COSGP Research Symposium Winners, a New Student-Run Health Clinic, Ambrose Scholars, and More in Campus Roundup
Published February 06, 2019
2019
NSU-KPCOM Students Win Big at COSGP Research Symposium
Second-year osteopathic medical students at the Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) Manonmani Murugappan (left) and Regina Zambrano (right) were big winners at AACOM’s Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) Research Symposium held January 18 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), claiming first-place honors in two of the three award categories. Murugappan was named the Overall and Clinical/Case Study winner for her project “Validation of Bayesian Adaptive Quick Contrast Sensitivity Function Tests in Adults Without Ocular Disease,” while Zambrano earned top honors in the Basic Science Research category for her project “Modeling Melanoma-Induced Monocyte Conversion to Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells to Identify Novel Immunotherapies.”
Heritage College Alumni Group Provides Healthy Snacks and Encouragement
The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) Society of Alumni & Friends offered medical students in Athens, Cleveland, and Dublin, OH, a healthy snack and words of encouragement as they prepared for final exams last month. Through the first “Fruit and Fortitude to Focus and Finish” event on December 6, more than 50 Heritage College alumni shared some words of wisdom for students to take with them in preparation for the week ahead. Read more.
OSU-CHS Announces Scholarships for Native American Medical Students
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) announces the establishment of multiple scholarship funds totaling $475,000 from the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and 13 private donors in honor of the nation’s first tribally affiliated medical school–the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. The new medical school is the result of a historic partnership between OSU-CHS and the Cherokee Nation and is set to open in 2020 on the campus of the Cherokee Nation’s W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, OK. Scholarship funds will be earmarked for Native American medical students. Read more.
Photo (left to right): Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation; Bill John Baker, Principal Chief of Cherokee Nation; Kayse Shrum, DO, President, OSU Center for Health Sciences; and Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, gather to celebrate the creation of scholarships for Native American students who wish to attend medical school.
PCOM Celebrates 120th Birthday
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently celebrated its 120th birthday with a host of festivities, culminating in a lunchtime awards ceremony recognizing those who embody the legacies of PCOM’s founders OJ Snyder and Mason W. Pressly.
On Thursday, January 24, the Philadelphia and Suwanee campuses hosted events for the entire campus community with cake, and remarks by Jay S. Feldstein, DO, President and CEO. More cake and conversation followed on Friday prior to the annual Founders’ Day awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
The ceremony honors the birth of PCOM in 1899 by Drs. Snyder and Pressly, who sought to bring the holistic, patient-centered approach of osteopathic medicine to Philadelphia, PA. Each year, the College selects recipients of the founders’ namesake awards to a student, faculty or staff member or alumnus who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to the osteopathic profession, the College and the community. Read more.
Photo (left to right): PCOM Founders' Day award winners Tina Woodruff, EdD; Alexander S. Nicholas, DO; and Taylor E. Olian, DO. Photo credit: Melissa Kelly Photography
RVUCOM Recognized Among Top 10 School Gold Award by Military Friendly
Rocky Vista University (RVU) has been recognized with the Top 10 School Gold Award by Military Friendly® for its exemplary military educational programs and veteran initiatives. To be considered for the award, schools must first receive the designation of Military Friendly®. The additional Gold distinction is reserved for schools scoring within the top 10% of their category with RVU ranking 7th of all schools in the non-traditional category.
Currently, RVU has 98 military students enrolled in the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) with an additional 19 veterans also enrolled in the University. As part of its commitment to military medicine, RVU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) offers the specialized Military Medicine Track which provides an overview and introduction to military medicine and incorporates surgical simulation using the Cut Suit, immersion-based reality training, and leadership and discipline skills. On RVUCOM’s Southern Utah Campus, students and faculty also work closely with the Southern Utah Veterans Home (SUVH) to provide long-term osteopathic medical care for the veterans, Gold Star parents, and military spouses who reside there.
New Student-Run Touro Harlem Health Clinic Meets TouroCOM’s Mission of Service and Student Need for Valuable Learning Experiences
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine—New York (TouroCOM-NY) has opened a student-run, free clinic to serve the Harlem community, Dean David Forstein, DO, announced.
The Touro Harlem Health Clinic, located at 2257 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Harlem, NY, has begun outreach in the Harlem community to schedule appointments for those who cannot afford medical services, do not have health insurance, or are underinsured.
The clinic has been in the works for several years. Dean Forstein served as attending physician on the clinic’s first day.
“With the Touro Harlem Health Clinic we are continuing our vital mission in our community by training a diverse cohort of new doctors, who will help reduce healthcare disparities and improve patient care throughout Harlem,” said Dean Forstein. “We are all very proud and excited that our long-held dream of opening a free, student-run clinic for those in need is finally coming to fruition.”
Hanaa Khadraoui, a second-year student from New Jersey who chairs the clinic’s 19-member student planning committee, said funds to open the clinic have come from student fundraising efforts, with office space donated by the TouroCOM Family Health Center, which during the week serves as a student health center and as another resource for health services in the community.
Khadraoui noted most of the TouroCOM student body has been trained and are eager to help. “The students are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to volunteer. It increases their clinical experience and exposes them to different patient populations. Working in a free clinic for the underserved and underinsured is a valuable learning experience.”
TUNCOM Interview with Chadwell Vail, DO, FACOI, Class of 2011
“Catching Up” is a new monthly feature highlighting different Touro University Nevada alumni and learning more about their journey after graduation. Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM) speaks with Chadwell Vail, DO, FACOI, a 2011 graduate.
Dr. Vail serves as a member of the Medical Group Board of Directors, Director of Medical Education, and Vice Chairman of Internal Medicine at Phelps Health Medical Center in Rolla, MO. He and his wife live in south-central Missouri with their three children. Read the interview.
VCOM-Auburn Students Selected as Ambrose Scholars
Two Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine—Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) students were recently selected as Paul Ambrose Scholars. Being honored with this award were Joselyn Miller (right), a second-year osteopathic medical student, and Julia Orcutt (left), a first-year osteopathic medical student. Miller is an Alabama State University graduate from Las Vegas, NV, while Orcutt is a Troy University graduate from Helena, AL.
Each year, the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR), selects up to 40 students from health profession schools that exhibit a desire to learn and integrate public health into their future clinical practice. Students from a variety of health disciplines are selected to implement a community-based project that addresses a health promotion or disease prevention topic relevant to their community.
“Being selected as a Paul Ambrose Scholar will give me the opportunity to do my part as a believer in altruism and to develop and implement a community disease prevention project,” said Miller. “I am so excited to learn more about public health issues and how I can implement these principles into my practice one day to support the wellbeing of my future patients,” said Orcutt.
VCOM-Carolinas Hosts Mission Trip to Honduras
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine—Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) students, faculty, and alumni recently demonstrated their commitment to serving the underserved with a week-long mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. From January 12-19, VCOM’s group, including Carolinas’ Dean Timothy Kowalski, DO, FACN, saw 491 patients in rural communities. Faculty members Edward Warren, MD, Petra Warren, MD, Joel Snipe, MD, FACOG, and alumnus Preston Kick, DO, also provided care on the trip, with Dr. Snipe remaining behind at the James Moody Adams Clinic for an additional four days to treat 53 OB/GYN patients. When all was said and done, 544 patients were treated on the mission.
VCOM-VC Student Alumni Ambassadors Honored
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine—Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia)’s student alumni ambassadors were honored with a lunch by the Alumni Department, recognizing them for their outstanding service during the past year. The ambassadors are second-year students that work hard all year, helping with alumni events and projects.
UNE COM Addresses LGBTQI+ Health Disparities
First- and second-year osteopathic medical students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) were fortunate to have psychiatrist and Associate Vice Provost, Benoit Dubé, MD, lecture on LGBTQI+ health care as part of their medical coding training curriculum.
The talk, entitled, "LGBT Health Disparities: Social Determinants and the Legacy of Stigma," traced the history of LGBTQI+ health in the DSM and sociopolitically to provide best practices for physicians. Dr. Dubé discussed the ways in which physicians can create safe space for their patients, and how the implementation of targeted campaigns can help at-risk populations.
The talk came to fruition thanks to the collaborative efforts of COM faculty Marilyn Gugliucci, PhD, Susan Wehry, MD, and Rebecca Rowe, PhD, along with the student-run Health Equity Alliance (HEAl). The discussion continued into the evening with HEAl, Dr. Dube, and Dany Hanna, DO, a urologist specializing in transgender medicine.