MOULTRIE, Ga. — 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.

PCOM South Georgia is the South Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, located on Tallokas Road in Moultrie. Its inaugural class of students for the Doctor of Osteopathy degree began in August 2019.

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, the medical college said in a press release. 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,” 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,” 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. 

To learn more about the biomedical sciences program, visit https://www.pcom.edu/academics/programs-and-degrees/biomedical-sciences/.