Students Launch New Mobile Medical Units, Share Personal Journey from Cancer Diagnosis to Remission and More

While Learning About Cancer, KCU-COM Medical Student Discovers His Own

Photo: Thomas Parpana and his wife Shay celebrate at the KCU-COM commencement ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri.

It started as a joke. During his second year, Thomas Parpana was in a lecture about cancer when he felt a lump in his neck. “I noticed there was a growth under the right side of my jaw,” Thomas said. “My friends and I who were in the same class joked about us all having cancer of some kind.”

At the time, cancer seemed like a distant concern for a group of young, healthy medical students. But over the following weeks, Thomas’ concern grew. He reached out to his primary care physician back home in Hawaii and made an appointment over winter break.

That December, during his second year of medical school at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM), he received a life-changing diagnosis.

“It was very surreal,” said Scott Wilson, Thomas’ classmate. “We were learning about these diseases, and it felt academic. Then suddenly, it was very real—it was our friend.”

Read more about Thomas’ determination to continue his studies and how he’s now approaching patient care differently.

Gearing up to Serve: VCOM-Louisiana Prepares to Launch Mobile Medical Units Across Northeast Louisiana by Completing Hands-On Training

This past December, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) received a gift with long-term impact: two mobile medical units designed to expand healthcare access throughout Northeast Louisiana. Delivered in partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, these units represent a major step toward bringing medical services directly to rural and underserved communities. But like any meaningful gift, the true value comes not just from unwrapping it, but from learning how to use it.

Read more about how VCOM-Louisiana students are preparing to serve their region through mobile care.

VCOM-Carolinas’ Sim Center Acquires New Labor & Delivery Simulator

On August 1, 2025, students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) had the opportunity to step into the simulation center for a powerful obstetrician training experience. With the help of the college’s new Sim Mama, they practiced managing complex deliveries—including occiput anterior and occiput posterior positions, breech birth, shoulder dystocia, C-section delivery and postpartum hemorrhage response. These immersive, high-fidelity simulations give students essential clinical exposure early in their medical education, helping them build confidence, competence and compassion for real-world patient care.

PCOM Celebrates White Coat Ceremonies Across Three Campuses

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) proudly celebrated three milestone White Coat Ceremonies last week, honoring the achievements and professional commitments of students in its Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs. Each ceremony brought together classmates, faculty, friends and family members, and featured inspiring remarks from program directors and guest speakers.

At PCOM’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the momentous occasion welcomed first-year medical students into the osteopathic profession, underscoring their duty to practice with humanism and professionalism while upholding the trust between physician and patient. For many students, the ceremony was a dream realized.

“Putting on the white coat makes everything feel real—it's a symbol of the hard work we've put in and the responsibility we now carry,” said first-year medical student Kelsey Short.

At the PCOM Georgia campus, a combined 198 students from the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs received their white coats last week, marking their official entry into the medical profession and symbolizing their commitment to providing professional and compassionate care as physicians.

Members of the PCOM South Georgia Class of 2029 received their white coats in a ceremony held August 8, 2025, at University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus Conference Center. To Zoe Barrett, first-year medical student, the white coat represents her potential as a future physician and her place within a supportive community of peers and mentors.

“PCOM stands out because of the incredible support, understanding, and kindness shown by every classmate and faculty member,” said Zoe. “When I find myself struggling with everything going on—whether it be personal, academic, or professional situations—I know I can rely on the people at PCOM.”