A Derry native and veteran has made a $50,000 donation to the proposed osteopathic medicine college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Lt. Col. Barry Gasdek, a 1964 IUP graduate, offered the donation, which is part of $32 million the university has collected in private and government funding to develop the program since announcing it in 2022.
“His gift not only continues his legacy of service and caring for others, but is a demonstration of his belief in IUP’s commitment and ability to change the rural health care landscape,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said.
The university has formally initiated steps toward accreditation for its proposed osteopathic medicine college.
“My older sister Frances and younger sister Kathy both worked in the medical field and hospitals as a nurse aide, nurse and nurse anesthetist, spending much time in the operating room,” Gasdek said. “It made me well aware of the training and dedication required to properly treat and care for patients.”
Once established, it would be the only osteopathic medicine college at a public university in Pennsylvania.
Gasdek is a retired Airborne, Ranger and Pathfinder infantry soldier. During the Vietnam War, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, five Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and 17 air medals. He retired from the Army in 2012 and received an honorary designation of colonel.
Today, Gasdek lives in Wyoming, is active in multiple civic, military and private organizations and has established working relationships with military support organizations, veterans and local service organizations, state and community leaders, and the U.S. government.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine complete four years of osteopathic medical school with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care. National data shows that more than half of the graduates of osteopathic medicine programs pursue a career in primary care, and many choose to practice in rural areas.
IUP officials said there has been a 93% increase in applicants to colleges of osteopathic medicine since 2011.