Students Inspire Young Learners During STEM Night, Celebrate National Women Physicians Day and More

Peds Club Brings Hands-On Learning to STEM Night

Photo: Jeremy Burton, OMS II, shows an anatomical heart model to elementary students.

Students from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) Pediatrics Interest Group spent an evening inspiring the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals during a recent STEM Night at a local elementary school. Armed with stethoscopes and anatomical heart models, the future physicians guided young learners through demonstrations on how the heart works and what healthcare providers listen for during a check-up. Children had the chance to listen to their own heartbeats, ask questions and get a close-up look at the structure of one of the body’s most important organs.

Read more about how ICOM students brought hands-on learning to a local STEM Night.

PCOM Study Links Medical Cannabis Use to Lasting Improvements in Sleep

According to new research from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), adults using medical cannabis reported improved sleep quality within months, with these improvements persisting for at least a year. The study, “Changes in Sleep Quality During the 12 Months Following Medical Cannabis Initiation,” followed 137 Pennsylvania adults who reported poor sleep quality before starting medical cannabis. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated sleep assessment tool, at baseline and again at three, six, nine and 12 months after initiation. Researchers found that overall sleep quality scores improved significantly within the first three months of medical cannabis use. These benefits were maintained over the yearlong follow-up.

Read more about PCOM’s medical cannabis sleep study findings.

Midwestern University Leader Appointed Chair of Illinois State Medical Board

Midwestern University announced that James MacKenzie, DO, director of clinical education relationship management, has been appointed chair of the Illinois State Medical Board. Dr. MacKenzie, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and longtime advocate for collaborative mental healthcare, was elected chair by fellow board members. The Illinois State Medical Board plays a vital role in protecting the public by reviewing physician licensure applications, overseeing professional standards and addressing violations of the Illinois Medical Practice Act.

Read more about Dr. MacKenzie’s appointment to the Illinois State Medical Board.

OCOM Hosts Jack and Jill Orlando Chapter for Immersive Learning Experience

Photo: Student doctor Okwesili leads students in the anatomy lab.

The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) hosted the Jack and Jill Orlando Chapter for a fun, immersive educational experience. Young learners explored virtual anatomy, hands-on anatomy models and healthy lifestyle lessons led by current OMS I and OMS II students, along with their faculty mentor, Amelie Oshikoya, MD.

View more photos from the experience on OCOM’s Instagram.

National Women Physicians Day Panel Hosted by AMWA

In recognition of National Women Physicians Day, the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) hosted a panel featuring CHSU’s women faculty physicians, celebrating their experiences, challenges and achievements in medicine. The discussion created space for honest conversation around topics many students think about but rarely hear openly addressed, such as confidence, career uncertainty, work–life balance, leadership and redefining success over time.

Read more about CHSU-COM’s National Women Physicians Day panel.