PCOM Names Carol L. Henwood, DO '83, as 2021 Snyder Medal Recipient

January 19, 2021

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has announced Carol L. Henwood, DO ’83, RES ’85, FACOFP dist., a board-certified family practice physician who has worked in the Philadelphia suburbs for more than three decades, as the recipient of the 2021 O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal. It is presented in memory of the co-founder of PCOM and is the College's highest award, which recognizes leadership and service to the osteopathic profession and to the institution. Dr. Henwood will receive her medal during PCOM’s virtual Founders’ Day ceremony on Friday, January 22 from 10-11 a.m. on YouTube and Facebook.

Dr. Henwood works for Main Line Health Family Medicine in Royersford, PA, providing a wide variety of health services—from chronic care to well visits and women’s health. In her daily practice, Dr. Henwood holds true to the philosophy of Andrew Taylor Still, DO, the founder of osteopathic medicine. “Physicians need to know the latest science, the latest guidelines and novel treatments,” she says. “But they need to pair that methodical knowledge with responsive empathy for patients who suffer over a clinical diagnosis or loss. And then there’s osteopathic manual manipulation; physicians can be profoundly empowered with healing hands.”

In addition, Dr. Henwood is a champion for medical students and helps address the financial hurdles confronting newly minted DOs seeking board certification in family practice. She has chaired a $2 million campaign through the charitable arm of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians to provide grants to residents who want to take the osteopathic family medicine certification boards. The foundation, which has raised $1.2 million so far, gave out 101 grants in 2020 to support these residents. The grants, of up to $1,500, cover the practical and written portions of the test, as well as travel to the test site.

“It’s a way to preserve our profession,” says Dr. Henwood. “It’s one thing we can do to have a direct impact on the future. The American public deserves to have DOs as their family doctors—among other specialists.”

A stalwart of the osteopathic profession, Dr. Henwood is a distinguished fellow and past president of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and past president and an advisor for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society. She also served as the first female president of the PCOM Alumni Association; Dr. Henwood and her family have been longtime philanthropists and volunteers on behalf of the College. She holds membership positions within the American Osteopathic Association and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. Dr. Henwood is a recognized expert on the patient-centered medical home concept, and in 2012 was invited to address the White House on the Affordable Care Act and patient engagement. She is also an avid contributor to medical literature.

Learn more about Founders' Day 2021 and the other award recipients.

You May Also Like:

• Osteopathic Medicine and Military Service
• DO Class of 2028 Receive White Coats at Annual Ceremony
• Future Doctor Seeks to Address Clinical Trial Disparities