Online Presentations and Discussions 
Diversity and Community Relations

2022 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lecture

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day lecture explores the intersection of health and justice. Keith Leaphart, DO '03, discusses his medical career, entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropic interests.

Black History Month - Advancing a Black Health Agenda

The Office of Diversity and Community Relations along with Supporting One Another As We Rise (SOAR) present “Advancing a Black Health Agenda” with Melicia Whitt-Glover, PhD, the executive director of the Council on Black Health. The Council on Black Health is a national research network that advances health equity and aims to develop solutions to achieve healthy Black communities through thoughtful discussion led by Black leaders on the council and in the community.

2022 Women in Medicine Month: Celebrating the Journey

The offices of Institutional Advancement and Diversity and Community Relations came together to celebrate Women in Medicine Month with a panel of PCOM alumnae. The panel, moderated by PCOM SGA students DeStandreana Norwood and Justice Dove, included Kennita Burns-Johnson, DO '11, Karla Curet, DO '13, Shazia Sohrawardy, DO '17, and Gopi Vora, DO '09. Panelists shared advice for current students, insight into their experiences as women physicians, and strategies for addressing microaggressions.

Colorism: Skin Bias in Communities of Color

PCOM’s Office of Diversity and Community Relations and Sistahs in Medicine explore the history of colorism, how it manifests and how allies can support marginalized groups affected by colorism.

Rural Medicine Panel

The Office of Diversity and Community Relations and PCOM South Georgia's Sistahs in Medicine student organization welcomed a panel of local physicians to discuss practicing medicine in rural areas. Featured panelists included Dr. Jessica Brumfield Mitchum, Dr. Fredrick Powell, Dr. Wes Ross and Dr. Randall Sisam.

And Still I Rise: Sharing A Message of Hope and Perseverance Through The Testimonies of Black Women

To recognize National Diversity Month, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations and PCOM South Georgia's Sistahs in Medicine student organization hosted a panel of women experts in health care to share personal stories through their testimonies of encouragement, hope and perseverance.

Black Maternal Health Week Panel Discussion

To highlight Black Maternal Health Week, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations, PCOM South Georgia's Sistahs in Medicine and the PCOM South Georgia OBGYN Club hosted a panel of medical experts who specialize in Black women's health and maternity care. Panelists offered their perspectives about black maternal health in the U.S. and gave insights into what future physicians can do to mitigate health inequities for Black mothers.

Coming Out to Your Provider

In recognition of National Coming Out Day, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations and LGBTQIA+ Councils hosted a panel to discuss how to create a space for patients/clients to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity. The panel, moderated by Joseph Charette, MSEd, LPC, NCC, assistant professor in the department of counseling, featured Tonyka McKinney, DrPH, William Callahan, DO '12, Maya Leiva, PharmD, BCOP, Jordan Pearce, MA, NCC, Kailey Brink, LCSW.

Panelists discussed how unconscious biases show up in patient/client relationships and strategies to create effective change. Example s included starting with small moments of education with colleagues to create more considerable differences in the community, front-line staff training, and changing the language on health forms. Panelists shared their own personal stories as health professionals.

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked

PCOM Georgia students led an interprofessional panel of health experts to discuss and debunk myths about COVID-19 vaccines. This event was presented by the COVID-19 Vaccine Education Project.

Meta Christy, DO '21: The First African American Graduate of PCOM

Meta L. Christy, DO, graduated from PCOM in 1921 and was the first African American doctor of osteopathic medicine in the nation as recognized by the American Osteopathic Association. The College is celebrating the 100th anniversary of her graduation by hosting numerous events including virtual discussions with community leaders and healthcare professionals.

Race and Healthcare Education

Chantel Thompson, DO ‘22, National President-elect of the Student National Medical Association, joins Barbara Ross Lee, DO, in discussion as they reflect on her life as a healthcare provider. They examine the evolution of medical schools from the perspectives of opportunity, social justice, inclusion and the future of medical education for minority students. Dr. Ross-Lee was only the third black osteopathic medical school graduate and became the first black female dean of any medical school in the United States, paving the way for generations to come.

Women in Medicine: Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

In recognition of Women in Medicine Month, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations hosted Physical Therapy Program Chair and Professor Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT, to present her work with stress urinary incontinence (UI) in women. Dr. Maher presented research on the prevalence of UI and treatment options for those who might be suffering in silence. Treatment options included INNOVO, a wearable technology designed to strengthen the pelvic floor co-created by Dr. Maher.

Standing on the Shoulders: Celebrating Dr. Meta Christy and International Women's Day

Dr. Tamika Carter, Dr. Tarra Faulk, Dr. Peaesha Houston and Dr. Janie Myers joined together in honor of Dr. Meta Christy and International Women’s Day to provide guidance, advice and insight on what it takes to be a female physician in the medical field. They also touched base on the importance of mental health and accepting failure as a part of the process.

Living Legends: A Discussion with Civil Rights Activist Bill Anderson, DO

Dr. Tarra Faulk moderated a discussion with Dr. Bill Anderson, an osteopathic doctor and civil rights activist. Dr. Anderson addressed the importance of education and economics in preparing for a career in the medical field. He elaborated on his time spent as a civil rights activist and his leadership to help end segregation and discrimination, and the progress that has been made in the United States.

Race, Truth and Vaccines

Kerin Fresa, PhD, Professor of Immunology and Associate Dean of Pre-Clinical Education, moderates a panel of faculty members from PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia. Together they examine how past events have fostered vaccine hesitancy among the African American community and strategies to establish trust. Panelists include Valerie Cadet, PhD, Stacie Fairley, PhD, Edoabasi McGee, PharmD, and Winston Price, MD. They discuss discrimination and racial disparities experienced by people of color both in and out of the health care setting; and underscore the importance of not allowing the past to dictate our future.

The State of the Black Male

Jason Walker, PhD, an associate professor of biomedical sciences at PCOM South Georgia, moderates a panel of esteemed physicians practicing in the South Georgia region. Together they talk about the identity, health and wellness of the Black male in our current racial climate. Panelists include Daryl Crenshaw, MD, Frederick Powell, MD, PhD, and Cheau Williams, MD. They discuss discrimination, microaggressions and racial disparities experienced by physicians of color both in and out of the health care setting; while underlining the importance of increasing the number of Black men in medicine through exposure, inspiration and mentorship.

History of Pandemics and COVID-19 in Native American Communities

Justin McHorse, MS, Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, discussed the history of pandemics on Native American communities and the historical trauma that contributes to health disparities seen today. He utilizes data to highlight the significant health, environmental, structural and economic disparities among Native American populations that put these communities at a significant risk for contracting and experiencing adverse health outcomes due to COVID-19.

The Vulnerability of African Americans During COVID-19

Valerie Cadet, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Forensic Medicine, discussed the social determinants of health that have made African Americans more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Experiences of Asian Americans During the Pandemic

Xinyu (Eric) Wang, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology and Anne Belocura, MS/Biomed ‘20, discussed prejudice and hate crimes against Asian Americans.

COVID-19 and Domestic Violence

Valerie Cadet, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Forensic Medicine, moderated a discussion about the increase of domestic violence during the pandemic. Alina Torres-Zickler, PCOM Equity and Title IX Coordinator, and Haley Clark, Executive Director of Colquitt Serenity House Project, provided data and resources for both advocates and those impacted by domestic violence.

COVID-19 and its Impact on Rural Communities

Stacie Fairley, PhD, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology discussed the unique challenges facing rural communities due to COVID- 19 specifically highlighting its impact on their hospitals, small businesses, factory workers and agricultural practices.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Ramadan

Shafik Habal, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology discussed how the sacred month of Ramadan's observation has shifted due to the social restrictions imposed by COVID-19 limiting the interactions that culminate the religious practice.

Race, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Lisa Corbin, LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Ramona Palmerio-Roberts, PsyD, Clinical Associate Professor, Psychology discuss how repeated exposure to discrimination, microaggressions and racial disparities has manifested in PTSD and other adverse effects. By dispelling common thoughts and biases, the panelists provide in depth explanations for common misinformed opinions while creating a space for future growth

You, Me and HIV

In honor of World AIDS Day, PCOM’s LGBTQIA+ Council and Diversity Council co-sponsored an opportunity to listen and interact with the inspiring Kim Moon. Ms. Moon is the founder of Positively Beautiful Foundation, a motivational speaker, and an HIV education consultant/advocate/activist. Ms. Moon delivers a powerful message about how to not just live with HIV, but also how to thrive with it. She reminds us that HIV does not discriminate; no one is immune to the disease. Using her own personal struggles and triumphs, she offers advice on how to approach being diagnosed with a fatal disease while emphasizing that a large part of living with diseases is in how one views their life’s purpose. Ms. Moon states, “All you need is one reason to fight.”

Interventions for Health Aging Among Mature Black Lesbians: Recommendations Gathered Through Community Based Research

In recognition of Pride Month, the Office of Diversity and Community Relations and the LGBTQIA Council hosted speaker Mary Anne Adams, MSW, founder of the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging (ZAMI NOBLA).

ZAMI NOBLA is a membership-based organization committed to building a platform for Black lesbians over the age of 40 living in the U.S. The organization focuses on service, advocacy and community research. As the only organization in the country expressly building power for Black lesbian elders, all of the projects and programs are consistent with the aim to organize a base, build community and advance women’s and LGBTQ rights and to increase and sustain power.

In her presentation, Mary Anne addresses concerns pertaining to the LGBTQ community and how future healthcare professionals can assist in creating holistic health care for this community.