DMU Opens New Behavioral Health Clinic

Photo: Leaders of DMU, the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows and Casino cut a ribbon to officially open DMU’s new Behavioral Health Clinic.
On December 3, 2021, leaders of Des Moines University (DMU), the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open DMU’s new Behavioral Health Clinic and make much-needed mental healthcare services available to Iowans. Located in the on-campus DMU Clinic, the new center received financial support from Polk County supervisors and Prairie Meadows’ Legacy Grant Program. Among the Behavioral Health Clinic providers is Adam Bertroche, DO, a graduate of DMU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“With sufficient resources and access to mental health services, we can dramatically reduce the heavy burden of mental illness within our community by providing competent and compassionate care,” Dr. Bertroche said. “This also will be a site to foster the development of medical trainees in addressing, recognizing and treating people who suffer from mental illness.” Read more about the clinic opening.
NSU-KPCOM's Campuses Select Student DOs of the Year

Congratulations to third-year Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) students Nadia Ahamed and Aneil Tawakalzada, who were named Student DO of the Year at their respective campuses. Ahamed was her peers’ choice at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus, while Tawakalzada was recognized at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. Congratulate them on NSU-KCPOM’s Facebook page.
From Lab to Clinic: Four Years of Research at PCOM
After graduating with a bachelor’s of science in biology from James Madison University and a master’s of science in healthcare systems engineering from Lehigh University, Nathan Morrison (DO ‘22) began his medical education at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). As an undergrad and master’s student, Morrison was actively involved in psychology and systems engineering research before arriving at PCOM. Read the interview with Morrison, who shares his research journey at PCOM both in a clinical and laboratory setting.
UNTHSC/TCOM and Amerigroup Partner for Border Wellness Medical Mission Trip

Photo: UNTHSC/TCOM students providing healthcare services to rural communities in Texas.
Providing healthcare to underserved communities is the foundation of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM). But sometimes, reaching underserved communities takes some traveling, planning and unusual expenditures. To help meet the needs of far west Texas, UNTHSC/TCOM and Amerigroup are partnering to offer free medical wellness clinics on the Texas and Mexico border from December 1-4, 2021. Read more about the medical mission trip and the students who provided care.
OSU-COM Student One of Only Five to Receive National Minority Scholarship
Recognizing the achievements and passion of student doctors, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) announced the recipients of the 2021 Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Scholarship. Limayre Mendoza, a second-year student at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM), was one of just five students selected from across the country.
“As a first-generation student, strong support has been pivotal to my success as an osteopathic medical student. Through scholarships like the Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Scholarship, AACOM shows its commitment to diversifying medicine by helping mitigate the financial strain that can often prevent students like me from pursuing careers in medicine,” Mendoza said. “As a future Hispanic physician, I understand the dire need for physicians who understand a patient's linguistic and cultural background. I am committed to bridging the gap for my future patients and underserved populations.” Read more about Mendoza and the award.
Troncoso Appointed Chair of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Victoria A. Troncoso, DO, has been appointed professor and chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) at PCOM Georgia. In this position, Dr. Troncoso will oversee the OMM department and direct all aspects of the OMM educational program for students, faculty and staff, according to Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, dean and chief academic officer at PCOM Georgia. Additionally, Dr. Troncoso will serve as the medical director of the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, a specialty clinic at PCOM Georgia.
“I am very excited to help build an integrated curriculum as building programs is something I thrive on,” said Dr. Troncoso. “I enjoy working with students, especially those who have a passion for osteopathic medicine as that is one of my true loves.” Read more about Dr. Troncoso and her new role at PCOM Georgia.
RVUCOM Students Mentor Graduate Students
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) students mentored and provided feedback to students in RVU’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program during the latter’s Standardized Patient Encounter event. The encounters, which took place at RVU’s Healthcare Simulation Center, provided a valuable hands-on learning experience for all involved. View more photos from the event on RVUCOM’s Instagram.
Touro’s Veteran Community Honored During On-Campus Ceremony
Inside Touro University Nevada’s newly designed front lobby, chairs were lined in rows as red, white and blue balloons arched from the floor to the ceiling.
The campus community grazed on hot dogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. InTUN, Touro’s A Cappella group, was lined up in the back of the room, waiting for their queue to walk to the front and sing “Homeward Bound,” the somber, beautiful song published during World War I.
Calan Teel, a fourth-year student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), spent more than 10 years in the U.S. Air Force before applying to TUNCOM. Both of his parents worked on fighter jets like he did; but it was his wife, whom he met while stationed in South Korea, who encouraged him to apply. Read more about the ceremony.