Students Attend Cancer Research Symposium, Put on a Fall Bash for Local Communities and More

Nevins’ Commitment to Women in Medicine Helps to Empower Next Generation

Despite the almost impossibly long list of accomplishments, including serving as associate dean for graduate medical education program development at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), Natalie A. Nevins, DO, MSHPE, MSS, FACOFP, FS, and Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, almost didn’t go to medical school. During her undergraduate studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, the dean of her university medical school, a woman, discouraged Dr. Nevins from considering a career in orthopedic surgery, telling her, “Oh, honey, that’s really a man’s field.”

Crushed, she applied to law school, got accepted and almost became a bioethics lawyer. Her gut was telling her she was making a mistake, and when Nevins’ sister-in-law, a DO, told her that the focus on health and humanism was part of being an osteopathic physician, she changed her plans. Read more Dr. Nevin’s illustrious career and pathway to medical school.

‘When Life Isn't in Your Hands, You End Up Appreciating It More’

Angela Ellis is a 27-year-old Latina Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) medical student who battled triple-negative breast cancer. From learning how to care for future patients in the classroom to undergoing treatment herself, she now hopes to address the lack of Latino representation in medicine and serve her community.

“You hear about it, and you know people who have cancer, but you don’t think you’re ever going to get it,” said Ellis. “Especially at 27 years old.” While breast cancer most often occurs in women 50 years of age or older, its more aggressive form impacts those at a younger age. Something Ellis has experienced herself and witnessed firsthand with her patients. Read more about how her diagnosis has changed how she views medicine and patient care.

Burrell College and Nexstar Media Collaborate for Educational Empowerment

In an innovative collaboration aimed at fostering community health awareness, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) has partnered with Nexstar Media to produce a compelling medical education video series called "Expert Tips From Your Student D.O.c." The series, which airs every Wednesday on KTSM-TV, features BCOM’s student doctors and faculty discussing a range of medical issues.

Since its debut in September, the series has become a valuable resource for the community, providing expert insights and advice on various health topics. With nine segments already aired, the collaboration has proven to be an effective platform for promoting wellness.

"We believe that education is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Partnering with Nexstar Media to bring "Expert Tips From Your Student D.O.c" to the public not only showcases the knowledge and dedication of our student doctors and faculty, but also reinforces our commitment to wellness. Through this series, we want to empower individuals with valuable insights that can positively impact their well-being and our community as a whole," said Sidney Alvarez, BCOM director of marketing and public relations. Read more about the program.

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Students Pursue Research: Making Scientific Discoveries and Rounding with the Team

Faatin Salekin, a second-year student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM)’s Harlem campus, was always interested in neurology. As an undergrad, he majored in neuroscience, and during his first year of medical school he did a poster presentation about a small discovery. But this past summer, he took his interest to a new level as a summer research intern at the National Institute on Aging at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.

Tasked with helping investigate how insulin is secreted, Salekin also learned the benefits of summer research can extend beyond scientific discoveries. The most valuable part of the experience, he said, was the relationships developed with mentors and faculty. Learn more about Salekin’s experience with the National Institutes of Health team.

PCOM South Georgia Student Physicians Attend Cancer Research Conference

Photo: PCOM South Georgia student physicians Shahrzad Zamani (DO ’25), left, and Jordan Howard (DO ’26), right, received the Edith Peterson Mitchell Health Equity Travel Scholarship to attend the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Fall Group meeting held in late October in Washington, DC. They join Edith Peterson Mitchell, MD, for whom the scholarship is named.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia (PCOM South Georgia) students Jordan Howard, DO ’26, and Shahrzad Zamani, DO ’25, received travel scholarships to attend the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-American College of Radiology Imaging Network Cancer Research Fall Group Meeting held in late October in Washington, DC. There, the students learned about some of the latest research being conducted in the areas of cancer prevention, imaging, diagnosis and treatment. Read more about what the students learned in the Albany Herald.

WVSOM’s Waddell Honored as WVRHA Outstanding Rural Health Provider

How do you earn the West Virginia Rural Health Association (WVRHA)’s Outstanding Rural Health Provider award? In the case of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)’s Mark Waddell, DO, you work to improve rural healthcare in West Virginia and around the world.

Waddell is the winner of the WVRHA’s 2023 Outstanding Rural Health Provider award, receiving the honor during a luncheon at the 31st annual WVRHA conference at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV. The WVRHA advocates for empowering all West Virginians to advance their quality of life, well-being and access to excellence in rural healthcare. Its mission is to unite people, communities and organizations to strengthen rural health in West Virginia. Read more about the award and the reasons Jessica Brumbaugh, one of his students, nominated him.

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumna and Faculty Member Selected for Role of ARC-PA Commissioner

Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus is recognizing Jennifer Wild, DO, medical director of the physician assistant program, for her selection by the American Medical Association as commissioner for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Dr. Wild, an alumna of the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), received word of her selected three-year term in September 2023. In her new role as commissioner, she will support and advance physician assistant education by actively participating in work with the ARC-PA.

Culinary Medicine Synergy: Healthcare Understanding Through Interdisciplinary Education

Annie Kirby, PhD, RD, LD, CCMS, associate professor in cellular biology and physiology at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn), is collaborating with the Rane Culinary Science Center to lead an innovative interdisciplinary culinary medicine elective. This initiative brings together medical, pharmacy and nutrition students. On November 16, 2023, students participated in hands-on culinary activities, experiencing the practical application of healthy recipes. This collaborative approach not only imparts valuable cooking skills but also underscores the crucial relationship between nutrition and well-being, fostering the understanding of healthcare among future physicians.

VCOM-Carolinas Spirit Day

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) students celebrated Spirit Day on November 7, 2023, by wearing their favorite gear to represent their alma maters. Alumni from the University of South Carolina, Clemson University and many others, mostly from the southeastern United States, graced the halls of VCOM-Carolinas. View more photos on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.

VCOM-Virginia's American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Hosts Skills Workshop

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia)'s American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) recently organized a skills workshop tailored for first- and second-year students. Scott Lang, MD, the residency program director at LewisGale Family Medicine Residency Program - Salem, collaborated with fellow residency faculty for hands-on instruction on essential medical skills, including suturing, casting and osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT).

This collaborative initiative between VCOM-Virginia and LewisGale-Salem aligns with VCOM's mission. "Our diverse family unites with a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the community," Dr. Lang said. "We select residents based on intrinsic work ethic, superior social skills and emotional intelligence. Our dedication to underserved medical care and evidence-based practices is unmistakable, creating a blend of community medicine with an academic focus that sets us apart." LewisGale residency programs in Blacksburg and Salem, VA, represent just two of the 28 clinical training sites available to VCOM-Virginia students.

VCOM-Louisiana Students Volunteer at Med Camps Fall Bash

Every fall, Med Camps of Louisiana, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences, hosts a Fall Bash for Monroe and the surrounding communities. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) students had the opportunity to help run carnival games, jumpers, a cake walk, trick-or-treating booths and other fun activities around the campground for children attending the event. View more photos on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

NoordaCOM Honors Students with Military Affiliations During Veteran’s Day

Twenty Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) students of various military affiliations came together on Veteran’s Day. Some students are members of Noorda-COM’s Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, others are recipients of the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Whether in white coats or branch uniforms, NoordaCOM is proud of its students and their dedication to serving our country. View more stories like this on NoordaCOM’s Instagram.