Students Advance Eating Disorder Research, Earn Research Honors, Visit the Idaho State Capitol and More

Medical Student Research Advances Eating Disorder Awareness

For Samantha Temucin, a fourth-year medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), preparing for a career in medicine includes recognizing conditions that are frequently overlooked, including eating disorders.

In New Bern, North Carolina, Samantha’s years as a competitive gymnast meant countless injuries and trips to the doctor—experiences that gradually inspired her interest in healthcare.

“I was in and out of doctors’ offices a lot because of gymnastics, and I actually found myself looking forward to going,” Samantha said. “I was fascinated watching doctors figure out what was wrong and how they came up with different ways to fix it.”

Read more about Samantha’s research and its impact on eating disorder awareness.

UNT Health – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Weatherford College Launch Primary Care Pathway Program

UNT Health – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNT Health – TCOM) and Weatherford College announced a partnership that provides students with an accelerated path to becoming an osteopathic physician. The new Primary Care Pathway Program will allow selected Weatherford College students to complete medical school through a seven-year 2+1+4 plan.

The program is designed to address the growing shortage of primary care physicians in rural and medically underserved areas across Texas. The first cohort of students is expected to begin at Weatherford College in the fall.

Read more about the Primary Care Pathway Program and the partnership between UNT Health – TCOM and Weatherford College.

VCOM-Louisiana Hosts Fourth Annual Via Research Recognition Day

Photo: Sarah Silva, OMS II, shares her research findings with VCOM-Louisiana faculty member Rebekah Morrow, PhD, and a fellow student during a research presentation session.

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) hosted its fourth annual Via Research Recognition Day on February 27, 2026, celebrating the continued growth and impact of medical research.

The event featured a keynote address from evolutionary biologist Harmit Singh Malik, PhD, and an update on “The State of Research at VCOM” from P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, vice provost for research. The interactive poster session showcased 131 research presentations from students, faculty, residents and collaborators, with top posters recognized during an awards ceremony.

View more photos from Via Research Recognition Day on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

NSU-KPCOM Students Earn Top Prizes at Research Symposium

Two predoctoral osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) fellows from the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) earned top honors at the Florida Academy of Osteopathy Research Symposium on February 19, 2026.

Third-year medical student Julianna Ciulla, a predoctoral OPP fellow at NSU-KPCOM’s Tampa Bay Campus, earned first-place honors for her poster, “Improving Head Shape Asymmetry in Plagiocephaly Through Combined Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Cranial Remodeling Therapy: A Case Report.”

Third-year medical student Shoshanah Marcus Lasry, a predoctoral OPP fellow at NSU-KPCOM’s Fort Lauderdale Campus, received the third-place prize for her poster, “An Osteopathic Approach to a Patient Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment.”

View more photos from the research symposium on NSU-KPCOM’s Facebook.

Meritus Chief Strategy Officer Named to Statewide Rural Health Advisory Group

Meritus Health’s chief strategy officer was recently named to a statewide committee that advises on the use of federal funds for rural health. Dave Lehr was appointed to the Rural Health Transformation Committee, which falls under the Maryland Department of Health.

The committee is an advisory group created to support the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program in the state. The committee includes residents, health and business leaders, elected officials and state agencies.

Read more about the Rural Health Transformation Committee and Dave Lehr’s appointment.

Students and Leadership Visit Statehouse for ‘ICOM Day at the Capitol’

Photo: ICOM leadership and students visit the House floor.

Leaders and students from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) spent the day at the Idaho State Capitol for the annual “ICOM Day at the Capitol,” an opportunity to share the mission, impact and needs of the state’s future physicians directly with lawmakers.

A highlight of the day included a visit with Governor Brad Little in the Ceremonial Office, where students had the chance to share their experiences, career goals and passion for serving Idaho communities. The group also met with House Speaker Mike Moyle on the House floor for a discussion about the state’s growing medical needs and the role osteopathic physicians play in meeting them.

Read more about ICOM Day at the Capitol and the students’ visit with state leaders.

How Zoë Rushetsky Leads with Purpose in Global Health and Research

At the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia)’s Research Slam, an event where faculty and students share their latest investigations among their peers, one project stood out: osteopathic medical student Zoë Rushetsky’s global health work in Honduras—a project she helped lead from its inception.

Founded in 2020 while she was a biology student at Florida State University, the Global Health Collaboration Program (GHCP) has been Zoë’s north star when it comes to research and her academic development. Her recent recognition as Student Researcher of the Year reflects her dedication and work with GHCP.

Read more about Zoë’s global health research and leadership in the Global Health Collaboration Program.

Health Care Hall of Fame Inductee Has Delivered Aid Worldwide

A physician and educator whose work spans continents while also powerfully impacting her home state is now a member of West Virginia Executive magazine’s Health Care Hall of Fame.

Katherine Calloway, DO, a West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) regional assistant dean and an alumna of the school, was inducted with nine other healthcare professionals during a March 3, 2026, awards program in Charleston, West Virginia.

WVSOM’s regional assistant deans oversee the progress of students in their third and fourth years of medical school as they complete rotations in the school’s Statewide Campus system, which consists of seven regions across West Virginia.

Read more about Katherine Calloway’s induction into the Health Care Hall of Fame.