Only a short time before PCOM Georgia moved to remote learning, Joseph M. Kaczmarczyk, DO, MPH, MBA, FACOOG (Dist.), assumed the role of the campus’ interim dean and chief academic officer. At a welcome reception, he introduced himself to faculty and staff by sharing his top High5 strengths – deliverer, storyteller, time keeper, believer and catalyst.

His strengths indicate that Dr. Kaczmarczyk delivers on his commitments, has mastered the art of communication, meets deadlines, is driven by core values and works to create momentum – all necessary skills during this challenging time. On March 13, 2020, he met with students telling them “We must all be increasingly more comfortable with ambiguity, uncertainty and change,” foreshadowing the current situation.

Dr. Kaczmarczyk is highly qualified to lead PCOM Georgia.  He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), completed residencies and board certifications in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Occupational Medicine, as well as a board certification in Holistic and Integrative Medicine. In addition, he earned Masters’ degrees in Physiology and Biophysics, Public Health, and finally Business Administration through an executive MBA program.

He has worked in academia since 1987 holding titles from clinical instructor to associate professor.  In 2010, after a 23-year career in the US Public Health Service (USPHS), he retired at the rank of captain and joined PCOM in Philadelphia as vice chair and professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, assistant OB/GYN residency program director, and OB/GYN clerkship director. Subsequently, he was promoted to assistant dean of clinical education, associate dean of clinical education, and associate dean of undergraduate medical education, before accepting the interim dean role in Suwanee.

Dr. Kaczmarczyk has held numerous national leadership roles. He has served as the president of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologist, of which he is a Distinguished Fellow, and as chair of the National OB/GYN faculty of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.  He was the senior medical advisor on the staff of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy and the medical officer in the US Food and Drug Administration Office of Women’s Health. In addition, he served as a medical officer with significant research administrative responsibilities in the National Institutes of Health Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Child Health and Human Development of the USPHS.

He has authored numerous publications and presented at many conferences.

A husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Kaczmarczyk has hit the ground running, regularly meeting with faculty members and student leaders, as he leads PCOM Georgia.

He often reminds students that "Everyone's journey through medical education is unique.  Recognize your journey as unique. Embrace it. Own it. But most of all, enjoy it."

When asked about his goals for PCOM Georgia in these turbulent times, Dr. Kaczmarczyk replied without hesitation, “I aspire to make a difference in the lives and careers of our osteopathic medical students and the future of PCOM Georgia.”