Alum reflects on career, philanthropy and impact of OSU-COM

Friday, December 13, 2024

Media Contact: Neile Jones | Communications Manager | 918-561-1169 | neile.jones@okstate.edu

Dr. J. Kevin Pidkowicz has spent more than four decades practicing medicine, a journey that has taken him from the halls of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine to military bases in Europe, private clinics across the United States and teaching residents while he was an assistant professor at the University of Arizona.

As a retired Navy commander and accomplished dermatologist, Pidkowicz credits OSU-COM for laying the foundation of his career.

“I love taking care of patients. It’s more than just a job — it’s a 24/7 calling,” he said.

Pidkowicz’s introduction to osteopathic medicine came during his time in graduate school. Inspired by the philosophy of the DO profession, he chose OSU-COM for its supportive environment and innovative teaching methods.

“The philosophy of the DO profession, the quality of the education, and the caring atmosphere of the faculty and staff,” he said, are key reasons he recommends OSU-COM to aspiring medical students.

During his time in medical school, Pidkowicz experienced a close-knit community that fostered collaboration and growth.

“It was fabulous,” he said. “The faculty and staff were so supportive. It was really sort of an atmosphere of esprit de corps. We were all working toward a common goal, helping and supporting each other.”

After graduating, Pidkowicz served in the Navy for 20 years, completing a family medicine residency and later a residency in dermatology. His assignments took him around the globe including Sardinia, Sicily, Portugal, Italy and southern Spain, where he was often the sole dermatologist. 

“I requested to go back to Europe after my residency,” he said. “Every three months, I’d get on a plane and travel to my clinics. It was a great assignment. 

His last two years on active duty, he served as the chief of dermatology at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California.

Now, Pidkowicz remains active in medicine, taking short-term medical assignments across the United States. Recently, he completed a two-and-a-half-month stint in Olympia, Washington, where he provided maternity coverage for a dermatologist he had trained at the University of Arizona.

“I still enjoy the work, and I love mentoring younger doctors,” he said.

Pidkowicz takes pride in supporting OSU-COM through philanthropy, drawing from his own experiences as a scholarship recipient during medical school. For him, giving back is more than a gesture of thanks — it's a meaningful way to invest in the future of medicine.

“They gave me the career I love,” he said. “It’s a privilege to support the school that provided me with such a wonderful opportunity.”

A recent visit to the campus only reinforced the gratitude he feels for his alma mater.

“I looked at the medical student who took us on the tour and said, ‘I want to come back here as a new medical student. When can I start?’ That tells you how much I enjoyed the school and the learning environment it provided.”

Pidkowicz offered advice for future medical students, emphasizing the importance of passion and commitment.

“Find your passion and go for it,” he said. “It’s hard work, but if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

He also encouraged alumni to remember their roots and the impact of their education.

“You’re going to have a good life,” he said. “As you go through life, enjoy your practice, just remember where you came from and who provided that opportunity for you.”

For Pidkowicz, the legacy of OSU-COM is one of opportunity and transformation, a legacy he is proud to support while continuing his own journey in medicine.