Students Beautify Highways, Organize Military Medicine Conference, Serve in DO Day Activities and More
Published May 06, 2025
Campus Roundup Inside OME
Doctors in Action: DO Students Give Back During National Day of Service
Photo: DO students at PCOM give back for National DO Day of Service.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) students proudly demonstrated their commitment to community engagement during this year’s National DO Day of Service on April 12, 2025. With participation from 28 student organizations, PCOM students showed up in full force to make a tangible difference across the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region.
The nationwide initiative, organized in partnership with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), encourages osteopathic medical students to turn their training and values into direct acts of service. PCOM students embraced the opportunity, engaging in efforts that addressed food insecurity, supported hospitalized children, promoted public health education and connected with elderly and underserved populations. Read more about PCOM students’ service work during DO Day.
DO Student Receives Third Prestigious Cancer Research Award
Shahrzad Zamani will graduate next month from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia (PCOM South Georgia) in Moultrie, Georgia, before entering an internal medicine residency at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
In addition to her medical school curriculum and clinical rotations, Shahrzad has been on the frontlines of cancer research. She recently received the Barbara Campbell Carrington American Association for Cancer Research Scholar-in-Training Award, a recognition rarely awarded to current medical students. Read more about Shahrzad’s award and cancer research accomplishments.
Higher Learning Commission Awards WVSOM 10-Year Accreditation
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) has been granted continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with the next reaffirmation scheduled in 10 years. This milestone marks the culmination of a years long effort to prepare for the commission’s review. The commission accredited the school with no concerns, indicating that the institution meets all accreditation standards without areas requiring improvement.
As one of seven institutional accreditors in the nation, the HLC oversees nearly 950 colleges and universities, primarily across 19 central U.S. states. WVSOM is one of 13 osteopathic medical schools currently accredited by or seeking accreditation from the HLC. Read more about WVSOM’s reaffirmation of accreditation.
Student Doctors Support Community Through Cleanup Efforts
Student physicians at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) traded white coats for safety vests during a community cleanup through Ada County’s Adopt-a-Highway program.
The beautification project took place along a two-mile stretch of road near the ICOM campus, where students collected bags of litter and debris to promote a cleaner, healthier community. Read more about ICOM’s Adopt-a-Highway effort.
UNTHSC-TCOM’s Refugee Health Initiative Receives Grant
Students from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) have been supporting refugees through the Refugee Health Initiative, a student interest group focused on delivering essential resources such as baby formula, hygiene products and medical care.
The group recently received a grant from a local foundation, enabling them to expand their outreach and support services for refugee populations. Read more about UNTHSC-TCOM’s grant and refugee support.
Southern Utah Students and First Responders Train for Mass Casualty Events
Students at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) sprang into action during a simulated “active shooter” drill on April 26, 2025, as part of the university's annual mass casualty preparedness training on its Ivins, Utah, campus.
The immersive event provided practical training for medical students, first responders and emergency personnel in high-pressure trauma scenarios. Read more about RVUCOM’s emergency preparedness training.
VCOM Students Raise Funds for WesternU/COMP Post Wildfires
Photo: DO students present a check for WesternU/COMP students affected by wildfires.
When wildfires impacted medical students at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU/COMP), Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) students across all four campuses united in support. Together, they raised $3,200 for their peers.
“This check is a testament to the character and compassion of VCOM students,” said Matthew Cannon, DO, FACOFP, dean for the VCOM Carolinas Campus and senior dean for all four VCOM campuses. View more photos from the donation effort on VCOM’s Facebook.
VCOM-Louisiana’s Sydney Gould Takes a Leading Role in AMOPS National Convention
Sydney Gould, a student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana), served as assistant conference chair for the 2025 Armed Forces Medical Society (AMOPS) National Convention.
As a member of the Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS), Gould coordinated workshops on CV writing, personal statements and clinical skills, and facilitated a town hall with national leadership.
As she prepares to graduate and begin her service in the Army, Sydney shared, “I’m not sure what life or my career has in store, but I know there are many opportunities to take on in an operational medicine role. My goal is to save as many lives as I can, as close to the battle as possible.” Read more about Sydney’s leadership and service.