Jack Fireman, D.O. Scholarship Fund

Jack Fireman studied engineering, business and marketing, and was a pharmacist for several years before he returned to school to prepare for what his daughter, Marjorie Fireman, refers to as “his perfect career.”

She explains that her father was in his late thirties, and at that time, many medical schools were not accepting older students. Undeterred, he applied to – and was accepted at – the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). “He had been out of school for so long and he had to work harder to make up for the years, but he successfully completed the program and excelled in the medical profession,” she shares.

He graduated in 1970, had offers to practice in different parts of the country, but chose Rhode Island. He joined Post Road Medical Associates, a practice started by fellow PCOM graduates.

“He loved Rhode Island, and he completely loved medicine. He was an amazing doctor. He would always ask himself, ‘If this patient were a close member of my family, how would I want them treated?’” Ms. Fireman continues.

In addition to working as a family practitioner for 26 years, Dr. Fireman was a member and president of the RI Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, which honored him with its “Man of the Year” award. He was a member of the RI Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, served on the Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on Physician Insurance Issues, and wrote a medical column for the local newspaper.

He also became involved with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) in Biddeford, ME, serving on its admissions and recruitment committee and developing what his daughter says was “a close relationship.”

Of his alma mater, she notes, “He felt forever grateful to Philadelphia for giving him a chance. He was a very loyal person, and had a genuine appreciation for the education of osteopathic doctors.”

This scholarship fund, designated for PCOM and UNECOM, will assist Rhode Islanders who are pursuing osteopathic medicine, with a preference for those devoted to family practice.

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