Alumnus Establishes Endowed Medical Spanish Fund in Memory of Aunt

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is the beneficiary of a $100,000 gift from the estate of Judith Pell Weinberger, aunt of Richard Weinberger, DO '81, to establish the Judith Pell Weinberger Endowed Fund for Medical Spanish.

With a rapidly growing population of Spanish-speaking patients across the country, physicians are finding it increasingly necessary to be bilingual. The Judith Pell Weinberger Endowed Fund for Medical Spanish will help position PCOM students to better meet that need and continue to be at the forefront of primary care. The fund will provide PCOM students with the opportunity and incentive to learn Spanish by reimbursing them for medical Spanish coursework completed online through Canopy Learn.

This new fund serves a purpose that would have been very close to Ms. Weinberger's heart. As a resident of Marbella, Spain, for 35 years, she grew to love the Spanish culture and language.

When her nephew, Dr. Weinberger, began his pursuit of medicine, she was extremely supportive. She arranged for him to study with her friend and world-renowned plastic surgeon Pierre Kari at his own hospital in Casablanca. Ms. Weinberger also began a cultural and medical exchange with her personal physician in Spain so that Dr. Weinberger could study with him at the medical complex in Malaga and her physician could study in the U.S. Thanks to that collaboration, Ms. Weinberger was cured of a malignancy allowing her another 20 years of health.

Sadly, Ms. Weinberger passed away from pancreatic cancer in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Weinberger in 2010. Dr. and Mrs. Weinberger wanted to celebrate her devotion to medical education and culture by establishing the Judith Pell Weinberger Endowed Fund for Medical Spanish in her memory.

Monies from the Judith Pell Weinberger Endowed Fund for Medical Spanish will be available beginning on July 1, 2018. Students may begin coursework at any time and, upon submission of documentation, can seek reimbursement.

Through the fund, PCOM's students have the opportunity to improve communication, cooperation, and cultural literacy with patients, leading to overall improved care. The Judith Pell Weinberger Endowed Fund for Medical Spanish serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of such a passionate individual.

Ready to Make an Impact?

There are many ways you can make an impact at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. To learn more about the different gift types available, or get started on your gift, contact Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, FCPP at 215-871-6120 or carrieco@pcom.edu.