MARLA D. GOLDEN, DO '88, MS, FACEP
Dean of the Osteopathic Medicine Program, PCOM South Georgia
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Marla DePolo Golden, DO '88, MS, FACEP, is the Dean of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at PCOM South Georgia. Prior to becoming Dean, Dr. Golden held positions as the Regional Assistant Dean
of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia, Chair of Clinical Education, PCOM South Georgia,
and Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia. She
is a proud alumna of PCOM Class of 1988 and the University of Florida Health Science
Center Jacksonville Emergency Medicine Residency program.
Dr. Golden practiced emergency medicine in many different settings from rural to urban
for many years before transitioning to the field of pain and addictions. She owned
and ran a solo integrative pain medicine practice based on the osteopathic approach to patient evaluation and care, focusing on structural examinations of the musculoskeletal
system and optimizing patients structures to enhance their function and relieve their
pain. She is the co-founder and co-author of The Neuroplastic Transformation Program and Workbook, designed to empower patients with knowledge of self-directed, portable, efficacious
ways to counteract and overcome their pain using neuroplasticity techniques. Dr. Golden
was actively involved with physician colleagues, county and state law enforcement
as well as legislators in Florida to take down pill mills and effect legislation to
combat the opioid crisis while ensuring legitimate pain care for appropriate patients.
She started ‘The Science of Change Movement’ to invite input on best outreach and
treatment practices for patients with substance use and behavioral disorders. She
is board eligible in Paid Medicine and Addictions Medicine.
She is passionate about her work with the connective tissue system, osteopathic medical education and preserving our osteopathic principles and practice in the treatment of patients
but feels most blessed to be the mother of three wonderful children, Mark, Audrey
and Jessica. She enjoys the performing arts, sings in her choir, takes piano and ballroom
dance and loves to spend time with family and friends.
Education
Dr. Golden graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988.
She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida Health
Science Center, Jacksonville, Florida in 1992. She is a Fellow of the American College
of Emergency Physicians.
Memberships
Dr. Golden has served as the Chair of the Credentials Committee of the American Board
of Pain Medicine, as a member of the Credentials Committee and the Examination Council
of the American Board of Pain Medicine. She has served on the Annual Meeting Planning
Committee of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Dr. Golden has been active as
a spokesperson for the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine, has served as the Legislative
Chair and Public Relations Chair of the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine and is currently
on the Board of Directors.