Med Buddies Learn and Play at PCOM
March 11, 2019
Graduate and medical students teach Special Olympics athletes fitness and health at
the second annual event.
For the second year in a row, students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) welcomed athletes with the Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia program for a day dedicated
to physical fitness, arts and crafts and health and wellness education. This year’s
event more than doubled in size; more than 100 athletes were partnered with students
in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Bio-Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies and Psychology programs on activities such as basketball; parachute time; t-shirt design; x-ray
pictures; and “Pretend Doctor,” where athletes practiced their medical skills and
knowledge.
The annual event is designed to teach special needs children about health, nutrition
and physical fitness, while giving students studying in the medical, behavioral health
and health science fields exposure to a population they may not otherwise interact
with so early in their careers.
“We will be working with the special needs population in the future, so it’s a great
way for us to connect and interact with this population early on,” said Jasmine Park
(DO ’21), chair of the DO Council Special Olympics Committee.
“PCOM’s commitment to providing physical activity and health information in an inclusive
setting is outstanding,” said Chase Trimmer, director, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia.
The event was hosted by the DO Council Special Olympics Committee in conjunction with
Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, and with support from with support from PCOM AID
(Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities); The Robert Berger Pediatrics Society;
PCOM Students for Life; and the PCOM Ophthalmology Club.
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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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