Students Earn Scholarships, Explore Aerospace Medicine, Celebrate Commencement and More

From Launch Pads to Life Goals: KCU Graduate Saahil Golia Charts a Course Toward Aerospace Medicine

Few medical students complete their education at a launchpad—but for Saahil Golia, DO, the dream of becoming a physician has always been tied to something bigger—something beyond the boundaries of traditional practice and, quite literally, the stratosphere.

The 2025 graduate of the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) spent his last four weeks of medical school immersed in a clinical rotation at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. There, he witnessed firsthand the breadth of aerospace medicine—from astronaut readiness to occupational exposures, environmental safety and the unexpected challenges of working in a spaceport built atop a national wildlife refuge.

 “It truly was one of the best experiences ever—getting to actually be part of NASA, working with, hopefully, some of my future colleagues, and seeing the process up close,” he said.

Read more about Dr. Golia’s rotation and aspirations in aerospace medicine.

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine Offers 15 Scholarships to Incoming Students

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) will offer more than $1.6 million in scholarships to 15 students in its first class over the next four years. That includes one full scholarship; the remainder are partial scholarships. The inaugural class of 90 students is due to fill the D.M. Bowman Academic Hall in July.

Funding for the scholarships comes from Meritus Health, its leaders and physicians, and its volunteers, as well as the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

“We are extraordinarily proud of our health system and business community for stepping up to help our students,” said Maulik Joshi, DrPH, MSOM president. “This group of bright and dedicated young people will be able to focus less on finances and more on training to become physicians who will be socially responsible, professionally accomplished and community oriented.”

Read more about the inaugural MSOM scholarships and community support.

UNTHSC-TCOM Course Linked to Higher Patient Safety Awareness, Knowledge and Residency Readiness

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) is the first medical school in the country to require a patient safety course that prepares students for the Certified Professional in Patient Safety credential—and a new study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine shows the course is delivering results.

For nearly five years, UNTHSC-TCOM has offered the course as part of its curriculum for Professional Identity and Health Systems Practice. The study found significant improvement in students’ knowledge across all five patient safety domains, as well as a measurable rise in how students value patient safety education during their training.

Read more about how UNTHSC-TCOM’s curriculum is shaping future healthcare leaders.

VCOM-Louisiana Advocates for the Future of Family Medicine at the State Capitol

Photo: VCOM-Louisiana students, faculty and board members pose for a photo at the state capitol on White Coat Wednesday.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) students and faculty traveled to the state capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for White Coat Wednesday, partnering with the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians to engage directly with state legislators.

Throughout the day, participants attended committee meetings, discussed pressing healthcare challenges and highlighted the critical role of family medicine in addressing patient needs across Louisiana. This hands-on advocacy experience empowers future physicians to speak up for their patients and champion the values of osteopathic medicine at the policy level.

View more photos from White Coat Wednesday on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Celebrates Graduation with 199 New Doctors

Photo: Members of the CCOM Class of 2025 celebrate together with one final group photo.

The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) at Midwestern University marked a historic milestone on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, celebrating the graduation of 199 new physicians from the Class of 2025. This year’s commencement also took place during CCOM’s yearlong 125th anniversary celebration, honoring the legacy and impact of one of the nation's oldest osteopathic medical schools.

The ceremony opened with a stirring performance of the National Anthem by graduate Haley Hagopian-Maloul, DO, and included remarks from Thomas Boyle, DO, dean, who praised the graduates' perseverance and dedication. Four graduates entering military service were specially recognized during the ceremony for their dedication to serving both their country and the field of medicine.

Class valedictorian Katherine Waghorne, DO, reflected on the group’s shared journey. “Who knew medical school would somehow feel like both the longest and shortest four years of our lives,” she said. Dr. Waghorne closed her speech with heartfelt thanks to family, friends and mentors, reminding her peers to “always hold on to the reasons that inspired you to pursue this path in the first place.”

Generosity in Action: The Stricklands’ $1 Million Transformational Gift

Photo: Clyde and Sandra Strickland.

The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia) has received a $1 million gift from Clyde and Sandra Strickland, noted philanthropists and entrepreneurs from Gwinnett County, Georgia, to support doctoral students in the college's osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy programs.

The gift marks the largest outright contribution to the United & Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign, is the largest gift to PCOM Georgia during the campaign and, when added to their previous gifts, makes this the largest donor-endowed scholarship at the institution across all three locations.

“We are grateful to the Stricklands for their continued contributions to PCOM Georgia and for their commitment to providing more opportunities for Gwinnett County students to pursue advanced degrees in healthcare,” said Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, PCOM president and CEO. “This gift will empower future healthcare leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve academic excellence while limiting financial burdens.”

Read more about the Stricklands’ philanthropic support of PCOM Georgia.

VCOM-Carolinas Welcomes Class of 2026 Home

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) hosted its annual picnic and awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Members of the Class of 2026 returned to campus for the first time all year to attend the event.

View more photos from the picnic and awards ceremony on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.