2026 COM Research Stories
Hear how our community is shaping a distinct community-based research to increase health and well-being in communities across the U.S. For more information about the innovations from colleges of osteopathic medicine, check out our 2026 COM Research Report!
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Catalyzing Health and Healing through PCOM’s SHELTER ProgramApril 20, 2026
In Philadelphia, a research study looking to understand the real needs and perspectives of individuals who had experienced gun violence grew into the community-focused SHELTER program, empowering families and clinicians alike to catalyze meaningful change. Hear how two PCOM faculty members are helping their community heal by connecting partners, increasing clinician education and aligning important resources on mental health.
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Charting New Pathways: How a DO‑PhD Student Is Expanding Osteopathic‑Aligned Cancer ResearchApril 20, 2026
At DMU-COM, medical student Tanner Wetzel, BS, MPH, PhD, DO'27, is forging a new pathway that advances both clinical care and osteopathic-aligned research. Through the DO-PhD program, Tanner is pursuing a unique program that allows him to blend his drive for scientific inquiry, compassionate care and cutting-edge innovation in evidence-based cancer treatment. Learn more about Tanner’s experience paving the way in the new pathway program and the parallels he draws between osteopathic philosophy and research.
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Medicine Informed by Culture, Connection and CareApril 20, 2026
At RVU-MCOM, student doctor Negia Gamboa’s research project uncovered a lack of evidence around health disparities in maternal health for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. That discovery set her on a path to advance health literature and establish evidence-based guidance to support maternal health in this historically underserved community. Learn more about her research project and her hopes to expand this work in partnership with local tribal leaders.
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One Clerkship, Three Paths to Improving Health in OhioApril 20, 2026
Hear three OU-HCOM students—Swetha, Jack and Unique—reflect on participating in the distinctive program that allows students to deeply engage with community health challenges through quality improvement projects. Explore their experiences building connections between clinical care, research and systems improvement to offer better patient outcomes.
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Genes as Medicine: Advancing a New Era of Osteopathic InnovationApril 20, 2026
At MSU-COM, Andrea Amalfitano, DO, PhD, has held nearly every role from student to dean. Through an Endowed Professorship from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, he is helping individuals with rare and genetic diseases across the globe live healthier lives through his breakthrough immunotherapies. Learn how his work is creating hope for his patients and building a new cohort of DO physician scientists.
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The Science of Touch: Bridging the Gap Between Experience and EvidenceApril 20, 2026
Brian Degenhardt, DO, shares his perspective as a physician-researcher advancing the science behind osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Driven by an early curiosity into OMM, Dr. Degenhardt has since helped develop rigorous tools, studies and research networks that bring efficacy to the practice. Now, he hopes to nurture the same inquisitiveness in his students to advance the profession, improve patient care and improve clinical practice.