TUNCOM Dean Named Physician of the Year
The Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA) will present Mitchell Forman, DO, Dean and Professor at the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), with the 2008 Physician of the Year Award at its April meeting in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Congratulations, Dr. Forman!
OSU Medical Center Transferred to Tulsa Trust
On March 31, 2009, the Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSUMC) passed from the hands of its prior owner, Ardent Health Services, into the OSUMC Trust, which was formed by the city of Tulsa. During months of planning, a number of organizations have stepped in to help preserve OSUMC, which is the primary teaching hospital for medical students at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU COM). St. John Health System has been contracted as the management service provider of OSUMC, which will receive $5 million annually for the next five years to handle operating expenses.
PCOM and Robert Morris University Collaborate on Degree Program
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has partnered with Robert Morris University (RMU) to give students the opportunity to receive a baccalaureate degree with a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. In the program, undergraduate students are chosen upon admission to RMU’s pre-medicine program; approximately 10 students may be admitted to PCOM after graduation.
“Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is very pleased to join together with Robert Morris University in creating new opportunities for osteopathic medical education for students from Western Pennsylvania. We look forward to working closely with Robert Morris University in promoting the newest opportunities for core clinical rotations exclusively in Western Pennsylvania for students who wish to return home to practice,” said PCOM President and CEO Matthew Schure, PhD.
William Betz, DO, MBA, Joins PCSOM
William Betz, DO, MBA, has joined Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM) as Senior Associate Dean of Osteopathic Education and Chairman and Professor for the Department of Family Medicine. A former faculty member of the school, Dr. Betz played a critical role in PCSOM’s development. He most recently served as Dean, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM).
Chet Evans, DPM, Joins LECOM-Bradenton
Chet Evans, DPM, MS, has joined the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton Campus (LECOM-Bradenton) as Vice President for Medical Education and Program Development. Before joining the LECOM-Bradenton faculty, Dr. Evans served as Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean and Professor of Surgery in the School of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University. In his new role, Dr. Evans will collaborate with LECOM’s administration to oversee both the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Pharmacy, and will coordinate the institution’s new educational programs.
VCOM Measures Need for Community Health Center
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the need for a community health center in Montgomery County, which includes areas that were designated as Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) last April. The project is being led by Dr. Cathy Callahan, head of the school’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“A community health center would be a tremendous asset to our community by offering medical services to patients in need. We are also excited about this prospect because it would provide services under the 'new medical home' model for primary care, where residents, students and faculty could provide compassionate patient centered care,” said VCOM Dean and Vice President Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO.
WVSOM Receives Grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) recently received a grant for $26,734 from the Pittsburgh Foundation. The grant, contributed by the West Allegheny Physicians’ Association, will provide assistance to a WVSOM student from the southwestern Pennsylvania region.
OU-COM Professor Receives National Honor
Jay Shubrook, Jr., DO, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM), was recently named Young Physician of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP). The Young Physician of the Year Award is given annually to a physician who demonstrates outstanding leadership abilities and has been in osteopathic family practice for two to ten years. Dr. Shubrook graduated from OU-COM in 1996 and joined the school’s faculty in 2006. He will soon assume the role of Editor of ACOFP’s journal, The Osteopathic Family Physician News.
Howard Neer, DO, Receives Distinguished Award
The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) presented Howard Neer, DO, Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM), with the Distinguished Service Award during its annual convention in March. Dr. Neer was honored for his years of service and dedication to the osteopathic family medicine profession.
Robert J. George Receives FOMA’s Presidential Achievement Award
The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) recently presented Robert J. George, DO, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton Campus (LECOM-Bradenton), with the Presidential Achievement Award at its 106th Annual Conference.
NSU-COM, LECOM-Bradenton Students Receive $5,000 Scholarships
Pictured (from left) are Anna Hayden, DO, president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Alicia Bamberg (LECOM recipient), Woodwin Weeks (NSU-COM recipient), and Ronald Burns, DO.
Mark Newberry and Woodwin Weeks, medical students at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM), each received a $5,000 scholarship from the Osteopathic Foundation of East Florida. Alicia Bamberg, a third-year student at LECOM-Bradenton, also received a $5,000 scholarship from the Osteopathic and Podiatric Foundation of East Orlando. Several other students received smaller scholarship awards. The scholarships were awarded to third-year students from NSU-COM or LECOM-Bradenton who display excellence in academics and leadership.