Brandy Sreenilayam, PhD, assistant professor of biochemistry and cellular genetics, made the move to South
Georgia without knowing that a medical school was being developed in the region.
After stints in Illinois, New York and Indiana, the Sreenilayam family traveled south for Dr. Sreenilayam’s husband’s new opportunity as an assistant professor of organic chemistry at Valdosta State University. Before learning of the opportunities at PCOM South Georgia, Dr. Sreenilayam worked as an adjunct professor at Georgia Military College in Valdosta.
A Michigan native and self-proclaimed “flatlander”, Dr. Sreenilayam is no stranger to rural areas and was eager to get back to that environment.
“Moving back to a rural area is really full circle for me,” she said. “I like the friendliness and that others offer a helping hand whenever possible. The work ethic of the rural population is impressive, and although everyone is busy, they make time to still help those around them. I see this in our students, staff and faculty on campus, too.” She added, “I’ve never taught at a school that’s so collegial.”
When teaching in the cellular and molecular basic medicine course, Dr. Sreenilayam enjoys working with other faculty members to create case studies in which students learn about patient scenarios and create treatment plans.
“I love the integration of each side —clinical and basic sciences,” she said. “It’s fun to work together with so many disciplines to get input for a case study. With these sessions, the students see all aspects of health care combined. That’s where students integrate their studies and pull together the pieces.”
Dr. Sreenilayam has been teaching students for over a decade, and she still has the same passion and excitement as she did when she began her career. Though most of her career was spent teaching undergraduate students, she has been able to easily adapt her teaching methods to be effective for medical students.
“Teaching at a medical school brings a different perspective on teaching biochemistry,” she said. “I hope my students have learned as much from me as I’ve learned from them. I enjoy teaching them the basics so that they can apply their knowledge to new situations and use their critical thinking skills to help patients in the future.”
H. William Craver III, DO ‘87, FACOS, PCOM South Georgia Dean and Chief Academic Officer, is proud to have Dr. Sreenilayam as a faculty member at PCOM South Georgia.
“Dr. Sreenilayam’s passion for science, teaching and her students’ success makes her a true asset to our community,” he said. “She is always willing to work alongside her colleagues to bring our students the best medical education that we can offer.”
When she’s not educating future physicians, Dr. Sreenilayam, who enjoys sports, hunting and fishing, enjoys spending time with her two children and husband.
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.
Cindy B. Montgomery
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Email: cindymo@pcom.edu
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