Havas Health & You Research Scholars Program
April 7, 2022
For many medical students, curiosity about the factors contributing to human health
and disease is part of what drove them to apply to medical school. Dissecting these factors and their impact, from the molecular level to global populations,
can be incredibly rewarding, particularly when working alongside foremost experts
in the field. Thanks to a recently announced partnership, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) students can stoke that curiosity through hands-on research opportunities.
PCOM has partnered with Havas Health & You (HH&Y), the world’s largest global health network, to engage doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) students at PCOM in research. The Havas Health & You Research Scholars program, designed
specifically for PCOM students, will pair DO students with mentors to guide them through
the research process. First year DO students interested in applying to the program
will submit research proposals of their own design and will interview with a team
of HH&Y researchers. If selected for the program, students will work with HH&Y mentors
who will facilitate their research efforts.
“The HH&Y Research Scholars program is a unique and important opportunity for PCOM
students to develop their skills as researchers with a broad focus on global health,”
said Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD, chief research and science officer. “We are extremely appreciative of the commitment
of HH&Y to this program that will open doors for our students throughout their careers.“
“We are very excited to have this opportunity to connect with clinicians in training,”
said Brad Davidson, PhD, the Director of Medical Anthropology across the global HH&Y
network. “Communicating effectively about health and healthcare is challenging, as
the global pandemic has shown – yet we have never had more of an opportunity to shape
the future of the industry. We are delighted to be part of this training, and look
forward to seeing the great work these students can do.”
The program will run for three terms with three students selected for the pilot cohort.
Upon completion of their respective research projects, students will have the opportunity
to present their research both internally and at conferences. Their research is also
expected to result in publication of their findings. Students will provide valuable
feedback that will help shape the program for future HH&Y Research Scholars.
PCOM is the first and only medical school to partner with HH&Y on a program of this
nature. Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, chief advancement and strategic planning officer, was instrumental in the development
of the program and is optimistic about the potential for these types of strategic
partnerships. “Through this program, PCOM students will have the incredible opportunity
to gain critical hands-on skills and knowledge from global health professionals,”
Collins said. “Unique partnerships like this expand the reach of what’s possible for
our students, and we’re incredibly proud to be the first medical school in the country
to be a part of something like this.”
Havas Health & You is the healthcare and wellness arm of Paris-based Havas, a division of Vivendi. The
company describes themselves as “a unique health and wellness network focused on promoting
healthy living decisions across the entire health ecosystem.”
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
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.
Contact Us
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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