The two-year MS in Biomedical Sciences program will prepare students moving onto medical
school or careers in science and research.
As the beginning of the fall term nears, PCOM South Georgia is preparing to welcome
graduate students to the new Biomedical Sciences program.
About the biomedical sciences program
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences is a two-year program that provides the opportunity for students to prepare for science
careers or other avenues of professional study. During the first year, graduate students
will join the College’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students in some didactic classes. Edward Shaw, PhD, program director of Biomedical Sciences, explains that this practice prepares the
students for the rigors of professional school, like medical, dental, veterinary,
optometry and many others, should they choose to pursue that route.
Pathway to medical school
“Most of our incoming graduate students have a goal of getting into a professional
school,” Dr. Shaw said. “We want to mesh their learning with our DO students so they
can see the rigor of professional school. It will give them a leg-up when it comes
to the application process and beginning of their next step.”
Courtney Cook, Sylvester native and incoming graduate student, is exactly what Dr.
Shaw described. As a graduate of Fort Valley State University, Cook majored in biology
with a concentration in allied health and is looking forward to applying to professional
school after receiving her graduate degree.
“I knew I wanted to receive a master's degree before applying to medical school, and
the biomedical sciences program at PCOM South Georgia seemed like the perfect fit,”
she said. “The small class sizes and location were two of the top selling points for
me. After receiving my degree from PCOM South Georgia, my plan is to attend medical
school to become a pediatrician. Eventually, I want to open a private practice in
or close to my hometown.”
Coursework and concentrations
After completing the first year of lectures, students will then choose a track for their second year. The track options offered at PCOM South Georgia include medical
simulation, research and general studies. The medical simulation track prepares students to work with state-of-the-art technology that is housed in simulation
centers such as the one at the Moultrie campus or at other organizations such as hospitals.
The research track allows students to work alongside faculty at regional colleges and universities on
research projects. General studies will further the students’ knowledge of science while requiring a thorough literature
report, known as a keystone review.
A forensic science course is offered at the Philadelphia campus. PCOM South Georgia students have the
option of taking classes in Philadelphia once a month for three days to learn about
the evaluation of live and deceased victims, which prepares them to become medical
and legal death investigators.
The incoming class
The inaugural biomedical sciences graduate class consists of 15 students from Florida,
Alabama and Georgia including graduates of Valdosta State University, Albany State
University, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Central Florida University, Florida
Atlantic University, Mercer University and Columbus State University with degrees
in biology, health sciences, psychology and biological sciences.
This story was updated on August 3 to correct Courtney Cook's undergraduate school
as Fort Valley State University.
In 2019, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a premier osteopathic
medical school with a storied 125-year history, extended its commitment to the Southeast
by establishing PCOM South Georgia. An additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia, PCOM South Georgia offers both
a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit
institution that trains professionals in the health and behavioral sciences fields.
Joining PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state, PCOM South Georgia
focuses on educating physicians for the region. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 229-668-3110.
Contact Us
Cindy B. Montgomery Public Relations and Social Media Manager Email: cindymo@pcom.edu Office: 229-668-3198 | Cell: 229-873-2003