Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private medical school with roots tracing back to 1899, stands as a beacon of innovative healthcare education. Guided by its motto, "Mens et Manus" (Mind and Hand), PCOM is dedicated to training compassionate, skilled physicians and health practitioners who embody a holistic approach to patient care. With its main campus nestled in Philadelphia and an impressive $0.6 billion endowment, PCOM fosters a dynamic learning environment for its 2,855 students.

Historically significant, PCOM was established as the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy (PCIO) and proudly became the third osteopathic medical school in the United States. Over a century, it evolved through several name changes, becoming the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy (PCO) in 1921, and finally its present-day name, PCOM, in 1967. A pivotal moment came in 1973 with its relocation to the modern City Avenue campus, which has continually expanded to support advanced medical training.

Beyond its foundational Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, PCOM has significantly broadened its academic strengths. The 1990s saw a strategic expansion into diverse graduate-level programs, including the introduction of biomedical science in 1993 and a Doctor of Psychology program in 1995. Further demonstrating its commitment to accessible healthcare education, PCOM established branch campuses in Georgia: PCOM Georgia in 2005 and PCOM South Georgia in 2019, both offering a wide array of health-related degrees.

As PCOM celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024, it continues its vital mission of training fully qualified physicians and health practitioners. Understanding the distinction between DO and MD physicians, PCOM emphasizes that both are licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. PCOM prepares its graduates to serve communities with excellence, integrating scientific knowledge with a hands-on, patient-centered philosophy that addresses the whole person.