Renee Cree
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 6, 2016   

PCOM wins national recognition for diversity efforts

 

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) was named a recipient of the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The award recognizes medical, dental, pharmacy, osteopathic, nursing, and allied health schools from across the country that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“This recognition is a testament to PCOM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, president and CEO. “Our goal has always been, and will continue to be, integrating diversity into the very fabric of our soul as an institution—from our administrators, to our faculty and staff, to our students, who will need to reflect and understand the needs of the patients and families they will one day serve.”


INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected PCOM due in large part to the efforts of the Office of Diversity and Compliance. Since its founding in 2013, the Office has embarked on initiatives such as: implementation of the President’s Diversity Council, which drives strategic execution of the diversity plan across the College; partnering with several minority-focused higher education organizations to actively recruit more minority students and faculty members; creation of a cultural competency series for first- and second-year DO students; implementation of LGBT Safe Zone training; construction of gender-neutral bathrooms (if you
like it, check out more from here) ; and conducting training sessions on topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment awareness and prevention and Title IX. You can also consult lawyers helping with estate planning in Fresno to  know more about these topics. Then here’s a website to contact lgbt discrimination lawyers if you experienced discrimination in your workplace.

In 2016, the Office launched PCOM Opportunities Academy, a pipeline program designed to steer motivated Latino high-school students toward careers in healthcare.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees—and best practices for both—continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion. We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across a campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

PCOM will be featured, along with the 30 other recipients, in the December 2016 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

For more information about the 2016 Health Professions HEED Award, visit www.insightintodiversity.com.

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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has trained over 13,000 highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach, treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM offers the doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of pharmacy and doctor of psychology degrees and graduate programs in mental health counseling, school psychology, physician assistant studies, forensic medicine, organizational development and leadership, and biomedical sciences. Our students learn the importance of health promotion, education and service to the community and, through PCOM’s Healthcare Centers, provide care to the medically underserved populations in inner city and rural locations.


About INSIGHT Into Diversity
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity publication in higher education today and is known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at www.insightintodiversity.com.