Rendering of PCOM’s Moultrie campus
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) later this morning is set to break ground on a new South Georgia campus in Moultrie.
The 75,000 sq. foot academic facility will play host to a four-year osteopathic medical program, with an initial class of 55 students studying to become doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). The project, carrying an estimated cost of $30 million, is being designed by architects from Sasaki, Inc., who hope to create a unique campus that captures the spirit of PCOM.
“When you look at the life of an institution, there aren’t many times where you get an opportunity like this where you have a site that’s a beautiful blank slate,” said Sasaki architect Bryan Irwin. “It’s a great opportunity for us to create a building that expresses the value and the principles of PCOM specifically, but also the larger opportunity to talk about what osteopathic medicine is all about and its more holistic view of the world.”
Rural healthcare has of course been a major point of emphasis for state officials, and creating opportunities for rural students to enter the medical field is a key component to that overarching plan. PCOM is planning to partner with local schools including Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, as well as medical facilities such as the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center.
Said PCOM President and CEO Dr. Jay Feldstein, “We’re really thankful for the local support and the community support we’ve received to date. With that ongoing support, we’re really excited about how successful this program can be, not only for the local community, but for the entire region of South Georgia. Collaboration is key to the success of PCOM’s regional endeavor.”
Lt. Governor and gubernatorial hopeful Casey Cagle will be on hand to speak at the event, beginning at 11:00 AM, as will former state Rep. Amy Carter, who was recently appointed Deputy Commissioner for Rural Georgia at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
