Digest Magazine | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Source: https://www.pcom.edu/about/departments/marketing-and-communications/digest-magazine
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:41
Digest Magazine | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Skip to main content
Digest
PCOM's Alumni Magazine
Digest Magazine – A Fresh Look, A Continued Legacy
Surgery exists at the intersection of precision and humanity—where scientific mastery
meets judgment, creativity and trust. Every procedure relies on rigorous training
and advanced technology, yet its true measure is defined by the hands, decisions and
compassion of those who deliver care. In this issue of
Digest Magazine
, we highlight the evolving science and enduring art of surgery through the work of
PCOM alumni across the nation.
Digest
, the magazine for alumni and friends of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine,
is published by the
Office of Marketing and Communications
.
The magazine reports on osteopathic and other professional trends of interest to alumni
of the College’s
doctoral and graduate programs
at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia.
Have a Story Idea?
Email your story idea to Jennifer Schaffer Leone, editor of
Digest Magazine
, at
jenniferleo@pcom.edu
.
Submit a Class Note
PCOM Alumni Association
Update Your Contact Information
Connect With Us
Publications
FEATURED STORIES
Digest Magazine
Founders' Day Tribute
March 1, 2026
John J. McPhilemy, DO '78, FAOAO, orthopedic surgeon, educator and sports medicine trailblazer, receives the 2026 O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal.
'A Singleness of Purpose': Reflections on the PCOM Surgical Residency
March 1, 2026
Arthur Sesso, DO '81, reflects on PCOM's evolving surgery training, leadership and mentorship that shaped generations of osteopathic surgeons.
Between Trauma Bays and Battlefields
March 1, 2026
John Chovanes, DO '02, RES '06, leads trauma and military medical training, shaping elite surgeons through combat-tested skill and service.
Bridging Skill and Collaboration
March 1, 2026
Physician assistants strengthen surgical teams through technical skill, care coordination and patient advocacy across perioperative settings.
Holding Space for Healing in Times of Change
March 1, 2026
Tracy Ransom, PsyD ’10, helps patients navigate grief, identity and healing after surgery through rehabilitation psychology and team-based care.
From Scrub In To Sign Out: A Day in the Life of a General Surgery Resident
March 1, 2026
Follow Kara Evans, DO '23, through a day in PCOM's General Surgery Residency at Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital.
Shaping Care, Coast to Coast
March 1, 2026
Discover how PCOM alumni surgeons advance patient care nationwide through osteopathic leadership, skill and compassionate service.
VIEW ALL
News
PCOM celebrates America’s 250th in Philadelphia through 52 Weeks of Firsts and Bells
Across PA, honoring innovation, unity and community wellness.
From Firsts to Freedom Bells: How PCOM Is Supporting America 250
Read More
Zach Murphy, MS/PA-C ’20, known as Ninja Nerd, returned to PCOM Georgia to share his
journey and inspire students with his dynamic medical teaching style.
From Classroom to Global Platform: Ninja Nerd
Read More
Two childhood leukemia survivors reunite as PCOM DO students, turning their shared
journey at CHOP into a calling to serve future patients with compassion.
Once Childhood Cancer Survivors, Now Future Physicians at PCOM
Read More
To mark its 20th anniversary, PCOM Georgia transformed its DNA Art Wall with a vibrant
new mural by Atlanta artist Mister Totem.
Celebrating 20 Years: PCOM Georgia’s DNA Art Wall Gets a Bold New Look
Read More
PCOM South Georgia unveiled its Rural Health Initiative Building at the Sunbelt Ag
Expo to expand health education, screenings and support for rural communities.
A New Hub for Rural Health Takes Root at Sunbelt Ag Expo
Read More
PCOM’s renovated Dining Commons features expanded seating, global cuisine, a 24/7
market and cashless, mobile-friendly ordering.
Dining Commons, Reimagined
Read More
PCOM’s SHELTER Program expands trauma-informed training and support for communities
affected by gun violence across Pennsylvania.
Healing Beyond the Statistics
Read More
Office Hours: With John Millili, DO ’11, RES ’16
A Surgeon’s Touch: Mentoring Students in a Dynamic Community Practice
By Lauren Marie Raziano (DO ‘28)
John Millili, DO ’11, RES ’16, is a board-certified general surgeon at Shore Medical
Center in Somers Point, New Jersey, specializing in laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
“Welcoming PCOM students for rotations brought renewed passion back into our practice,”
he says. “Their curiosity reminds you why you chose medicine in the first place.”
As a clinical educator, Dr. Millili is intentional about hands-on learning. “In the
OR, a student is like a sponge,” he explains. “They absorb the rhythm of the room,
the procedures and the subtle details you can’t find in a textbook.”
From a surgical center overlooking the ocean, he helps students build confidence by
recognizing their strengths and tailoring opportunities to their interests. “As a
smaller community practice, we adapt the surgical experience to what students care
about,” he says. “General surgery touches every field. Whatever a student is passionate
about, we can connect to their learning.”
For Dr. Millili, teaching is part of the legacy he hopes to leave: shaping future
physicians with the precision, compassion and curiosity that define his own practice.
Second Opinion
What pulls someone toward surgery and what keeps them there? Students, residents,
and fellows share why they chose—or plan to choose—this demanding path.
Ryan Bonner (DO ’26)
“My interest in surgery grew from a fascination with working with my hands and from
mentors who showed me what this path could be. I’m drawn to the beauty of human anatomy
and to solving complex problems—whether in the OR, ICU or clinic—through both technical
skill and clear thinking. Surgery demands discipline and teamwork, but its breadth
and strong tradition of mentorship make it uniquely rewarding. To me, becoming a surgeon
means committing to service grounded in compassion, steadiness and integrity. It’s
stepping into difficult moments to offer patients real solutions and meaningful health
care.”
Ryan Bonner (DO ’26)
Kathryn Hoffman, DO ’21, (RES ’27)
“What first drew me to surgery was the rare ability to recognize a problem and correct
it almost immediately with my own hands. Even amid the rigor of training, the diversity
of patients and the constant variability of operative cases keep my curiosity sharp
and my passion alive. To me, becoming a surgeon is both an honor and a responsibility—an
opportunity to care for patients in their most critical and vulnerable moments with
an approach that is both decisive and deeply human.”
Kathryn Hoffman, DO ’21, (RES ’27)
Christina Monaco Poloni, DO ’19, RES ’24
“When I think about what draws trainees to surgery, it’s often three things: a personal
or family connection, a strong internal drive and the reward of seeing the impact
of your work. Surgical training is demanding—long, intense and requiring sustained
resilience. The only way to keep that fire alive is to genuinely enjoy the ‘bread
and butter’ of your specialty because that’s what you’ll spend most of your career
doing. … Surgeons carry countless patient stories with them. Some are heartbreaking;
others are uplifting. Those experiences shape how we see life and remind us why we
chose this path and why this calling matters.”
Community practice surgical oncology fellow, City of Hope, Duarte, California
Christina Monaco Poloni, DO ’19, RES ’24
Abdul Walters, MS/Biomed ’16, DO ’20, (RES ’26)
“I knew I wanted to be a surgeon at the age of eight. I was inspired by my grandmother,
an OR nurse who worked nights to care for my cousins and me. She would tell us stories
of the surgeons she admired. Because I grew up without strong male role models in
Panama, her stories gave me a goal to aspire to. Becoming a surgeon is my way of honoring
my family’s sacrifices and serving the community that shaped me. It’s a privilege
to step in at a patient’s most critical moment and make a meaningful difference.”
Abdul Walters, MS/Biomed ’16, DO ’20, (RES ’26)
Field Notes
Shaping Surgeons: Training the Next Generation
In Their Words
Margaret M. Wilkins, DO, FACOFP
United and Ignited
Campaign Raises Over $57 Million
Pulse Check
High school students immersed themselves in hands-on exploration through PCOM Opportunities
Academy—discovering pathways in medicine and health care while practicing critical
thinking and problem-based learning through interactive labs and activities.
High school students immersed themselves in hands-on exploration through PCOM Opportunities
Academy—discovering pathways in medicine and health care while practicing critical
thinking and problem-based learning through interactive labs and activities.
PCOM South Georgia students volunteered at Archbold Medical Center’s Camp HEAL, helping
children coping with loss through interactive games, creative crafts and reflective
activities that encouraged connection.
PCOM South Georgia students volunteered at Archbold Medical Center’s Camp HEAL, helping
children coping with loss through interactive games, creative crafts and reflective
activities that encouraged connection.
This fall, PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative and PCOM Hearts welcomed community
members for a Healthy Aging Community Day, offering wellness insights, interactive
activities and shared meals to promote healthier, longer lives.
This fall, PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative and PCOM Hearts welcomed community
members for a Healthy Aging Community Day, offering wellness insights, interactive
activities and shared meals to promote healthier, longer lives.
More than 150 participants joined the PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K to celebrate 20 years
of PCOM Georgia. The scenic course wove through downtown Suwanee and the Brushy Creek
Greenway, and funds raised will support scholarships, helping to empower the next
generation of clinicians.
More than 150 participants joined the PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K to celebrate 20 years
of PCOM Georgia. The scenic course wove through downtown Suwanee and the Brushy Creek
Greenway, and funds raised will support scholarships, helping to empower the next
generation of clinicians.
The PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Student Council put the community’s anatomy skills
to the test with the Blindfolded Boneyard Battle—in theme with Halloween and National
Physical Therapy Month—challenging participants to identify bone replicas by touch
alone.
The PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Student Council put the community’s anatomy skills
to the test with the Blindfolded Boneyard Battle—in theme with Halloween and National
Physical Therapy Month—challenging participants to identify bone replicas by touch
alone.
PCOM South Georgia’s new on-campus Fitness Trail opened in fall 2025, providing a
space for students, faculty and staff to get moving and recharge.
PCOM South Georgia’s new on-campus Fitness Trail opened in fall 2025, providing a
space for students, faculty and staff to get moving and recharge.
Quick Takes
How do you define excellence in surgical care, and what values or lessons do you hope
the next generation of surgical professionals will carry forward?
Timothy A. Leone, DO ’02
“Trauma and critical care surgery often reveal a surgeon’s true skill in the hardest
moments—when decisions must be made quickly and with incomplete information. This
means staying steady under pressure, exercising sound judgment and working with a
team to do what is best for the patient. For the next generation, I hope they never
lose sight of the person behind the injury, value teamwork and remain humble enough
to keep learning as trauma care ever evolves.”
General, Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon, Penn Highlands Healthcare
Timothy A. Leone, DO ’02
Lina Marie Sizer, DO ’11, FACS
“At the heart of breast surgery lies a dedication to the values that have shaped our
field for generations. It begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching,
continually refining one’s knowledge as science, techniques and technologies evolve.
It requires precise surgical skill but also something less tangible and equally essential:
the ability to truly connect with patients from all walks of life. In breast surgery,
excellence means listening deeply, understanding the personal significance behind
each decision and delivering care that is both technically exceptional and profoundly
human.”
Breast Surgical Oncologist, Main Line HealthCare Breast Surgical Specialists, and
Associate Professor of Surgery, PCOM
Lina Marie Sizer, DO ’11, FACS
Lisa Wetherhold, MS/PA-C ’02
“Reconstructive surgery is more than technical skill; it reflects the ability to integrate
science, technology, judgment and teamwork while managing unexpected challenges effectively.
In surgical oncology, it requires a commitment to continual learning and the thoughtful
application of advancing cancer care to each patient. For the next generation of surgical
professionals, I hope they uphold values that protect patients and the integrity of
the profession, while remaining open to new skills and innovations that improve patient
outcomes.”
Advanced Practice Clinician, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Lisa Wetherhold, MS/PA-C ’02
Steven S. Yocom, DO ’93, RES ’99, FACOS
“Excellence in surgery is grounded in sound judgment, operative expertise and preparation.
Equally important is taking the time to listen—to understand a patient’s goals and
to determine whether surgery is the right solution. As surgery becomes increasingly
specialized, the best outcomes often come from collaboration across disciplines. Some
of my most rewarding cases are those shared with colleagues from other specialties.
I hope the next generation of surgeons carries forward a commitment to teamwork, accountability
and clear communication—always keeping the patient at the center of every decision.”
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery and Director of the Spine Program, Cooper
Medical School of Rowan University, and Clinical Professor of Surgery/ Neurosurgery,
PCOM
Steven S. Yocom, DO ’93, RES ’99, FACOS
Credits
VOL. 87, NO. 1, USPS, 413-060
Digest Magazine
is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications under the direction of Wendy
W. Romano, chief marketing and communications officer.
EDITOR
Jennifer Schaffer Leone, MA
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Abigail Harmon
CONTRIBUTORS
Anna Bokarev
Gabrielle DePietro
Janice Fisher
Kristen Hopf
Brandon Lausch
Jennifer Schaffer Leone
Alexis Martina
Meghan McCall
Lauren Marie Raziano (DO ‘28)
Ally Wengel
Joy Williford
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bruce Fairfield
William Griffith
Melissa Kelly
Anthony Stalcup
ILLUSTRATION
Yordanka Poleganova
ABOUT THE COVER
Berlin-based illustrator Yordanka Poleganova creates bold, visually striking work
that tells a story at a glance. For this issue of
Digest
, she reimagines the iconic 2017
New Yorker
“Operating Theatre” cover, depicting generations of PCOM surgeons who practice surgery
as both science and art, defined by precision, compassion and legacy.
Questions or comments:
pcomcommunications@pcom.edu
Class Notes or address changes:
alumni@pcom.edu
Periodical postage is paid at Upper Darby, PA, and at additional mailing offices.
Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College or the editor.
© 2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved.
X
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©
2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
©
Skip to main content
Digest
PCOM's Alumni Magazine
Digest Magazine – A Fresh Look, A Continued Legacy
Surgery exists at the intersection of precision and humanity—where scientific mastery
meets judgment, creativity and trust. Every procedure relies on rigorous training
and advanced technology, yet its true measure is defined by the hands, decisions and
compassion of those who deliver care. In this issue of
Digest Magazine
, we highlight the evolving science and enduring art of surgery through the work of
PCOM alumni across the nation.
Digest
, the magazine for alumni and friends of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine,
is published by the
Office of Marketing and Communications
.
The magazine reports on osteopathic and other professional trends of interest to alumni
of the College’s
doctoral and graduate programs
at PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia.
Have a Story Idea?
Email your story idea to Jennifer Schaffer Leone, editor of
Digest Magazine
, at
jenniferleo@pcom.edu
.
Submit a Class Note
PCOM Alumni Association
Update Your Contact Information
Connect With Us
Publications
FEATURED STORIES
Digest Magazine
Founders' Day Tribute
March 1, 2026
John J. McPhilemy, DO '78, FAOAO, orthopedic surgeon, educator and sports medicine trailblazer, receives the 2026 O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal.
'A Singleness of Purpose': Reflections on the PCOM Surgical Residency
March 1, 2026
Arthur Sesso, DO '81, reflects on PCOM's evolving surgery training, leadership and mentorship that shaped generations of osteopathic surgeons.
Between Trauma Bays and Battlefields
March 1, 2026
John Chovanes, DO '02, RES '06, leads trauma and military medical training, shaping elite surgeons through combat-tested skill and service.
Bridging Skill and Collaboration
March 1, 2026
Physician assistants strengthen surgical teams through technical skill, care coordination and patient advocacy across perioperative settings.
Holding Space for Healing in Times of Change
March 1, 2026
Tracy Ransom, PsyD ’10, helps patients navigate grief, identity and healing after surgery through rehabilitation psychology and team-based care.
From Scrub In To Sign Out: A Day in the Life of a General Surgery Resident
March 1, 2026
Follow Kara Evans, DO '23, through a day in PCOM's General Surgery Residency at Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital.
Shaping Care, Coast to Coast
March 1, 2026
Discover how PCOM alumni surgeons advance patient care nationwide through osteopathic leadership, skill and compassionate service.
VIEW ALL
News
PCOM celebrates America’s 250th in Philadelphia through 52 Weeks of Firsts and Bells
Across PA, honoring innovation, unity and community wellness.
From Firsts to Freedom Bells: How PCOM Is Supporting America 250
Read More
Zach Murphy, MS/PA-C ’20, known as Ninja Nerd, returned to PCOM Georgia to share his
journey and inspire students with his dynamic medical teaching style.
From Classroom to Global Platform: Ninja Nerd
Read More
Two childhood leukemia survivors reunite as PCOM DO students, turning their shared
journey at CHOP into a calling to serve future patients with compassion.
Once Childhood Cancer Survivors, Now Future Physicians at PCOM
Read More
To mark its 20th anniversary, PCOM Georgia transformed its DNA Art Wall with a vibrant
new mural by Atlanta artist Mister Totem.
Celebrating 20 Years: PCOM Georgia’s DNA Art Wall Gets a Bold New Look
Read More
PCOM South Georgia unveiled its Rural Health Initiative Building at the Sunbelt Ag
Expo to expand health education, screenings and support for rural communities.
A New Hub for Rural Health Takes Root at Sunbelt Ag Expo
Read More
PCOM’s renovated Dining Commons features expanded seating, global cuisine, a 24/7
market and cashless, mobile-friendly ordering.
Dining Commons, Reimagined
Read More
PCOM’s SHELTER Program expands trauma-informed training and support for communities
affected by gun violence across Pennsylvania.
Healing Beyond the Statistics
Read More
Office Hours: With John Millili, DO ’11, RES ’16
A Surgeon’s Touch: Mentoring Students in a Dynamic Community Practice
By Lauren Marie Raziano (DO ‘28)
John Millili, DO ’11, RES ’16, is a board-certified general surgeon at Shore Medical
Center in Somers Point, New Jersey, specializing in laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
“Welcoming PCOM students for rotations brought renewed passion back into our practice,”
he says. “Their curiosity reminds you why you chose medicine in the first place.”
As a clinical educator, Dr. Millili is intentional about hands-on learning. “In the
OR, a student is like a sponge,” he explains. “They absorb the rhythm of the room,
the procedures and the subtle details you can’t find in a textbook.”
From a surgical center overlooking the ocean, he helps students build confidence by
recognizing their strengths and tailoring opportunities to their interests. “As a
smaller community practice, we adapt the surgical experience to what students care
about,” he says. “General surgery touches every field. Whatever a student is passionate
about, we can connect to their learning.”
For Dr. Millili, teaching is part of the legacy he hopes to leave: shaping future
physicians with the precision, compassion and curiosity that define his own practice.
Second Opinion
What pulls someone toward surgery and what keeps them there? Students, residents,
and fellows share why they chose—or plan to choose—this demanding path.
Ryan Bonner (DO ’26)
“My interest in surgery grew from a fascination with working with my hands and from
mentors who showed me what this path could be. I’m drawn to the beauty of human anatomy
and to solving complex problems—whether in the OR, ICU or clinic—through both technical
skill and clear thinking. Surgery demands discipline and teamwork, but its breadth
and strong tradition of mentorship make it uniquely rewarding. To me, becoming a surgeon
means committing to service grounded in compassion, steadiness and integrity. It’s
stepping into difficult moments to offer patients real solutions and meaningful health
care.”
Ryan Bonner (DO ’26)
Kathryn Hoffman, DO ’21, (RES ’27)
“What first drew me to surgery was the rare ability to recognize a problem and correct
it almost immediately with my own hands. Even amid the rigor of training, the diversity
of patients and the constant variability of operative cases keep my curiosity sharp
and my passion alive. To me, becoming a surgeon is both an honor and a responsibility—an
opportunity to care for patients in their most critical and vulnerable moments with
an approach that is both decisive and deeply human.”
Kathryn Hoffman, DO ’21, (RES ’27)
Christina Monaco Poloni, DO ’19, RES ’24
“When I think about what draws trainees to surgery, it’s often three things: a personal
or family connection, a strong internal drive and the reward of seeing the impact
of your work. Surgical training is demanding—long, intense and requiring sustained
resilience. The only way to keep that fire alive is to genuinely enjoy the ‘bread
and butter’ of your specialty because that’s what you’ll spend most of your career
doing. … Surgeons carry countless patient stories with them. Some are heartbreaking;
others are uplifting. Those experiences shape how we see life and remind us why we
chose this path and why this calling matters.”
Community practice surgical oncology fellow, City of Hope, Duarte, California
Christina Monaco Poloni, DO ’19, RES ’24
Abdul Walters, MS/Biomed ’16, DO ’20, (RES ’26)
“I knew I wanted to be a surgeon at the age of eight. I was inspired by my grandmother,
an OR nurse who worked nights to care for my cousins and me. She would tell us stories
of the surgeons she admired. Because I grew up without strong male role models in
Panama, her stories gave me a goal to aspire to. Becoming a surgeon is my way of honoring
my family’s sacrifices and serving the community that shaped me. It’s a privilege
to step in at a patient’s most critical moment and make a meaningful difference.”
Abdul Walters, MS/Biomed ’16, DO ’20, (RES ’26)
Field Notes
Shaping Surgeons: Training the Next Generation
In Their Words
Margaret M. Wilkins, DO, FACOFP
United and Ignited
Campaign Raises Over $57 Million
Pulse Check
High school students immersed themselves in hands-on exploration through PCOM Opportunities
Academy—discovering pathways in medicine and health care while practicing critical
thinking and problem-based learning through interactive labs and activities.
High school students immersed themselves in hands-on exploration through PCOM Opportunities
Academy—discovering pathways in medicine and health care while practicing critical
thinking and problem-based learning through interactive labs and activities.
PCOM South Georgia students volunteered at Archbold Medical Center’s Camp HEAL, helping
children coping with loss through interactive games, creative crafts and reflective
activities that encouraged connection.
PCOM South Georgia students volunteered at Archbold Medical Center’s Camp HEAL, helping
children coping with loss through interactive games, creative crafts and reflective
activities that encouraged connection.
This fall, PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative and PCOM Hearts welcomed community
members for a Healthy Aging Community Day, offering wellness insights, interactive
activities and shared meals to promote healthier, longer lives.
This fall, PCOM’s Community Wellness Initiative and PCOM Hearts welcomed community
members for a Healthy Aging Community Day, offering wellness insights, interactive
activities and shared meals to promote healthier, longer lives.
More than 150 participants joined the PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K to celebrate 20 years
of PCOM Georgia. The scenic course wove through downtown Suwanee and the Brushy Creek
Greenway, and funds raised will support scholarships, helping to empower the next
generation of clinicians.
More than 150 participants joined the PCOM Georgia Blaze 5K to celebrate 20 years
of PCOM Georgia. The scenic course wove through downtown Suwanee and the Brushy Creek
Greenway, and funds raised will support scholarships, helping to empower the next
generation of clinicians.
The PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Student Council put the community’s anatomy skills
to the test with the Blindfolded Boneyard Battle—in theme with Halloween and National
Physical Therapy Month—challenging participants to identify bone replicas by touch
alone.
The PCOM Georgia Physical Therapy Student Council put the community’s anatomy skills
to the test with the Blindfolded Boneyard Battle—in theme with Halloween and National
Physical Therapy Month—challenging participants to identify bone replicas by touch
alone.
PCOM South Georgia’s new on-campus Fitness Trail opened in fall 2025, providing a
space for students, faculty and staff to get moving and recharge.
PCOM South Georgia’s new on-campus Fitness Trail opened in fall 2025, providing a
space for students, faculty and staff to get moving and recharge.
Quick Takes
How do you define excellence in surgical care, and what values or lessons do you hope
the next generation of surgical professionals will carry forward?
Timothy A. Leone, DO ’02
“Trauma and critical care surgery often reveal a surgeon’s true skill in the hardest
moments—when decisions must be made quickly and with incomplete information. This
means staying steady under pressure, exercising sound judgment and working with a
team to do what is best for the patient. For the next generation, I hope they never
lose sight of the person behind the injury, value teamwork and remain humble enough
to keep learning as trauma care ever evolves.”
General, Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon, Penn Highlands Healthcare
Timothy A. Leone, DO ’02
Lina Marie Sizer, DO ’11, FACS
“At the heart of breast surgery lies a dedication to the values that have shaped our
field for generations. It begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching,
continually refining one’s knowledge as science, techniques and technologies evolve.
It requires precise surgical skill but also something less tangible and equally essential:
the ability to truly connect with patients from all walks of life. In breast surgery,
excellence means listening deeply, understanding the personal significance behind
each decision and delivering care that is both technically exceptional and profoundly
human.”
Breast Surgical Oncologist, Main Line HealthCare Breast Surgical Specialists, and
Associate Professor of Surgery, PCOM
Lina Marie Sizer, DO ’11, FACS
Lisa Wetherhold, MS/PA-C ’02
“Reconstructive surgery is more than technical skill; it reflects the ability to integrate
science, technology, judgment and teamwork while managing unexpected challenges effectively.
In surgical oncology, it requires a commitment to continual learning and the thoughtful
application of advancing cancer care to each patient. For the next generation of surgical
professionals, I hope they uphold values that protect patients and the integrity of
the profession, while remaining open to new skills and innovations that improve patient
outcomes.”
Advanced Practice Clinician, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Lisa Wetherhold, MS/PA-C ’02
Steven S. Yocom, DO ’93, RES ’99, FACOS
“Excellence in surgery is grounded in sound judgment, operative expertise and preparation.
Equally important is taking the time to listen—to understand a patient’s goals and
to determine whether surgery is the right solution. As surgery becomes increasingly
specialized, the best outcomes often come from collaboration across disciplines. Some
of my most rewarding cases are those shared with colleagues from other specialties.
I hope the next generation of surgeons carries forward a commitment to teamwork, accountability
and clear communication—always keeping the patient at the center of every decision.”
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery and Director of the Spine Program, Cooper
Medical School of Rowan University, and Clinical Professor of Surgery/ Neurosurgery,
PCOM
Steven S. Yocom, DO ’93, RES ’99, FACOS
Credits
VOL. 87, NO. 1, USPS, 413-060
Digest Magazine
is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications under the direction of Wendy
W. Romano, chief marketing and communications officer.
EDITOR
Jennifer Schaffer Leone, MA
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Abigail Harmon
CONTRIBUTORS
Anna Bokarev
Gabrielle DePietro
Janice Fisher
Kristen Hopf
Brandon Lausch
Jennifer Schaffer Leone
Alexis Martina
Meghan McCall
Lauren Marie Raziano (DO ‘28)
Ally Wengel
Joy Williford
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bruce Fairfield
William Griffith
Melissa Kelly
Anthony Stalcup
ILLUSTRATION
Yordanka Poleganova
ABOUT THE COVER
Berlin-based illustrator Yordanka Poleganova creates bold, visually striking work
that tells a story at a glance. For this issue of
Digest
, she reimagines the iconic 2017
New Yorker
“Operating Theatre” cover, depicting generations of PCOM surgeons who practice surgery
as both science and art, defined by precision, compassion and legacy.
Questions or comments:
pcomcommunications@pcom.edu
Class Notes or address changes:
alumni@pcom.edu
Periodical postage is paid at Upper Darby, PA, and at additional mailing offices.
Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College or the editor.
© 2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved.
X
Prospective Students
Admissions
Programs and Degrees
What is Osteopathic Medicine?
Request Information
Costs and Financial Aid
Mission Statement
Student Life
Housing Options
History
Clery Act
Current Students
myPCOM
Academic Calendar
Course Catalog
Financial Aid
Bursar
Registrar
Faculty
Commencement
Library
Bookstore
Security
Faculty and Staff
Off-Campus Access
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