Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) students proudly demonstrated their commitment to community engagement during this year’s National DO Day of Service on April 12. With participation from 28 student organizations, PCOM students showed up in full force to make a tangible difference across the Philadelphia region.
The nationwide initiative, organized in partnership with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), encourages osteopathic medical students to turn their training and values into direct acts of service. PCOM students embraced the opportunity, engaging in efforts that addressed food insecurity, supported hospitalized children, promoted public health education, and connected with elderly and underserved populations.
Activities included donation drives to stock food pantries, health education sessions on emergency care, bookmark-making for children staying at the Ronald McDonald House, letter-writing campaigns for hospitalized patients, and participation in community markets distributing fresh produce and meals. PCOM students also created interactive healthcare booths for local middle schoolers, supporting future healthcare career exploration. These efforts, and many more, were grounded in a desire to uplift and support those in need through compassion, teamwork, and service.
“The National DO Day of Service gives us the opportunity to turn our osteopathic values into action,” said DO Council President Tia Pattillo (DO ’27). “Building and sustaining connections with the patient populations that we will ultimately serve allows us to provide excellent quality healthcare based on trust, empathy, and understanding.”
Through their efforts, PCOM students continue to embody the mission of the institution—to advance health in all communities through compassionate service and leadership. Events like the National DO Day of Service not only provide immediate support to communities in need but also lay the foundation for students’ future roles as empathetic, community-focused physicians.
Pattillo added, “PCOM has always strived to support the greater Philadelphia community, and it is through events like this that we can continue to have a positive impact.”
Established in 1899, 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.
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Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
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