PCOM South Georgia Launches Master's Degree Program
January 29, 2020
The biomedical sciences program will provide opportunities for students to prepare
for careers in science and medicine.
PCOM South Georgia is taking steps to add a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program to its offerings in the fall of 2020. This program will provide the opportunity
for students to prepare for science careers or other avenues of professional study.
During the first year of the program, students strengthen and increase their understanding
of basic biomedical principles and content through an integrated curriculum of lecture
and laboratory work. Foundation courses provide a unique interdisciplinary background
in biomedical sciences that may be applied in business, management or teaching careers
or as preparation for professional school.
Upon completion of the foundation year, students concentrate in one of several professional
areas, enter a career, continue their education in medical school or other health-related
programs or elect to receive a Certificate of Graduate Study in Biomedical Sciences.
Edward Shaw, PhD, program director of Biomedical Sciences, says the program is the perfect opportunity
for students looking to bridge the gap from undergraduate to medical school.
“This program is designed for students who want to get in to the Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine program and want the opportunity to demonstrate that they can perform at
that level,” Dr. Shaw said. “We’re preparing students for the rigors of professional
school.”
Jazmoné Kelly, MS/Biomed ‘19 (DO ‘23) is a student in the inaugural Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) class at PCOM South Georgia. She received her Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences
with a concentration in Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) from PCOM Georgia. Kelly, now the DO council president, says this degree truly prepared her for the
future.
“Not only did the master’s program prepare me for the coursework of the DO program,
but it really prepared me for the pace,” she said. “It gave me an extra edge and provided
me with the tools to be successful. It was life changing.”
Kelly says that concentrating in ODL gave her social and leadership skills that benefit
her now as a DO student and as the DO council president. She references time management,
prioritization and working with different personalities during her two years at PCOM
Georgia as preparation for the DO program and her future career.
Nikita Mirajkar, PhD, chair of the Biomedical Sciences department, says PCOM South Georgia will personalize
the second year concentrations of the program.
“We plan to base this program on the needs of Southwest Georgia,” Dr. Mirajkar said.
“To make this program relevant to our region, we will consider the healthcare needs
and interests of the prospective students.”
The college is working to collaborate with local universities to provide a variety
of learning experiences for graduate students.
PCOM South Georgia is currently accepting applications for the Master of Science in
Biomedical Sciences program and will accept 15-18 students for its inaugural class.
Campus tours are scheduled for February 6, March 5 and April 8 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Register now.
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.
Contact Us
Cindy B. Montgomery Public Relations and Social Media Manager Email: cindymo@pcom.edu Office: 229-668-3198 | Cell: 229-873-2003