Students Lead Rural Health Initiative at Agricultural Expo, Participate in Vision Clinic and Partner with Local Hospital for EMS Training
Published November 12, 2024
UNTHSC-TCOM Student Michael Hope Chosen to Receive the TMA Diversity in Medicine Scholarship

Getting into medicine was personal for Michael Hope. When a family member passed away, he wanted to pay tribute to them, and now he’s getting some much-needed help for his journey. The Texas Medical Association (TMA) selected the first-year student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) as one of the recipients of the Diversity in Medicine Scholarship. Michael was celebrated along with 15 other students from across the state at the TMA’s scholarship award ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. Read more about what the scholarship means to Michael.

Princeton Physician Inspires $40K Scholarship Donation to WVSOM
Sometimes the bond between patient and physician is so strong that it can inspire philanthropic actions. That was the case for a Princeton, West Virginia, couple treated by Ryan Runyon, DO, an alumnus of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM).
The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, have donated $40,000 to an endowment that will produce scholarships for future WVSOM students who plan to practice in West Virginia.
Dr. Runyon, a graduate of WVSOM’s Class of 2002, established Princeton Family Medicine in 2006. As a Princeton native, he has treated many people he grew up with, and his current office is adjacent to the home in which he was raised. Read more about the diagnosis that prompted the donation.
PCOM South Georgia Leads Rural Health Initiative at Sunbelt Agricultural Expo

Photo: Sunbelt Agricultural Expo visitors learn about how PCOM’s simbulance and mannequins are used to teach student physicians.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia (PCOM South Georgia) led a collaborative effort of healthcare providers and educators during this year’s Sunbelt Agricultural Expo. The initiative focused on health issues that often affect rural populations, such as mental health issues, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and skin cancer. Read more about the expo.
CHSU-COM OPP Scholar, Faculty and Dean Featured in the News

Photo: Brandon Nguyen, third-year student and OPP Scholar at CHSU-COM, being interviewed by Jessica Harrington, ABC30 news reporter.
In a recent news interview, Brandon Nguyen, third-year student and Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Scholar at the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM), and Peter Botros, DO, assistant professor of OPP, spoke about osteopathic medicine and demonstrated osteopathic medical treatments. John Graneto, DO, dean at CHSU-COM, spoke about all CHSU-COM programs achieving full accreditation and how the school is impacting the local region’s healthcare outcomes. View more photos from CHSU-COM and watch the coverage from ABC30 News.
KCU-COM Students Participate in Vision Clinic to Provide Free Eye Care
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM)’s Score 1 for Health and OneSight continued their long-time partnership with a week-long clinic to provide free eye exams for nearly 800 children across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The clinic, held on the KCU-COM Kansas City campus, is a win-win for elementary school students and osteopathic medical students alike. Watch the coverage from FOX 4 News.
VCOM-Louisiana Students Hold a Pink Week for Breast Cancer Awareness

Photo: VCOM-Louisiana students pose for a photo before their “Pink Walk” to raise awareness of preventative breast screenings and the importance of early detection.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) student organizations rallied together to organize a “Pink Week.” The event aimed to increase awareness of preventative breast screenings and the importance of early detection, as well as raise funds for Susan G. Komen® Foundation. The week included a special discussion, “Surviving Breast Cancer: What Now,” to address the healthcare needs of breast cancer survivors and other specialized patient populations. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

VCOM-Virginia Students Partner with Local Hospital for EMT Training
Photo: Meghan Gilbert presents at the mini EMS symposium.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM–Virginia) students recently led a mini Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) symposium for local Emergency Medicine Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Three student-doctors from the Class of 2026 delivered hour-long presentations, sharing valuable insights with their EMS colleagues. Meaghan Gilbert presented on the recognition and treatment of diabetes mellitus, Nick Wright discussed best practices for cardiovascular emergency response and Coty Emerich addressed response strategies for mental health emergencies. View more stories like this on VCOM-Virginia’s Facebook.