
Flo earned her master’s degree in health communications from Southern New Hampshire University and her bachelor’s degree in communications from Temple University.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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