Students Serve in Military Programs, Present Research Posters, Celebrate Match Successes and More

Serving Two Missions: Military Students Finance and Forge Their Medical Careers

For a select group of students, the path to becoming a doctor is a dual mission, combining the rigorous demands of medical school with a commitment to military service.

Students like Macy Mixdorf, DO’28, (Navy), Melissa “Missy” Demczak, DO’28, (Air Force), Noelle Hauskins, DO’28, (Air Force) and Peter Dengler, DO’28, (Army) are pursuing their medical degrees through programs like the Health Professions Scholarship Program, which covers the cost of tuition at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in exchange for a service commitment.

Why chase dual commitments? All four students say that it comes down to a deep-seated desire to serve. Read more about how military students are balancing service and medical education.

VCOM-Carolinas Welcomes John R. Gimpel, DO, President & CEO of the NBOME

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) was honored to welcome John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, president and CEO of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), to campus on April 8, 2026.

Dr. Gimpel shared insights on the future of osteopathic medical assessment and the evolution of COMLEX-USA, offering students a deeper understanding of the pathway to licensure and the competencies that shape today’s physicians. Experiences like this connect the classroom to the broader profession—and give students a firsthand look at the standards guiding their future careers.

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

VCOM-Louisiana Students Present at National AOCPMR Conference

Students from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana)’s Class of 2027—Bethany Hudspeth, Colton Williams, Jack Woeste, Byrne Musser and Mason Hornsby—recently presented research posters at the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

The conference connects osteopathic physicians, residents and students in physical medicine and rehabilitation, offering opportunities for learning, mentorship and professional growth.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to present alongside my classmates and learn from peers, residents and physicians,” said Bethany. “I left Atlanta with lasting professional relationships and a genuine sense of community.”

View more photos from the conference on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

ICOM’s 8th Annual Research Conference Showcases Scholarship and Innovation

Photo: Mary Pendleton, OMS IV, discusses her research poster.

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) proudly hosted its 8th Annual Research Conference on March 27, 2026, bringing together students, faculty and guests for an afternoon dedicated to discovery, collaboration and scholarly achievement.

This year’s conference featured an impressive 100 student research posters, highlighting the breadth and depth of scholarly activity across ICOM’s student body. From clinical case studies and public health research to advancements in medical education and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the event reflected ICOM’s commitment to fostering inquiry and innovation in osteopathic medicine.

Read more about ICOM’s annual research conference and student scholarship.

DO Student Lands Dream Residency in Family Medicine

During the Match process, fourth-year medical student Kirsten “K” Reynolds-Turner learned she had secured her preferred specialty of family medicine before discovering her residency location.

“I was so anxious! I was eager to find out where I’d be,” Kirsten said. “Each program offered a new possibility of a new city, new friends and new training opportunities. It was like all these doors had opened, but I had to wait five days to figure out which one I could walk through.”

She was thrilled to land at Penn Medicine Lancaster General, as she had always envisioned herself in a full-spectrum primary care residency, caring for families through every stage of life.

Read more about Kirsten’s Match journey and residency placement.

D’Youville University College of Medicine Fully Enrolls Inaugural Class

D’Youville University has reached a major milestone in the launch of its College of Osteopathic Medicine (DYU-COM), with the inaugural Fall 2026 class now fully enrolled. The first class of 90 students was filled ahead of schedule, driven by strong demand from applicants across the country and academic credentials, including GPA and MCAT scores that exceeded initial expectations.

The inaugural cohort reflects both a national reach while maintaining a meaningful connection to the region. Forty-six percent of the students come from New York State, with the class bringing together diverse experiences and a shared commitment to advancing patient-centered care. The strength of the incoming class signals an exciting beginning as D’Youville prepares to welcome students to Western New York’s first osteopathic medical school and advance its bold vision for the future of medical education in New York.

Read more about DYU-COM’s inaugural class enrollment and future plans.

Four WVSOM Alumni Receive National Awards for Family Medicine

Four graduates of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), each a member of the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, are being recognized by the national professional organization, which includes more than 26,000 current and future osteopathic physicians in the United States.

The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians is presenting Deborah Schmidt, DO, with its Osteopathic Family Medicine Educator of the Year; Chris Kennedy, DO, with its New Osteopathic Family Physician of the Year; and Jessica McColley, DO, with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award on April 15, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Additionally, Lorenzo Pence, DO, a WVSOM Class of 1985 graduate who served as WVSOM’s vice president for academic affairs and dean from 2011 to 2014, will be inducted as a Distinguished Fellow during the conference.

Read more about WVSOM alumni receiving national recognition in family medicine.

Third-Year Student Marissa Castronovo Nabs First-Place Prize in Poster Competition

Third-year Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) student Marissa Castronovo, MPH, won first place in the case study research category at the 2026 Florida Osteopathic Medical Association Student/Intern/Resident Research Poster Competition. Her case study was titled “A Rare Case of Situs Inversus in a Premature Neonate.”

View more photos from the poster competition on NSU-KPCOM’s Facebook.

Second Annual Scholar-Con: "Breaking Barriers to Empower Change"

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) held its second Scholar-Con on March 27, 2026. The event featured 54 poster presentations, 205 attendees, four concurrent educational tracks led by experts and five selected abstract podium presentations. The keynote speaker was Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, president emerita of The John A. Hartford Foundation. All MSOM students participated.

View more photos from Scholar-Con on MSOM’s Facebook.