Students Showcase Medical Research, Expand Rural Training, Train in Simulation and More

PCOM South Georgia Further Expands Rural Health Training and Community Mental Health Initiatives

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia Campus (PCOM South Georgia) is continuing to expand community partnerships and strengthen rural health training for medical students and trainees. The initiatives include a leadership role in Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia and a $35,000 grant from AACOM to develop a Rural Health Track Certificate for medical students.

PCOM South Georgia serves as a co-lead alongside the Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia to expand training, professional development and programming to reduce adverse childhood experiences and strengthen community resilience.

Through a collaboration with The Vashti Center for Children & Families and The Pittulloch Foundation, PCOM South Georgia and the nine-county Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia Coalition will be deepening their reach into Colquitt County, PCOM South Georgia’s home.

Read more about PCOM South Georgia’s expanded rural health training and community mental health initiatives.

CCOM Students Showcase Research at Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day

Photo: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine students present research during Midwestern University’s Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day on the Downers Grove Campus.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) students played a major role in Midwestern University’s annual Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day, presenting 104 research posters developed in collaboration with faculty mentors across a wide range of medical and scientific disciplines.

Held on the Downers Grove Campus, the event celebrated student scholarship and the role of research in preparing future physicians to think critically and apply evidence-based medicine in clinical practice.

“When our students step behind a poster today, they aren’t just presenting data—they’re demonstrating the critical thinking and evidence-based mindset that will one day save lives,” said Joshua Baker, OD, MS, president and CEO of Midwestern University.

Read more about CCOM students’ research presentations during Kenneth A. Suarez Research Day.

AOASM Student Chapter at VCOM-Louisiana Named 2025–2026 National Chapter of the Year

Photo: Catelyn Swenson, Meagan Bickmann, Bruce Hukins and Lucas Thibodaux ’28, left to right, student leaders of the AOASM chapter at VCOM-Louisiana, proudly display the certificate honoring their chapter.

The American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) student chapter at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) has been named the 2025–2026 Student American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (SAOASM) National Chapter of the Year at the 41st Annual AOASM Clinical Conference in Seattle.

Presented by SAOASM, the national award recognizes the most outstanding student chapter in the country for excellence in leadership, programming, engagement, service and commitment to osteopathic sports medicine.

View more photos from the AOASM student chapter’s national recognition on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

ICOM Simulation Department Earns Full Accreditation from ASPE

Photo: Quinn Schroeder, OMS III, performs an exam on a standardized patient.

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is proud to announce that its Simulation Department has achieved Full Accreditation in Human Simulation from the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE), a significant milestone that recognizes excellence in simulation-based medical education.

This accreditation affirms ICOM’s commitment to delivering high-quality, immersive clinical training experiences that prepare future physicians for compassionate, patient-centered care. ASPE accreditation is awarded to institutions that demonstrate rigorous standards in the use of standardized patients and human simulation methodologies in healthcare education.

Read more about ICOM’s Simulation Department earning full accreditation in Human Simulation from ASPE.

From Honor Guard to Future Family Physician: How Ryan Rollins’ Air Force Service Shaped His Path to Medicine

When Ryan Rollins (right) answers a patient’s questions in clinic, he isn’t just listening for symptoms. He’s listening for the story behind them.

That instinct was forged long before Ryan became a fourth-year medical student at UNT Health – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNT Health – TCOM). It began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years as a mental health technician and as a member of the Base Honor Guard. Those experiences shaped not only his career path, but also the kind of physician he hopes to become.

“I didn’t originally see myself going into medicine,” Ryan said. “I grew up in a small town, and I just didn’t think I was capable enough. I knew I wanted to go to college eventually, but I wasn’t ready yet.”

Read more about Ryan’s Air Force service and path to medicine.

Graduates Receive $266,662 at Annual Awards Ceremony

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) students in the Class of 2026 were recognized for their achievements during a Graduation Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2026. Graduation awards totaled $266,662, with students recognized in 33 categories including awards, scholarships and membership in national organizations.

This year’s class consisted of 183 graduates, with 80 graduates entering primary care residency programs and a 99 percent residency placement rate for the class. The event recognized 19 students who graduated with honors.

Read more about WVSOM’s Graduation Awards Ceremony.

VCOM-Carolinas Trains Simulation Interns in Emergency Medicine Techniques

On May 7, 2026, Lynn Campbell, DO, discipline chair and associate professor for Emergency Medicine, trained the newest simulation interns in proper assisting techniques in Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus’ (VCOM-Carolinas) Simulation Lab, focusing on cardiopulmonary care and intubation skills.

The college is proud to provide advanced simulation technology and hands-on learning experiences that help prepare its medical students for success during clinical rotations and beyond.

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