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Students Host Mini Med School, Donate Marrow, Join Honor Society and More

Published November 19, 2025

Campus Roundup Inside OME

Bone Marrow Donation from TouroCOM Student Matthew Chiffy Helps Toddler Battle Leukemia

Matthew sits in a hospital bed after providing bone marrow, holding up a bright orange

When he was a pre-med student at SUNY Binghamton four years ago, Matthew Chiffy—today a second-year student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown (TouroCOM Middletown)—was walking downtown when he noticed a sign for Red Cross blood donation at the nearby American Legion Hall.

He made his way there and signed up to give blood. Before leaving, he also joined the bone marrow registry of Gift of Life, a non-profit organization based in Florida that facilitates blood stem cell and marrow transplants.

“Gift of Life gave me the rundown, saying it can quite literally save someone’s life. They said matching was ‘super rare’ and it was very easy to sign up—just a cheek swab,” Chiffy recalled. “I thought it was a great cause. With very little risk to me, I could save someone’s life.”

Read more about Matthew’s lifesaving donation and the Gift of Life registry.

A woman in a whitecoat smiles while holding an award in a laboratory environment.

PCOM Professor Wins 2025 Northup Educator of the Year Award

Photo: Minal Mulye, PhD, associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology at PCOM

Minal Mulye, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Northup Educator Award. This national honor recognizes an osteopathic medical school faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to enriching student learning and fostering academic excellence.

Read more about Dr. Mulye’s recognition and contributions to PCOM.

VCOM-Virginia Student Research Team Recognized at ACOI Convention

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia) is proud to recognize third-year medical student Mehar Nasir, whose abstract on immunotherapy targets earned first place in the Student Bench Research category at the National American College of Osteopathic Internists Annual Convention. Mehar collaborated with classmates Foyin Olaloye and Ashley Abramson on the award-winning project, which highlights VCOM’s commitment to fostering innovation, research excellence and student success on national platforms.

WesternU Partners With Kern Medical, CSUB and Bakersfield College to Nurture and Train Physicians in Kern County

A group of seven people stand beside a rendering of a medical building during a formal presentation event.

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (WesternU/COMP) celebrated a strategic partnership with Kern Medical, California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and Bakersfield College to address a critical shortage of healthcare providers in Kern County by developing home-grown physicians who will train and practice in the region.

Kern Medical hosted a summit on November 3, 2025, in Bakersfield, California, to announce the partnerships. Amir Berjis, MD, MACM, FACS, FCCP, Kern Medical designated institutional officer and director of medical education, noted that Kern Medical serves as the county’s designated safety-net hospital, providing care for the most vulnerable and underserved patients while operating one of the busiest trauma centers in California.

Read more about the partnership’s goals to improve care and physician access in Kern County.

UNT Health - TCOM’s Dr. Kendi Hensel Collaborates with World Health Organization on Global Osteopathy Guidelines

Three people stand smiling in front of a World Health Organization backdrop at an official event.

There is no greater advocate for osteopathic medicine than Kendi Hensel, DO, PhD, FAAO, professor at UNT Health – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNT Health – TCOM), who is now leading efforts with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop the first global Technical Report for Training and Practice in Osteopathy and Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Hensel is chair-elect for the Osteopathic International Alliance, the only organization representing the global osteopathic profession in official relations with the WHO since 2018, and will become chair in November 2026. She traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, in May to meet with WHO officials and begin the agreement process for the task force nomination.

VCOM-Louisiana Welcomes New Sigma Sigma Phi Inductees

Five students stand together outside, smiling with trees and water in the background.

Photo: From left to right: Tyler Tran, Emma Paul, Catelyn Swenson, Madison Dixon and Ishal Dave, all Class of 2028, were recently inducted into Sigma Sigma Phi.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) celebrates the induction of Tyler Tran, Emma Paul, Catelyn Swenson, Madison Dixon and Ishal Dave, all Class of 2028, into Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP), the national osteopathic honor fraternity.

SSP recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, service and dedication to osteopathic principles. VCOM-Louisiana’s chapter engages in peer tutoring, academic events, ambassador programs and community service.

View more photos from the SSP induction ceremony on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

VCOM-Carolinas Student Organization Fair Showcases Campus Engagement

Students gather outdoors around tables on colorful courts during a campus event.

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) recently hosted its student organization fair, welcoming the Class of 2029 to explore leadership and service opportunities.

From research and wellness to specialty interest groups and community outreach, VCOM-Carolinas students have access to a broad spectrum of organizations that foster professional growth and campus engagement.

View more photos from the organization fair on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.

Future Physicians Pay It Forward Through CCOM’s Mini Medical School

A student in scrubs assists a grade-school student with a hands-on medical skills activity in a classroom setting.

Photo: Osteopathic medical student Karen John (CCOM ’28) guides participants through the basics of suturing.

Nearly 100 high school students participated in the annual Mini Medical School at Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), held October 11 through November 8, 2025. The free five-week program offered students insight into patient care, anatomy and clinical problem-solving.

More than 100 CCOM students volunteered their time, mentoring participants, leading demonstrations and planning lessons. “Mini Med is provided at no cost to students and is intended to provide equitable access to resources,” said Elizabeth “Lizzy” Herr, CCOM ‘28, president of Mini Med 2025. “It provides a way to learn new things and grow students’ passion for medicine.”

A man in a suit poses for a professional portrait against a dark background.

Joseph Appointed to West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Governors

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed Raymond Joseph to the Board of Governors of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). His term began October 14, 2025, replacing Sharon Hall, whose term expired June 30, 2025.

The board comprises nine lay members appointed by the governor and three elected, nonvoting advisory representatives—one each from WVSOM’s faculty, staff and student body.