Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently announced the recipients of its 2024 Employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awards. These awards recognize faculty and staff who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment across all three campuses. At a cross-campus ceremony in November, one faculty and staff member from each location was honored for their efforts in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at PCOM.
In Philadelphia, the DEI award for faculty was presented to Ashley Poole, PsyD, assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Poole has championed experiential learning, spearheading initiatives like the partnership with Park Tower Assisted Living for PsyD students. She also founded a mentoring circle for medical and graduate students through PCOM Hearts and supports the Philadelphia chapter of the Sisters in Medicine program, originally launched at PCOM South Georgia. Most recently, Poole developed Check Up from the Neck Up, a community outreach initiative that addresses mental health.
John Hill, assistant director of Admissions also received the DEI award in Philadelphia due to his unwavering advocacy and mentorship for PCOM students. Hill has played a key role in enhancing the PCOM Middle School Enrichment Program, which introduces underrepresented students to careers in health care. He has also helped launch undergraduate pathway programs with Delaware State University and Morgan State University, connecting undergraduate students with PCOM mentors.
Additional Philadelphia nominees recognized for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion include:
At PCOM Georgia, the DEI award for faculty was presented to Edo McGee, PharmD, associate professor of Pharmacy. Dr. McGee has been committed to incorporating health equity and health disparities into the pharmacy curriculum, including developing systemic racism education initiatives. As an active member of the PCOM Black Faculty Engagement Committee and the President’s Commission on Racial Justice - Transforming Campus Culture, Dr. McGee fosters an inclusive environment by listening to diverse perspectives and promoting opportunities for engagement.
The staff DEI award at PCOM Georgia went to Kim Lucier, director of Campus Operations. Lucier’s leadership has been integral in supporting pathway programs and community outreach efforts, including the Diversity Diplomats' participation in the Atlanta Science Festival. She has also contributed to the Sisters in Medicine Back to School Bash and supported partnerships with programs like the Boy Scouts of America’s Medical Explorers.
Additional PCOM Georgia nominees recognized for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion include Dr. Xinyu (Eric) Wang.
At PCOM South Georgia, Thomas Last, PhD, associate professor of Biochemistry and Cellular Genetics, was honored with the faculty DEI award. Dr. Last was a mentor for the Pathways to Medicine Summer Research Institute, creating spaces of belonging and inclusion by supporting student organizations and their outreach efforts.
The DEI award for staff at PCOM South Georgia was presented to Brent Cox, standardized patient coordinator. Cox has been a leader in fostering inclusivity within the simulation center, recruiting a diverse group of standardized patients to enhance student learning. He is also actively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development across campus.
Additional PCOM South Georgia nominees recognized for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion include Dr. Winston Price.
The Employee DEI Award aligns with the PCOM 2025: Path to Greater Excellence Plan, which prioritizes embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion across curriculum, policies, and practices to advance student, faculty, and staff success and better serve communities.
Learn more about the College's Office of Diversity and Community Relations.
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.
Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
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