On Thursday April 26th at 11 a.m., individuals and organizations from across the South Georgia region will take part in an event to mark the beginning of construction for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s newest location—PCOM South Georgia.  

The ceremony will be held at the facility’s planned home on 31 acres near the intersection of Tallokas Road and Veteran’s Parkway. The 75,000-square-foot building, with a construction and capital operating cost of close to $30 million, will house a four-year osteopathic medical program. 

“We’re really thankful for the local support and the community support we’ve received to date,” said PCOM President and CEO Dr. Jay Feldstein. “With that ongoing support, we’re really excited about how successful this program can be, not only for the local community, but for the entire region of South Georgia.”

“Collaboration is key to the success of PCOM’s regional endeavor,” he added.

The participants in the groundbreaking event, according to PCOM officials, highlight the collaborative nature of the project. Natalie Shell, a music student from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, will sing the national anthem. Laura Calhoun, executive director of the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center headquartered in Albany, coordinated an essay contest in conjunction with the groundbreaking. JB Crumbs, a Thomasville caterer, will prepare refreshments and Dr. Nanci Scheetz, a faculty member at Valdosta State University, will provide sign language interpretation.

The Colquitt County High School Marine Corps JROTC from Moultrie will present colors.  

Scheduled speakers at the April 26 ceremony include Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and former Representative Amy Carter of Valdosta. Carter, the recently appointed Georgia deputy commissioner for rural development, will speak about health education as an integral aspect of rural prosperity.