Students Race in Heels, Graduate with Distinction, Meet State Representatives and More
Published June 03, 2025
ATSU-SOMA Student Named AACOM Global Scholar of the Year
Photo: Ruthanne Teo, OMS III, of ATSU-SOMA receives national recognition for international impact.
Ruthanne Teo, OMS III, a student at A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), was recently named AACOM’s Global Scholar of the Year, an award given annually by AACOM’s Council of Student Government Presidents to recognize students who take an interest in advancing international understanding of osteopathic medicine.
Ruthanne said she was both excited and surprised by the honor, but once she starts telling her story it is apparent this was something almost inevitable for her since a young age. It was then, growing up in Chandler, Arizona, she began dreaming about becoming a doctor and helping people in need of care across the world. Read more about Ruthanne’s recognition and international aspirations.
Military Veteran and UNTHSC-TCOM Student Earns DO Degree
Meet Bradley Vander Zanden. He’s currently in the United States Navy, formerly in the United States Army, a former Marine, a former physician’s assistant and now he’s adding one more title to the prestigious list: osteopathic physician. Vander Zanden, after a nearly 20-year military career, is set to graduate from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth as part of the Class of 2025.
Vander, who will be commissioned a lieutenant in the Navy at graduation, matched in family medicine at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). Read more about Vander’s military journey and path to medicine.
CCOM Students Champion the Future of Medicine at State Advocacy Day
Photo: Students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine meet with Illinois State Representative Jeb Davis to discuss healthcare policy and the role of future physicians in advocacy.
In a powerful display of leadership and service, medical students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) recently traveled to Springfield to participate in the Illinois Osteopathic Advocacy Day, an event coordinated by the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society.
“Participating in these events is what enables me to be well-versed in issues affecting healthcare,” said Isaac Johnson (CCOM ’25). “If we do not show up and educate lawmakers on the issues affecting our profession, we cannot expect them to pass laws reflecting our wishes. It's that simple.” Read more about how CCOM students are helping shape the future of healthcare legislation.
Stepping Up for a Cause: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at VCOM-Auburn
On May 15, 2025, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) organization hosted the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) in recognition of National Women’s Health Week.
The event brought together students and faculty to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Male students participated in a 40-yard dash while wearing high heels, sparking conversation, laughter and support for a serious cause. The event successfully raised funds for the Rape Counselors of East Alabama, a local organization that provides critical services to survivors of sexual assault. Congratulations to Jacob Barrett, who took first place in the dash. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.
PCOM Georgia Hosts Body Donor Memorial Service
Earlier this month, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia) hosted its annual Body Donor Memorial Service, welcoming more than 240 attendees—the largest turnout in the event’s history.
Families from across the metro Atlanta, Georgia, area and beyond traveled to honor and receive the cremated remains of their loved ones. Some families even flew in from distant cities.
The memorial service, which takes months of preparation, was organized by 25 first-year doctor of osteopathic medicine students, in collaboration with Jeffrey K. Seiple, director of PCOM Anatomical Labs and Services, and Hannah Zepplin, anatomical director, Body Donor Program. Read more about PCOM Georgia’s memorial service.
PCOM Spotlights Outstanding Graduates During 2025 Commencement Season
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) profiled 23 graduates across its three campuses for this year’s commencement. From overcoming challenges like foster care and surviving breast cancer, these profiles highlight the students’ unwavering commitment to care and resilience as they become physicians. Read more student profiles from PCOM’s outstanding Class of 2025 graduates.
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Earns Silver Telly Award
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) has been honored with a Silver Telly Award in the General – Educational Institution category. The award recognizes excellence in video and television content across all platforms.
The winning video, “Burrell College: Harnessing Horsepower to Teach Student Doctors Compassion,” was produced by the college’s Office of Marketing and Communications. Directed by Sidney Alvarez, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, with videography by Chris Espinosa, the piece highlights Burrell College’s commitment to advancing medical education through creative storytelling. Read more about BCOM’s award-winning video.
ICOM Graduates 149 New Physicians
Photo: Catalina O'Toole, DO, alumna of ICOM's Class of 2025, is hooded by her grandmother, Saroja Jayakar, MD.
The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) celebrated the graduation of 149 new physicians on Friday, May 23, 2025. After four years of study, ICOM faculty hooded the new osteopathic physicians and the College’s Class of 2025 was conferred the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree.
In a packed theater at the Morrison Center in Boise, Idaho, graduates gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff to celebrate their transition into resident physicians, where they will train in their specialty of choice for at least the next three years. Of the 149 graduates, 18 will stay in Idaho for residency training.
Prior to the official hooding, commencement speaker Robert A. Cain, DO, FACOI, FAODME, president and CEO of AACOM, delivered the keynote address. Read more about ICOM’s graduating Class of 2025.
WVSOM Assistant Vice President Graduates from Leadership Fellowship
Machelle Linsenmeyer, EdD, assistant vice president for institutional effectiveness and academic resources at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), graduated from the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine fellowship in May.
The program, based at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, helps faculty at schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy develop the professional and personal skills required to be a leader in healthcare environments. Read more about Dr. Linsenmeyer’s leadership achievement.