Students Teach at Summer Enrichment Experience, Join the Class of 2030, Provide Care at a New Community Clinic and More
Published July 29, 2026
Campus Roundup Inside OME
VCOM-Carolinas Begins Summer Enrichment Experience
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) held its annual Summer Enrichment Experience (SEE) on campus from July 7-11, 2026. Each summer, area high school students come to campus to peer behind the curtain and get a look at what life is like in medical school. The students participate in a range of medical- and science-oriented activities during this weeklong day camp.
View more photos from the Summer Enrichment Experience on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.
Elizabeth “Libby” Abbas, DO ’15: A Different Kind of Risk
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMUCOM) alumna Elizabeth “Libby” Abbas, DO ’15, bikes down technical trails, races skijoring with her Doberman and rides a mountain bike unicycle—just to see if she can. Dr. Abbas is not afraid of risk.
Now she’s taking on a different kind: launching a family medicine residency in a one-stoplight town in western Maine. For Dr. Abbas, her work is a calling.
Read more about Dr. Abbas’ adventurous spirit and calling to establish a family medicine residency in western Maine.
Frank Filipetto, DO, Honored as the AOF 2026 Educator of the Year
Frank A. Filipetto, DO, CPPS, CPHFH, FACOFP, a distinguished faculty member at UNT Health – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNT Health – TCOM) and a leader in osteopathic medicine, has been chosen as the American Osteopathic Foundation’s 2026 Educator of the Year.
The award, one of the foundation’s highest honors, will be presented to Dr. Filipetto at the AOF Honors Gala on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with the American Osteopathic Association’s annual OMED conference. Dr. Filipetto is the third faculty member from UNT Health – TCOM to receive the award and the second in the last three years, as David Mason, DO, was the recipient in 2024 and Bruce Dubin, DO, was the recipient in 2007.
Read more about Dr. Filipetto’s selection as the AOF 2026 Educator of the Year.
VCOM-Louisiana and FMOL Health | St. Francis Bring New Community Clinic to Northeast Louisiana
A new healthcare clinic is poised to expand access to care, strengthen physician training and serve as a long-term investment in the health of Northeast Louisiana.
The St. Francis Family Medicine, Sports Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Clinic—operated by FMOL Health | St. Francis in affiliation with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana)—will offer family medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and sports medicine services and serve as a training site for future physicians. Community leaders, healthcare partners and local officials gathered on July 22, 2026, to celebrate the clinic’s impact and future promise during a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony marking its official introduction to the region.
Read more about the new community clinic serving Northeast Louisiana.
Second-Ever Class at MSOM Comes to Campus
The journey began for the second class at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) as students spent the week getting to know their school and community. The Class of 2030 has 145 students. They met their professors, advisers and MSOM staff. They participated in team-building exercises and community service projects. The week ended with the awarding of white coats, symbolizing their entry into the medical profession.
View the video from the Class of 2030 orientation and white coat ceremony on MSOM’s Facebook.
CHSU-COM Welcomes Class of 2030; 36 Percent of New Cohort Is from the Central Valley
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) officially welcomed its newest class of medical students, bringing together 162 future physicians who will begin their journey toward careers in medicine. Inside a classroom filled with excitement and anticipation, members of the Class of 2030 gathered for the first time.
Read more about CHSU-COM’s Class of 2030 and the students from California’s Central Valley.
Construction Continues as Science Building Expansion Takes Shape
Greenbrier County residents may notice that a building on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) campus will have a new look next year. A $35 million expansion of the Fredric W. Smith Science Building is on track for completion in 2027.
The building, located on the northern side of the school’s campus along Silo Lane, houses the school’s research facility and gross anatomy lab. Due to the renovation and expansion, the building’s parking lot is closed, nearby sidewalks facing the WVSOM parade field are not in use and areas on both sides of the facility are fenced off to maintain a secure construction zone.
Read more about the expansion of WVSOM’s Fredric W. Smith Science Building.
VCOM-Virginia Hosts 17th Annual Southeastern Regional Sports Medicine Fellowship Conclave
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia), in partnership with Wake Forest University, was honored to host the Southeastern Regional Sports Medicine Fellowship Conclave, welcoming fellows, faculty and sports medicine leaders from across the region for a day of education, collaboration and professional development.
The conclave provided a valuable forum for participants to exchange clinical expertise, explore emerging advances in sports medicine and strengthen the partnerships that enhance physician education and patient care.
View more photos from the Southeastern Regional Sports Medicine Fellowship Conclave on VCOM-Virginia’s Facebook.