Students Celebrate White Coat Milestone, Mentor Future Professionals, Raise Funds for Scholarships and More
Published November 12, 2025
ATSU-SOMA Readiness for Residency Boot Camp Pilot Wins AMA Innovation Grant
AACOM congratulates Connor Yost, DO, Internal Medicine PGY2, on being selected as one of three winners of the AMA Innovation Grant competition!
Dr. Yost was recognized for his project NurseBot, an AI nurse that simulates real-world paging scenarios by contacting “on-call” fourth-year medical students for urgent orders involving a simulated patient. NurseBot has become an integral component of A.T. Still University's Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-SOMA)’s Readiness for Residency Boot Camp Pilot, supported by AACOM through its UME-GME Task Force efforts. The Boot Camp helps future physicians strengthen their clinical decision-making and time management skills before entering residency.
We’re proud to see osteopathic medical education leading the way in innovative approaches to residency readiness and patient safety.
Learn more about AACOM’s UME-GME Task Force.
Mentors in Medicine and Science Kickoff Unites Future Healthcare Leaders
Photo: Medical student Kendall Kubis (CCOM ’29) offers advice to undergraduate students during the MIMS kickoff event.
Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) welcomed more than 30 undergraduate students from Aurora University on October 29, 2025, for the Mentors in Medicine and Science (MIMS) fall 2025 kickoff event. Now in its second year on the Downers Grove Campus, the yearlong MIMS program pairs graduate healthcare students from a variety of disciplines, including osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, optometry and health sciences, with undergraduates seeking guidance as they prepare for advanced studies and careers in healthcare.
At the event, undergraduate mentees met their Midwestern University mentors, toured the campus and attended a lively “Professionals in Healthcare” panel. The panel featured Daniel Provencher, MS, PA-C, director of faculty and student development for the Physician Assistant Program; Larry Williams, DDS, MPH, professor in the College of Dental Medicine–Illinois; and Kurt Heinking, DO, chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine. Each shared their unique journey into healthcare and offered practical wisdom for students preparing to follow in their footsteps.
Read more about the MIMS program and how it supports future healthcare professionals.
VCOM-Carolinas Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) students, faculty and staff came together for an evening of music, dance and delicious food at the recent Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Hosted by VCOM-Carolinas’ Office of Campus Enrichment and Hispanic Community Medical Outreach (HCMO), the event honored the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities.
View more photos from the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.
ACOEP Chapter at VCOM-Louisiana Partners with Louisiana Families for Vaccines to Bring Free Flu Shots to the Community at 'Say Boo to the Flu' Event
“‘Say Boo to the Flu’ is about showing up for our neighbors—bringing care to the community before they land in the emergency room,” said Rose Deshler, president of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) club at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana).
In partnership with Louisiana Families for Vaccines, VCOM-Louisiana students hosted a free adult flu vaccination clinic on Halloween night. The drive-up event, held aboard the VCOM mobile medical unit, offered both standard and high-dose flu vaccines—no insurance or appointment required. Costumes and candy added to the fun, safe and healthy Halloween experience for the community. In total, 25 people rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu.
View more photos from the 'Say Boo to the Flu' event on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.
CHSU-COM Honors 169 Students in the Class of 2029 at White Coat Ceremony
Photo: Meet the 169 Class of 2029 students at the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM)
In the presence of family and friends, the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) honored 169 new medical students in the Class of 2029 at its White Coat Ceremony held on October 24, 2025.
John Graneto, DO, dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, shared the history of the white coat during his address and emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and humanism in healthcare careers.
“Patients respect the connection that comes with seeing a doctor and placing their trust in you. That deep respect and vulnerability is unlike any other profession,” remarked John Graneto, DO.
Read more about the CHSU-COM Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony.
A Night to Ignite Honors Donors and Fuels Student Support at PCOM Georgia
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia) hosted its “A Night to Ignite Soirée” to celebrate progress of the United & Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign and to honor those whose generosity, commitment and passion have fueled significant support for PCOM Georgia. All of the nearly $125,000 raised from the event will be awarded as scholarships to students attending PCOM Georgia from Gwinnett County and surrounding areas.
The evening featured the presentation of the Ignite Awards to Clyde and Sandra Strickland, along with the Osteopathic Institute of the South, accepted by Barry A. Doublestein, DO, president.
The Stricklands received the Ignite Award in recognition of their remarkable $1 million gift for scholarships to support doctoral students across osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy programs.
Read more about the “A Night to Ignite Soirée” and its impact on PCOM Georgia students.
Faculty Member Cochran Among 2025 ‘West Virginia Wonder Women’
Jill Cochran, PhD, a professor in the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) Department of Clinical Sciences, is the school’s latest faculty member to receive statewide recognition. She is listed as one of the “West Virginia Wonder Women” for 2025 by WV Living magazine.
Cochran is among the 50 women featured in the publication’s fall issue who have been identified as “living boldly, bringing solutions and championing their families and communities.” WV Living honored the recipients at a West Virginia Wonder Women luncheon on October 29, 2025, in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Read more about Jill Cochran, PhD, and her recognition by WV Living magazine.
PCOM Joins Philadelphia’s ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’ Kickoff
Photo: Peter Bidey, DO ’08, fellow Mummer and dean and chief academic officer of PCOM’s Osteopathic Medicine program speaking at press conference on behalf of the College. Photographer credit: Jason Miczek
Philadelphia’s legendary spirit was on full display as community and civic leaders, together with social and cultural luminaries, packed the National Constitution Center for the kickoff of 52 Weeks of Firsts—a yearlong celebration of innovation and creativity by the Philadelphia Historic District Partners’ 250th Committee to take place during America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
Energy was high as guests were greeted with a lively procession of Mummers and circus performers, in addition to an array of Philadelphia treats, from ice cream sodas to classic cheesesteaks and refreshing water ice—setting the stage for a year that promises to be as unforgettable as the city itself.
As a presenting sponsor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) joined other key partners including the National Constitution Center, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., and Mural Arts Philadelphia for a press conference to announce each week of “Firsts.”
Read more about PCOM’s involvement in the 52 Weeks of Firsts kickoff celebration.