PCOM Perspectives

For this episode, I spoke with Paul Offit, MD, director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to address the importance of vaccine safety and education in light of ever-evolving governmental guidelines.Timestamps (00:07) Introduction and Guest Background (00:07) Meeting Dr. Offit: Dr. Feldstein introduces Dr. Paul Offit, his credentials, and outlines the episode’s focus on vaccine safety and misinformation(01:32) Welcome and Opening Question Dr. Offit is welcomed; discussion begins on risks of declining childhood vaccination rates, especially for immunocompromised individuals. (01:58) Consequences of Declining Vaccination RatesDr. Offit details recent increases in measles, tetanus, whooping cough, and influenza deaths due to lower vaccination rates.(03:13) Public Health vs. Individual Rights Discussion on the tension between individual freedoms and public health, and the impact on vulnerable populations.(03:26) Why Vaccine Hesitancy Persists Dr. Offit explains how the success of vaccines and misinformation have reduced fear of diseases and increased vaccine hesitancy. (04:34) Personal Experience with MeaslesHost shares his experience with measles and discusses the need to address vaccine hesitancy among medical professionals and the public.(05:29) Physician-Patient Communication on Vaccines Dr. Offit emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication by physicians to address parents’ vaccine fears.(06:48) Historical Perspective: Maurice Hilleman’s Warning Dr. Offit recounts a conversation with Maurice Hilleman, who predicted diseases may need to return before public fear is restored.(07:47) Conflicting Health Institutions and Trust Discussion on public confusion when major health organizations contradict each other, and how to advise patients.(08:05) RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary and Impact on Vaccine Policy Dr. Offit describes the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his anti-vaccine stance, and the resulting upheaval at CDC and HHS.(08:53) Alternative Sources for Vaccine Guidance Dr. Offit explains how pediatricians and states are turning to the American Academy of Pediatrics and state coalitions for vaccine recommendations.(09:52) Pending Lawsuit Against HHS Mention of a lawsuit challenging HHS and RFK Jr. over vaccine policy, with a decision expected soon.(10:11) Optimism in Vaccine Research Host asks about promising areas in vaccine research; Dr. Offit discusses adjuvants and new vaccine technologies.(10:52) Setback for mRNA Influenza Vaccine at FDA Dr. Offit describes FDA’s refusal to review Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine, and its chilling effect on vaccine innovation. (11:57) Future of Vaccine Research: Global PerspectiveDiscussion on how China and India may become leaders in vaccine research due to U.S. regulatory setbacks.(12:26) Final Thoughts for Medical Professionals (00:14:01) Final Thoughts: Final thoughts on the importance of science in medicine and a call for physicians to remain steadfast advocates for evidence-based care.(12:35) Science Prevails Over Misinformation Dr. Offit asserts that science will ultimately win, referencing Galileo, but warns of suffering during periods of misinformation.(14:01) Closing Remarks and Call to Action Host and guest stress the importance of science-based medicine and encourage physicians to stand up for scientific truth.(14:31) Episode Conclusion Host thanks Dr. Offit and closes the episode, reiterating the importance of trusted health information.

For this episode, I sat down with Dr. Fred Goldstein, a professor of clinical pharmacology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at PCOM, to talk about his decades of research examining the use of prescription medication to manage pain for postoperative patients, and how THC and CBD combinations can reduce discomfort in those with chronic neuropathic pain. We also discuss how the drug landscape has changed in Dr. Goldstein’s three-plus decades as an educator and how substance abuse and artificial intelligence have impacted the way pharmacology is taught.

For this episode, I sat down with Zach Murphy, president and CEO of Ninja Nerd, the widely recognized online learning platform that has grown into a global resource for students and clinicians in medicine and science. We discuss Ninja Nerd’s origin story and its growth into a leading resource serving millions of prospective health care leaders, in addition to the emergence of hybrid learning and how this education model can be particularly beneficial for medical students.

For this episode, I talked with Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, director of the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships at PCOM South Georgia. We discuss the College's partnership with Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia and why building community partnerships such as this can help close gaps in health equity.

For this episode, I talked with Dr. Brian McDonough, medical editor at KYW Newsradio and designated institutional official and chair of the Graduate Medical Education Committee. We discuss his experience as a medical journalist in the digital era, his efforts to prevent the spread of health misinformation online, and how mentoring resident physicians has made him a better doctor.

For this episode, I spoke with Jack Lynch, FACHE, president and CEO of Main Line Health, about the current workforce shortage and disparities in healthcare, and Jack shares some of his biggest life lessons as he reflects on his 20-year career at Main Line Health and looks forward to retiring at the end of June.

For this episode, I talk with Dr. Robert Cain, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) about the importance of community based healthcare, especially in rural communities, and the role AI will play in the future of primary care.

For this episode, I talk with Bruce Feinberg, DO ’82, chief medical officer of Cardinal Health Specialty, about his work as a board certified medical oncologist and his opinion on the future of healthcare policies and value-based care.

For this episode, I talk with Robert Bassett, DO ’06, a clinical associate professor in PCOM's Department of Emergency Medicine, about his extensive experience in military medicine, why so many doctors of osteopathic medicine serve our country, and how our shared specialty of emergency medicine continues to evolve.

The latest episode of PCOM Perspectives—our podcast exploring news, events, research, and other topics impacting our campuses and communities through the PCOM lens—is now live. For this episode, I talked with Alicia Hahn, director of Program Initiatives for the Office of Diversity and Community Relations, about the annual Opportunities Academy, a weeklong enrichment program for local high school students at each of PCOM’s three locations. Alicia discusses the history and learning objectives of Opportunities Academy, how the program emphasizes mentoring and college readiness, and how PCOM student-mentors and faculty gain just as much out of the experience as the participants.  

For this episode, I sat down with Makeda Lovelace (PharmD ’25) and Andrew Wilson (PharmD ’24) from PCOM Georgia. During our conversation, we discuss the balance of being devoted students while making time to nurture other commitments and passions. Plus, they share more about what makes PCOM Georgia stand out as a truly one-of-a-kind campus.

For this episode, I sat down with Marla Golden, DO, MS, FACEP, dean of osteopathic medicine at PCOM South Georgia. During our conversation, Dr. Golden and I talk about what makes South Georgia, and specifically Moultrie, such an ideal location for our PCOM campus. She also shares plans for enabling PCOM South Georgia to reach out into the communities it serves.

For this episode, I sat down with Robert A. DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, and Michelle Lent, PhD, to discuss the recently published Journal of Integrated Primary Care (JIPC). An open-access online journal, JIPC was spearheaded by both DiTomasso and Lent and designed to highlight the work of PCOM’s integrated primary care researchers as well as researchers around the world.

For this episode, I sat down with Daryl Crenshaw, MD, FACP, FASN, FASH, an adjunct faculty member at PCOM South Georgia, a practicing nephrologist, and an avid supporter of medical education. Dr. Crenshaw and I discuss kidney concerns impacting Georgia’s population and how the new technology he is working on can help identify patients likely to develop kidney failure.

For this episode, I sat down with Dr. Lisa Corbin, Chair and Director of PCOM’s Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program. We discuss how the holidays can impact people’s mental health and bring about feelings of grief and loss, financial strain, difficult family dynamics, and more. Join us as we talk through ways to cope with the many emotions the season can bring.

For this episode, I sat down with Peter Bidey, DO, MSEd, the newly-appointed dean of the Osteopathic Medicine program. Succeeding the College’s longest-tenured dean, Dr. Bidey and I discuss the history and responsibility of his new role; his vision for the program and what he hopes to achieve as dean; and how we can continue to keep important issues like diversity and mental health at the forefront of our students’ educational experience. And, of course, from one Philly native to another, we discuss our favorite Philadelphia traditions. Dr. Bidey assumes his new leadership role at an exciting, but challenging precipice for the College. As we approach our 125th Anniversary, Dr. Bidey’s leadership and vision for the program will guide us into the next 125 years, and I look forward to working closely with him to develop the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

For this episode, I was joined by Brian DeHaven, PhD, inaugural chief program director for the College’s Biomedical Sciences program. Dr. DeHaven joined PCOM earlier this year and has an ambitious agenda for the BioMed program. He and I discuss his vision for the program and what sets PCOM apart from its peers; changes to education as a result of the pandemic and the effort to meet students where they are; and the future of graduate medical education.

For this episode, I was joined by Art Sesso, DO ‘81, interim dean of the doctor of osteopathic medicine program at PCOM and senior associate dean of osteopathic curricula innovation and accountability. Dr. Sesso and I discuss how, under his leadership, PCOM is responding to a rapidly evolving health landscape through the development of the first-in-the-nation Medical Education Center of Excellence (MECOE). This innovative approach to medical education strengthens our ability to train the next generation of osteopathic physicians and ensures our students are prepared to enter the next phase of their careers after graduation. Through the work of Dr. Sesso and others, PCOM is set up to compete well into the future. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

For this episode, I sat down with Scott Glassman, PsyD, director of PCOM’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program, consultant for the Family Medicine department at PCOM, and author of the book A Happier You: A Seven-Week Program to Transform Negative Thinking into Positivity and Resilience. Dr. Glassman and I discussed the unique qualities of the MAPP program, the benefits of access to the Happier You program for patients in our Healthcare Centers, and the growing movement to help people understand and learn more about the power of focusing on personal strengths and the positive side of life. PCOM has made a concerted effort to expand mental health resources for students, faculty and staff, and Dr. Glassman and I spent part of our conversation discussing the importance of building on those efforts, particularly for students. We also examined the culture of PCOM and why it continues to be a place that fosters camaraderie, collegiality and collaboration, and the broader mood of the region and what makes Philadelphia such a dynamic place to live. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

The latest episode of PCOM Perspectives, our podcast exploring news and events on campus and news of the day through the PCOM lens, is now live. This episode features a discussion with Jim Matney, CEO of Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie. Mr. Matney has been an advocate and supporter of PCOM’s expansion into South Georgia since it was merely a concept. And since PCOM South Georgia began its first academic year in 2019, Mr. Matney has encouraged local community organizations and government agencies to support the mission of PCOM South Georgia. Now, in our fourth academic year in South Georgia, many of our medical students are completing their clinical clerkships at Colquitt Regional, and a handful of PCOM Georgia graduates have completed or are completing their residencies at the hospital’s Georgia South Family Medicine Residency Program. During this episode, we discuss the changes that we’ve seen in Southwest Georgia’s healthcare landscape over the last five years, what we hope to see in the future and how our partnerships are benefiting the region.