2025 PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor Recipient Paul Lapoint, DO ’90, served as president of the PCOM Alumni Association from 2022 to 2024. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Williamsville, New York, he is dedicated to mentoring future healthcare professionals and giving back to PCOM.
Q: The PCOM Alumni Association underwent a restructuring while you served as president. Why do you think that was necessary, and how do you hope the association continues to evolve?
A: During my tenure as president, a key objective was to elevate the Alumni Association’s national presence and encourage deeper connections between alumni and PCOM. Traditionally, the association had been focused on DO alumni, and it was important to ensure that alumni from all degree programs had an equal platform to share their perspectives. We restructured to create a more inclusive community that values the unique insights of all alumni while supporting the success and growth of the College.
Q: You recently established the Lapoint Family Endowment for Student Wellness. What inspired you to give back to PCOM in this way?
A: PCOM gave me the foundation I needed to succeed in my career, and I feel a deep responsibility to give back and support the next generation of osteopathic physicians and healthcare professionals. Our didactic and clinical education is very challenging, and it is critical to have a strong support system. By creating this endowment, I hope to ensure that students always have access to mental health resources and the help they need to thrive. No one should feel like they’re falling through the cracks because of their circumstances. When you’re part of the PCOM family, you should feel confident that the College and its alumni are here to support you, every step of the way.
Q: As an orthopedic specialist, you’ve mentored PCOM residents and students. Why is this a priority to you?
A: It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students and residents grow and succeed, becoming exceptional physicians. My goal is to provide them with a strong foundation in orthopedic knowledge so they can confidently diagnose and treat basic orthopedic issues. As physicians, we must commit to lifelong learning, and I emphasize this principle with both students and residents. When I look back at the mentors I had at PCOM and the influence they had on my development, I only hope that I can provide, in some small way, the same experience.
