Grayslake student receives top PCOM South Georgia award, graduates in first class of doctors
To the cheers of family and friends, the first class of PCOM South Georgia students to earn the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree received their diplomas and hoods during a commencement ceremony held Thursday, May 25, at the UGA Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Even though PCOM South Georgia only opened in 2019 in Moultrie, Georgia, the campus is part of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's nearly 125-year educational legacy.
William Dennison Brewster Jr. of Grayslake, Illinois, was a member of this first class of osteopathic physicians to graduate from PCOM South Georgia.
Brewster also received the Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal, which is the most prestigious award presented to a student on each of PCOM's three campuses. It recognizes outstanding achievement and service to the College, the community and the osteopathic profession.
He also received the Excellence in Primary Care Award. This honor goes to a member of the graduating class who has been selected as most proficient in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
"I chose the DO program specifically because I wanted the highest level of difficulty," Brewster said. "I wanted something that would push my limits. Further, I wanted a program that would turn me into a well-rounded physician with a holistic approach to medicine and an adequate amount of hands-on training."
Brewster grew up in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and graduated from Grayslake Central High School. He began undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, where he ran cross country/track and studied biology and Spanish. Brewster then transferred to Davidson College, where he continued to compete in cross country/track and from where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Brewster signed a professional running contract with Asics GTC Elite. His ultra/trail racing sponsorships included Second City Track Club/New Balance Chicago, Rabbit Elite and Honey Stinger. He also trained for and passed the Navy SEAL physical screening test.
When Brewster arrived in Moultrie in 2019 as part of the first class of DO students at the newly opened PCOM South Georgia, he had no connection to the area and did not know what to expect.
"Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing," he said. "I loved my time at PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie and will forever cherish all the incredible relationships and memories I made here. Colquitt County quickly became a second home to me, and I will never rule out moving back one day. I would highly recommend this school, specifically the South Georgia campus, to anyone pursuing a career as a physician."
While a student, Brewster also ran in local 5K, 10K and half-marathon races; volunteered on the sidelines at the Colquitt County High School football games; and played pickleball with his classmates. He also had the opportunity to get to know many people in Moultrie and at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.
Now Brewster will begin a residency in emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
About PCOM South Georgia
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) 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 degree. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit institution which 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 South Georgia region. The medical campus, which welcomed its inaugural class of medical students in August 2019, has received accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. For more information, visit pcom.edu/southgeorgia or call 229-668-3110.