Students Celebrate Resilience, Lead STEAM Camps, Champion Communication Training and More
Published July 15, 2025
Becoming Dr. Sabira: A Journey of Resilience, Loss and Purpose
Photo: Dr. Sabira and her father share a proud moment at graduation, their first reunion in nearly a decade.
Ten years ago, Kaheerman Saibire—who goes by the name Sabira—arrived in the United States with a dream and just a few phrases of English. Today, she’s Sabira Kaheerman, DO, a 2025 graduate of Kansas City University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM), preparing for an OBGYN residency in Queens, New York.
Her path from a close-knit family home in Xinjiang to a hospital labor floor in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in America hasn’t been easy, but it’s a journey defined by quiet strength, resilience and purpose. “I finally did it,” she said, reflecting on the moment she walked across the stage at commencement. “After so many years, I get to say: I’m a doctor.”
Read more about Dr. Kaheerman’s journey from Xinjiang to New York.
Enhancing Patient Care Through Communication Skills Training
Photo: PCOM’s Healthcare Center staff participating in communication training.
As part of its ongoing commitment to patient-centered care, the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships has expanded its Effective Patient Communication Training to clinical staff across the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) healthcare network.
Previously reserved for students, the training was introduced to clinical staff for the first time earlier this month across PCOM’s Healthcare Centers. Attendees included doctors, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants, technicians and administrative staff—essential team members who play a vital role in shaping the patient experience from the very first interaction.
Read more about PCOM’s communication training for healthcare center staff.
VCOM-Louisiana Partners with ULM Museum for STEAM Camp Focused on the Human Body
Photo: A new generation steps into the world of healthcare, one white coat at a time, at STEAM Camp.
Each summer, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) proudly partners with the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) Museum of Natural History to support its annual STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) Camp for local 4th- and 5th-grade students.
This year’s theme, Marvels of the Human Body, offered five days of hands-on exploration into how the body works, sparking curiosity through engaging and educational activities. VCOM-Louisiana students volunteered their time and expertise to help lead the sessions, working alongside ULM staff and volunteers to inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. The week concluded with a heartwarming white coat ceremony, where each camper was celebrated for their participation.
View more photos from STEAM Camp on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.
For Mom: How One PCOM Student Is Turning Grief into Purpose
Emma Sevick, a first-year doctor of osteopathic medicine student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has an email signature that practically needs scaffolding to support all her titles.
She is lead teaching assistant in the Anatomy Lab, president of the Health Career Collaborative and vice president of both the Infectious Disease Club and the Anatomy Club. She coordinates surgical education and public relations for the Wisely Surgical Association and serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions.
That she does all this in medical school is remarkable. That she does all this in the aftermath of enormous tragedy is something else altogether.
In February 2025, Emma’s mother and best friend, Ann, died from a brain bleed shortly after being declared in remission from acute myeloid leukemia. Read more about how Emma honors her mother through leadership and service.
UNTHSC-TCOM’s Dr. Frank Filipetto Among the First in World to Earn Certified Professional in Human Factors in Healthcare
Frank Filipetto, DO, CPPS, CPHFH, FACOFP, one of the leading voices for changing how healthcare is delivered, has become one of the first in the world to earn the Certified Professional in Human Factors in Health Care credential.
Dr. Filipetto, an Everett Endowed Distinguished Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center of Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM), earned the credential from the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety by passing a rigorous, evidence-based examination that tests candidates on their competency in human factors science and application.
Read more about Dr. Filipetto’s groundbreaking certification and vision for improving patient care.
VCOM-Carolinas Summer Enrichment Experience Brings Area High-Schoolers to Campus
The Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE) was held at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) from July 7 through 11, 2025. Each year, high school students come to campus to get a taste of medical school and the life of a medical student with hands-on activities in anatomy, osteopathic manipulative medicine and more.
The event lasts an entire week and encourages young minds to consider pursuing medicine and science as potential careers. This program is funded in part by a generous grant from the Bosch Community Fund. View more photos from SEE on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.