During a luncheon held Thursday, Nov. 7, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia recognized two employees for their commitment to diversity and a group of employees who have been a part of the Moultrie location since its beginning.

The event was part of the College-wide 51st Annual Employee Recognition, which was live streamed across all three campuses. The annual Employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards were presented first. This award is presented to one faculty member and one staff member on each PCOM campus who produced high impact results and demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Thomas Last, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry and cellular genetics, received PCOM South Georgia’s faculty DEI Award.

“Dr. Last has served as a mentor of the Pathway to Medicine Summer Research Institute that we started this summer for the first time in South Georgia,” said Jennifer Mitchell, EdD, assistant director of Diversity and Community Relations. “He creates such great spaces for our students just to feel included and that they belong here at PCOM South Georgia. He also supports our organizations out in the community. Every time we have a community event, we see Dr. Last there.”

Brent Cox, standardized patient coordinator, received the staff DEI award.

“Brent has created a great inclusive space in our simulation center,” Dr. Mitchell said. “He recruits diverse standardized patients to support the learning for our students, and he's also actively involved in our diversity, equity and inclusion professional development.”

PCOM South Georgia employees honored for five years of service included:

Georgie Fredrick, MD, Clinical Education; Nikita Mirajkar, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Randall McGill, MD, Clinical Education; Todd Presley, Maintenance and Utilities; Deborah Manning, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Tammy Holmes, Information Technology Services; Katresa Gardner, Library; Jordan Roberts, Marketing and Communications; Tiffany Coker, Financial Aid; Stacie Fairley, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Jennifer Shaw, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Edward Shaw, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Brandy Sreenilayam, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Robert Walker, PhD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; Savita Arya, MD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences; and Shiv Dhiman, MD, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences.

Marla Golden, DO ’88, Dean of the Osteopathic Medicine Program at PCOM South Georgia, was honored for 10 years of service to the College.