AACOM Research Grant Awardees

Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Readiness for AI Implementation in Precision Education: A Multi-Institution Case Study 

Research Questions: 
1. To what extent do individual and organizational factors relate to assessment readiness for AI implementation in precision education?
2. How do organizational, technology, and data maturity factors shape assessment readiness for AI implementation, and how can these factors be leveraged to design scalable approaches to AI adoption across diverse medical education settings? 

• Primary Investigator:  
  Leslie Wimsatt, PhD, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) 

• Co-Investigators: 
  Julie Youm, PhD, University of California Irvine School of Medicine
  Machelle Linsenmeyer, EdD, West Virginia School of Medicine (WVSOM)
  Michael Campion, MEd, University of Washington School of Medicine 

Developing a Bilingual CPR Instructor Pipeline to Strengthen Rural Emergency Preparedness 

Research Question: To what extent does a bilingual CPR/First Aid instructor training model improve community emergency preparedness, strengthen the rural bilingual emergency response workforce, and enhance osteopathic medical student learning? 

• Primary Investigator:  
  Stacie Fairley, PhD, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia (PCOM South Georgia) 

• Co-Investigators: 
  Thomas Last, PhD
  Laura Lissa Murphy, MD 

Impact of a Student-as-Teacher, Case-Based Clinical Teaching Model on Preclinical Osteopathic Medical Student Learning and Community Engagement 

Research Question: Does participation in a student-as-teacher, case-based clinical teaching program enhance preclinical osteopathic medical students' mastery and integration of foundational biomedical sciences within an integrated curriculum? 

• Primary Investigator:  
  Carolina Restini, PharmD, PhD, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) 

• Co-Investigators: 
  John Taylor, PhD
  Raquel Ritchie, PhD
  Carrie Nazaroff, PhD 

Integration of Lifestyle Medicine Education (Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Activity) into an Osteopathic Medical School Curriculum: A Course Design with Multi-Dimensional Outcomes Assessment 

Research Question: How can lifestyle medicine principles be most effectively incorporated into a medical school curriculum in a way that focuses on applicable, patient-centered training to encourage application of lifestyle medicine principles into medical practice? 

• Primary Investigator: 
  Andrew Payne, PhD, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda COM) 

Optimizing AI-Enhanced Learning in Osteopathic Medical Education: A Kirkpatrick-Evaluated Framework to Preserve Critical Thinking While Scaling Access 

Research Question: Does a structured, competency-based AI literacy intervention combining faculty-curated Socratic tutors with explicit cognitive training enhance critical thinking (application and synthesis) and improve academic performance compared to unguided AI use? 

• Primary Investigator: 
  James Martin, PhD, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM) 
   
• Co-Investigator: 
  Jeffrey Powers, PhD 

Rural Practitioner Perspectives on AI Models: Aligning Urban-Centric Development with Rural Needs 

Research Questions: 
1. How do rural practitioners access and use AI in care of rural patients?
2. What concerns do rural practitioners have about AI models developed in urban versus rural settings?
3. What contextual factors should be incorporated into AI models to improve rural applicability?
4. What biases and unfairness are seen in AI models used in rural settings and especially in osteopathic care? 

• Primary Investigator: 
  Machelle Linsenmeyer, EdD, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) 
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Natasha Bray, MSEd, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) 
  David Hightower, MD, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) 

The Anato-Bee: Early Pathway to Inspire College and Career Opportunities in Medicine (EPIC-COM) 

Research Question: Will participation in a longitudinal STEMM pathway program influence proximal predictors of enrollment and persistence, such as motivation, hope, and intent to pursue healthcare professional degree programs? 

• Primary Investigator: 
  Mary Piscura, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) 
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Janelle Mapes, MS, PhD, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM) 
  Jenna Hagerty, MS, PhD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University 
  Dana Peterson, MA, MS, PhD, Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health 

Using Virtual Reality to Support Student Learning of Medical Physiology 

Research Questions: 
1. Can basic concepts be mastered/grasped with virtual reality?
2. What are the perceived attitudes of students on learning medical physiology in a simulated clinical environment and how to effectively integrate VR learning in medical physiology and in the medical curriculum? 

• Primary Investigator: 
  Imaan Benmerzouga, PhD, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) 
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Elizabeth Oviawe, PhD 
  Anastasia Mashukova, PhD 

Advancing the Educational Landscape of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Osteopathic Medical Education

Research Question: What are the current gaps and opportunities in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) education across medical schools, particularly osteopathic medical schools?

• Primary Investigator:
  Sarah Adkins, PhD, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Arman Qureshi, MPH, Student Doctor
  Justin Thorne, Student Doctor
  Alexander Bennett, Student Doctor
  James Nolin, RN, PhD
  

Advancing Health Informatics, AI and Aul in Medical Education by Utilizing Expert Engagement

Research Question: What impact will an advanced curriculum that includes engagement with healthcare innovators and AI experts have on a student’s perceived self-efficacy in practical, ethical, and clinical applications of AI, and on their ability to execute AI-related tasks?

• Primary Investigator:
  Janet Lieto, DO, FACOFP, CMD, CPP, UNT Health Fort Worth's Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNT Health Fort Worth - TCOM)
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Nelumdini Samaranayake, PhD, UNT Health - TCOM
  Amany Hassan, UNT Health - TCOM
  Lin Nelson, MBA, UNT Health - TCOM

Challenges to and Opportunities for Community-based Clinical Rotations for Osteopathic Medical Students

Research Question: What are the current challenges to community-based clinical rotations for osteopathic medical students?

• Primary Investigator:
  Duane Brandau, DO, PhD, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-COM)
   
• Co-Investigator:
  Joel Dickerman, DO, PhD

Investigating Best Practices of Virtual Cadaver Technology Integration into Health Sciences Education

Research Question: How can we most effectively integrate the Anatomage table into anatomical curricula to both support academic success and reinforce a positive learning experience for students?

• Primary Investigator:
  Erica Ausel, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM)
   
• Co-Investigator:
  Megan Balle, PhD
  Sara Vitaniemi, MSEd

Introducing Health Informatics Curriculum Through Case-base Simulations: For Undergraduate Medical Education

Research Question: Does integrating artificial intelligence into the initial design of the undergraduate medical education curriculum in health informatics enhance medical students’ knowledge, skills, and clinical decision-making abilities?

• Primary Investigator:
  Janet Lieto, DO, FACOFP, CMD, CPP, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Amany Hassan, UNTHSC-TCOM
  Lin Nelson, MBA, UNTHSC-TCOM
  Nelumdini Samaranayake, PhD, UNTHSC-TCOM

Empowering a Relational Professional Identity Among Medical Students to Increase Under-Represented in Medicine (URiM) Applicants

Research Questions: 1) Can vertical mentoring between medical students and pre-med undergraduates increase VCOM-Auburn’s URiM applications? 2) Can participation in URiM recruitment improve cultural competency and drive professional identity formation in medical student Ambassadors?

• Primary Investigator:
  Kari Dugger, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Mayra Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, VCOM-Auburn
  Ellen Wilson, MEd, VCOM-Auburn

Correlation Between Visual Spatial Intelligence and Palpatory Ability Using 3D Printed Models

Research Questions: 1) Can the use of 3D models improve accuracy of palpation in OMS students? 2) Can VSI detect accuracy of student’s ability to palpate region specific landmarks. 3) Does intervention with the OPP course improve their palpation accuracy and correlate with their VSI score?

• Primary Investigator:
  Natalie Freeman, PhD, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Anne Marie Zeller, DO, LMU-DCOM
  Ian Schultheis, OMS, LMU-DCOM

The Nutrition Kitchen: An Interdisciplinary Culinary Medicine Elective to Enhance Nutrition Literacy and Personal Dietary Habits

• Primary Investigator:
  Annie Kirby, PhD, RD, LD, CCMS, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) 
       
• Co-Investigators:
  Katie Wolter, (VCOM-Auburn)
  Josh Hollingsworth, (VCOM-Auburn)
  Phillip Snider, (VCOM-Auburn)
  Joy DeBellis, Auburn University
  Jeanna Sewell, Auburn University
  

Exploring a Novel “Policy in Health Care” Curriculum: A Needs Assessment

• Primary Investigator:
  Janet Lieto, DO, FACOFP, CMD, CPP, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Amany Hassan,  UNTHSC-TCOM
  Lin Nelson, UNTHSC-TCOM
  Lillee Gelinas, UNTHSC-TCOM
  

Investigation of Suboccipital Release, Muscle Energy, and Combination Therapy, respectively evaluating their effect on vertebral artery blood flow

• Primary Investigator:
  Per Gunnar Brolinson, DO, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Sydney Moriarty, OMS-II, VCOM-Virginia
  Ishan Perera OMS-II, VCOM-Virginia
  

Changes in Carpal Tunnel Dimensions Following the Application of a Novel Combined Myofascial Release and Muscle Energy Osteopathic Technique

• Primary Investigator: 
  Mario Loomis, MD, Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  David Moeler, SHSU-COM
  Jamie Eller, SHSU-COM
  Lilian Zhan, SHSU-COM
  Sharon Gustowski, DO, MPH, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Impact of Early Educational Intervention Programs for Struggling Medical Students

• Primary Investigator:
  Shiyuan Wang, PhD, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Dyron J. Corley, EdD, Rowan-Virtua SOM

The Development of a Medical Education Faculty Development Program Quality Inventory Toolkit

• Primary Investigator:
  Lise McCoy, EdD, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
   
• Co-Investigator:
  Sebastian Diaz, PhD, JD, Northeast Ohio Medical University 

Effectiveness of a Small Group Activity (SKIPPs) for Interprofessional Learning

• Primary Investigator:
  Martin Schmidt, PhD, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Use of a Study Tracker to Characterize the Influence of Study Process on Pre-Clinical Exam Performance in First- and Second-Year Medical Students

• Primary Investigator:
  Robert Tyler, DO, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Joplin (KCU-COM Joplin)
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Nicholas Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
  John Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
  Annamarie Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
  Arleah Aguilar, KCU-COM Joplin

Understanding COMLEX Level 1 as a Pass/Fail Exam – Impact and Opportunities

• Primary Investigator:
  Donald Sefcik, DO, MBA, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
   
• Co-Investigators and Institutions:
  Patricia S. Sexton, DHEd, FNAOME, A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Melissa Efurd, EdD, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Ashley N. Gerhardson, PhD, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Exploring Undiagnosable Syndromes in Medical Students: The Prevalence and Implications of Imposter Syndrome and Medical Student Syndrome

• Primary Investigator: 
  Mikhail Volokitin, PhD, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York
  

The WellMESS Project

• Primary Investigator:
  Joshua C. Hollingsworth, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus 

Improving Anatomy Education Through Evidence-based Practice:  Testing a Hands-On Resource for Teaching Neurovasculature and Spatial Relationships of the Skull Base

• Primary Investigator: 
  Randy J. Kulesza Jr., PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  Co-Investigator(s): 
  Mark Terrell, EdD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Brittney Link, MA, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Evaluating the Impact of Narrative Medicine Workshops on Reflective Learning, Empathy and Burnout: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study and Systematic Review

• Primary Investigator:
  Timothy J Barreiro, DO, MPH, Mercy Health Youngstown St. Elizabeth Health Center and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine in Osteopathic Medical Education: Assessment of Student’s Personal Nutrition Goals and Effect on Future Medical Practice

• Primary Investigator: 
  Amanda T. Parker, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  
• Co-Investigator(s): 
  Robert Bateman, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Danielle Fastring, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Experiential Learning as a Tool to Grow Empathy in Osteopathic Undergraduate Medical Students

• Primary Investigator: 
  Rosemary Niedens, MA, Kansas Health Science Center- Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  

What Comes After ACGME Accreditation: Identifying and implementing Academic Enrichment Plan to Improve Residents' performance on the Internal Medicine In-Training Examination

• Primary Investigator:
  Amro Ilaiwy, MD, Cape Fear Valley Health System and Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  Co-Investigator: 
  Donald Maharty, DO, Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine 

Using hands-on interprofessional culinary medicine education to increase the confidence and ability of medical and dietetic students to address lifestyle and nutrition related disease.

• Primary Investigator:
  Kathryn H. Thompson, PhD, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine 
   
• Co-Investigators:
  Anne Mathews, PhD, RDN, Medicine, University of Florida
  Carolyn G Carter, MD, MS, University of Florida College of Medicine
  Leslie Ouellette-Todd, MS, RD, LD, MPH, University of New England
  Celeste Bouchard, DO, Mayo Clinic

Determination of the Most Effective Visualization Technologies for the Instruction of IN SITU Heart Anatomy by Anatomical Context and Question Type to First Year Medical Students

• Primary Investigator: 
  Kenneth Hisley, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  
• Co-Investigator: 
  Mark Terrell, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pursuing an internal medicine subspecialty: a review of the factors influencing female medical students’ intentions for fellowship

• Primary Investigator: 
  Sheeba Varughese Tano, DO, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
   
• Co-Investigator: 
  Gina Sun Gilderman, OMS-II, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

A Pilot Program Studying the Effects of Student, Peer-Facilitator Development in Support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curriculum Learning Activities

• Primary Investigator:
  Edward Barnes, MD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Mirabelle Fernandes-Paul, EdD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – NW 
  Vicki Wedel, PhD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
  Stephanie White, DO, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

A Faculty Development Training Program to Improve Communication about Medical Uncertainty in Graduate Medical Education

• Primary Investigator:
  Anna M. Kerr, PhD, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
   
  
• Co-Investigator(s): 
  Charee Thompson, PhD, University of Illinois
  Alexander Rakowsky, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital
  Claire Stewart, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital
  John D. Mahan, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Standardizing Cadaveric-based Lab Experiences and Assessments for Multiple Campus Medical Schools

• Primary Investigator:
  Kent Smith, PhD, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tahlequah
   
• Co-Investigator: 
  Denna Wheeler, PhD, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tahlequah

The impact of 3-D printed and computer models on learning cranial nerve anatomy

• Primary Investigator: 
  Randy J Kulesza Jr, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Mark Terrell, EdD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Brittney L. Link, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sideline Sonography for Ankle Fracture Evaluation (SSAFE): A Pilot Study

• Primary Investigator: 
  Jacob Turnbull, DO, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Stephanie Aldret, DO, CAQSM, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
  Randy Aldret, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
  Travis Smith, DO, CAQSM, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
  John Lipka, MD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
  Lin Kang, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus

Enablers and incentives to promote research participation by osteopathic medical students

• Primary Investigator:
  Sarah Zahl, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
   
• Co-Investigators: 
  Jonathan Lowery, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
  Michael Baumann, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Enriching the Preclinical Medical Genetics Curriculum through OSCE Learning

• Primary Investigator:
  Martin Schmidt, PhD, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  

Efficacy of an OMM Virtual Reality Program on Medical Student Learning

• Primary Investigator:
  Sheldon C. Yao, DO, FAAO, DO, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
   
• Co-Investigator: 
  Randy Stout, Jr., PhD, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine