Rural communities face unique challenges, including limited access to essential medical services, physician shortages, and higher rates of chronic diseases. These disparities, often driven by social and environmental factors, create persistent inequities and contribute to poorer health outcomes. At PCOM South Georgia, Jennifer Mitchell, EdD, assistant director of diversity and community relations, is working to address these challenges through innovative educational programs and collaborative community partnerships.
Rural communities often struggle with healthcare access due to factors like transportation barriers, health literacy challenges, and a lack of mental health services. By leveraging their resources and expertise, medical institutions like PCOM can play a vital role in improving care through strategic community partnerships.
“One of the biggest barriers to access we see in South Georgia is transportation,” said Mitchell. “People unable to attend doctor’s appointments or follow-ups due to transportation challenges … that's been a key thing we've been trying to fill the gap with our pop-up clinics.”
In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are prevalent in rural South Georgia, requiring targeted education and intervention. To address these issues, PCOM has launched various initiatives focused on increasing healthcare accessibility while fostering trust within the community.
Osteopathic medicine is founded on a whole-person approach to care, and PCOM is committed to transforming health professions education by combining human connection with innovation and research.
Programs like the Community-Based Faculty Fellowship, which funds faculty collaborations with local organizations, and the Opportunities Academy, which introduces South Georgia high school students to healthcare careers, embody this commitment. By bringing together students, educators, and community members, these initiatives help strengthen the region’s understanding of health equity.
“Everything is built on relationships,” said Mitchell. “Our main goal is to be in the community so that we build those relationships and that trust. When they see us, they trust us, and they know that we’re here to help serve them and make them healthier.”
Through its Office of Diversity and Community Relations and the Community Wellness Initiative (CWI), PCOM collaborates with organizations across South Georgia to provide essential health care and education to underserved communities.
PCOM students and faculty play a hands-on role in community outreach efforts, including participation in the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, where they conduct screenings, provide health education, and engage in discussions about chronic disease management.
The event's success has led organizers to dedicate a new building to PCOM’s Rural Health Initiative. This initiative provides essential healthcare services while strengthening community connections, enabling physicians and health educators to continually learn and enhance their efforts to promote health equity.
In addition to large-scale events, PCOM operates pop-up clinics at local churches and community centers to provide direct medical services. Since lack of transportation is a common barrier to care, bringing doctors directly to communities ensures patients can access care without the added challenge of finding reliable transportation. Telehealth offers a promising way to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas, especially in mental health services, but limited broadband access remains a challenge.
In 2024, PCOM South Georgia’s outreach and educational events engaged approximately 14,445 participants through initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities, promoting wellness, and fostering inclusivity in under-resourced communities. These efforts align closely with the College’s DEI goals, ensuring healthcare solutions are tailored to the diverse needs of the populations served.
“We’re providing resources based on the needs,” said Mitchell. “Our efforts focus on addressing the unique challenges of local farmers, the migrant community, and all underserved populations, with a clear understanding that each individual and group has distinct needs. Equity is key.”
Since 2016, there has been an 85% increase in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) graduates remaining in Georgia for their residencies, helping to strengthen the local healthcare workforce. PCOM remains committed to improving rural health by expanding initiatives, deepening partnerships, and enhancing outreach and education to increase access, build trust, and prepare future providers.
By closing health equity gaps, these collaborations empower communities to shape their well-being and drive systemic change—proving that real progress comes through action and partnership.
In 2019, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a premier osteopathic medical school with a storied 125-year history, extended its commitment to the Southeast by establishing PCOM South Georgia. An additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia, PCOM South Georgia offers both a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit institution that trains professionals in the health and behavioral sciences fields. Joining PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state, PCOM South Georgia focuses on educating physicians for the region. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 229-668-3110.
Kristen Hopf
Communications Content Specialist
Email: kristenho1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6303
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