A.T. Still University of Health Sciences’ Still Research Institute (SRI) and Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, have joined together to develop a collaborative research environment involving students and faculty members at the two institutions. On September 26, the ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) hosted the first annual Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium.

“The purpose of this event is to expand and support the research culture at both campuses. Our goals are to identify new areas of biomedical research that potentially will lead to advances in total person health care and wellness and to identify local resources and opportunities for research,” said Neil Sargentini, PhD, Chair for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at ATSU-KCOM.

LECOM at Seton Hill Opens its Doors

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA, welcomed its first class of students this summer and is now accepting applicants for July 2010. Students interested in the Seton Hill extension should apply to the Erie campus; after receiving an interview invitation, they will be able to specify their choice of learning site. LECOM students studying in Greensburg engage in the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Pathway, which involves small groups of students working together on patient cases, directed by faculty facilitators. The LECOM Seton Hill site will welcome 104 new medical students each year.

LECOM Collaborates with Mercyhurst College

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has partnered with Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, to build a mutually beneficial relationship in which LECOM faculty will teach medical education and provide clinical experience to undergraduate sports medicine students. At Mercyhurst, LECOM physicians from Medical Associates of Erie will join the existing staff at the school’s Cohen Student Health Center to provide medical services. Sports medicine physicians at LECOM will serve as the official team doctors for Mercyhurst’s athletes, and undergraduate students will gain the opportunity to job shadow health care professionals at the LECOM Wellness Center and Millcreek Community Hospital.

MSUCOM Celebrates Opening of New Site in Detroit

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) held a grand opening ceremony at its new site in the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) in September, after welcoming its first group of students this summer. The school’s expansion includes a new site at the Macomb University Center in Clinton Township, which is under construction. Students there are currently using existing classroom space. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) approved MSUCOM’s expansion last September, allowing the institution to increase its overall class size by 100.

NSU-COM’s Levy and Pandya Named Fulbright Scholars

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM) faculty members Leonard Levy, DPM, MPH, and Naushira Pandya, MD, CMD, traveled to Bratislava, Slovakia, last month as participants in the Fulbright Specialists Program. Dr. Levy, Professor and Assistant Dean of Education, Planning, and Research, and Dr. Pandya, Chair and Associate Professor of Geriatrics, visited Comenius University School of Medicine to engage in collaborative institutional planning and the development of opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. The Fulbright Specialists Program was established in 2000 to complement the traditional Fulbright Scholar Program.

OU-COM Receives Grants for Research Projects

Faculty members at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) have been awarded $991,049 in the form of six research grants, five of which were awarded by federal health and science agencies. Several of the grants were funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Researchers at OU-COM have submitted more grant proposals this year than in prior years; the school currently has 45 additional proposals under consideration for funding.

PCOM Welcomes Chinese Delegation

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently welcomed four medical administrators and one physician from China who were part of a larger delegation visiting the state of New York to learn about primary care and family medicine. PCOM faculty and staff members Dianzheng Zhang, PhD, and Jane Meng served as interpreters for the delegates, who met with President and CEO Matthew Schure, PhD, toured the campus and visited two of the school’s health care centers. Kenneth J. Veit, DO, MBA, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, traveled to China two years ago with a group of American physicians. The trip was made at the request of the Chinese Ministry of Health.

“As the Chinese medical system develops the concept of primary care, it’s interesting to note that they are turning to osteopathic medical schools for guidance. It was an honor to share our knowledge and experience with the group. It was a productive session all around,” said Dr. Veit.

RVUCOM Hosts International Visitor Leadership Program

Emerging leaders in medicine and science from over 22 foreign countries (pictured at left) visited Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) in September during one stop on the traveling International Visitor Leadership Program. The theme for this year’s program, “Public Safety: Preparing for Potential Pandemic Disease,” drew participation from many health care professionals. RVUCOM Interim President Robert Black, Esq, and Interim Dean and Chief Academic Officer Thomas Mohr, DO, greeted the group and shared details about the school’s development and the history and philosophy of osteopathic medicine. Notable past program participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program include Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Anwar Sadat.

WesternU Campaign Receives Generous Donations

Western University of Health Sciences’ (WesternU) Capital Campaign for Western Expansion has received significant donor contributions that may make it possible for the institution to reach its goal of $35 million by 2012, the year of the school’s 35th anniversary. The six-year campaign will provide funds to equip and furnish the 180,000-square-foot Health Education Center.  WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Western U/COMP), as well as the College of Dental Medicine, the College of Optometry and the College of Podiatric Medicine, will reside within the center. Among the generous donors for the Capital Campaign are WesternU President Philip Pumerantz, PhD and Board of Trustees member and alumnus Richard Bond, DO, DrPH.