Benedictine College Announces New Hires for Proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine
Benedictine College’s medical school project (more here) has taken a huge step forward with the hire of two remarkable professionals as Dean and Associate Dean who will begin their duties this summer.
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is pleased to announce that Marla DePolo Golden, DO, MS, FACEP, will be the founding Dean of the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to accepting the position, Dr. Golden served as the Dean of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia.
Joining her on the staff of the new medical school is Deacon Kevin Tulipana, DO, MS, who has been appointed Associate Dean. Dr. Tulipana comes to Benedictine from City of Hope Phoenix, a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center and a Top 10 cancer center in the U.S., where he served as President. An ordained deacon with the Catholic Church, Dr. Tulipana is finely tuned to both the physical and spiritual needs of his patients.
“The proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine is a wonderful opportunity to rehumanize the practice of medicine,” said Dr. Golden. “Osteopathic medicine treats the whole person and is a great fit with the Catholic, Christ-centered approach at Benedictine College. The prospect of beginning a new project that creates doctors who recognize a patient’s pain and suffering and approach their care with love, mercy and compassion is very exciting.”
Dr. Marla Golden
Dr. Golden graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, Florida, in 1992. She is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. She previously held positions as the Regional Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia, Chair of Clinical Education, PCOM South Georgia, and Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia.
She is the co-founder and co-author of The Neuroplastic Transformation Program and Workbook, designed to empower patients with knowledge of self-directed, portable, effective ways to counteract and overcome their pain using neuroplasticity techniques. Dr. Golden was actively involved with physician colleagues, county and state law enforcement as well as legislators in Florida to take down pill mills and effect legislation to combat the opioid crisis while ensuring legitimate pain care for appropriate patients. She started ‘The Science of Change Movement’ to invite input on best outreach and treatment practices for patients with substance use and behavioral disorders. She is board eligible in Pain Medicine and Addictions Medicine.
She feels most blessed to be the mother of three wonderful children, Mark, Audrey and Jessica. She enjoys the performing arts, sings in her church choir, takes piano and ballroom dance and loves to spend time with family and friends.
“I am excited to get to Atchison and work with President Minnis, Stan Sluder, our new Associate Dean Dr. Tulipana, and the entire Benedictine and Atchison communities as we create something that has the potential to change the face of medical care,” she said.
Dr. Kevin Tulipana
Dr. Tulipana earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathy degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery. From 2000 to 2003, he was a resident in Family Practice at Mercy/Mayo Family Medical Center, serving as chief resident from 2002 to 2003.
From 2003 to 2010, he provided family medical care at a large regional medical center in Missouri. He then served as a doctor caring for inpatients at a large health-care facility in Oklahoma. During his career, Dr. Tulipana has also held several administrative positions focused on quality improvement, innovation and other aspects of patient care.
“To be part of the Benedictine College mission of building an authentically Catholic medical school is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Tulipana is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is a fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine and on the adjunct faculty at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2018, he earned a Master of Science degree in Bioethics from the University of Mary in affiliation with the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
“Medicine is not just a career, but truly a vocation,” he said. “Pursuing medicine as a vocation, physicians are answering a call to steward their talents to the service of the vulnerable, embodying healing as an act of love and faith.”
As a deacon, Dr. Tulipana has spent his career embracing an approach to medicine that understands the whole human person and works to help them while holding to Catholic teaching.
Dr. Tulipana and his wife, Kara, have been married for 30 years and have eight children and two granddaughters. Four of their children are still at home and will be moving to Atchison with them.
“Having grown up in the Kansas City metro, we look forward to being back in the Midwest and are even more excited about being among a community of faithful Catholics dedicated to the mission of Benedictine,” he said.
President Stephen D. Minnis said the development moves the college several steps closer to the goal of the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine.
“Benedictine College is very blessed to have found such amazing medical professionals for our proposed medical school. This is one of the last pieces we need for this project,” he said. “With this kind of leadership, this school truly has the potential to Transform Culture in America in the model of Jesus Christ, the healer and teacher.”
