Students Earn Prestigious Fellowships, Share the Journey from Caregiver to Future Physician, Celebrate White Coat Ceremonies and More

Midwestern University Medical Student Earns Prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship

Eriq Gassé, a fourth-year student at Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), has been selected as a 2026-27 Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellow, a competitive yearlong service-learning program that supports graduate students who develop innovative projects to improve the health of underserved communities.

For his project, Eriq will deliver an emergency preparedness education program for immigrant communities in Pilsen, a historic neighborhood located about four miles southwest of downtown Chicago . The program will teach immigrant families when to call 911, how to communicate with first responders and lifesaving skills including two-step CPR and Stop the Bleed.

Read more about Eriq’s Schweitzer Fellowship and emergency preparedness education project.

A New Coat to Mark a New Beginning: Ana Elizabeth Juarez’s Journey from Caregiver to Future Physician

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 20-year-old Ana Elizabeth Juarez stepped into the role of caregiver for her five-year-old sister and 82-year-old great-grandmother, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. While physically and emotionally challenging at times, caring for her family during the pandemic strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in medicine.

“Looking back, those times were really tough,” Ana said. “Caring for my great-grandmother made me realize how deeply I want to help people suffering from illnesses that can’t always be cured.”

Seven years later, Ana is transitioning from a caretaker to a future physician and received her white coat from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia).

Read more about Ana’s journey from caregiver to future physician.

Cancer Survivor Makes Waves in Medical School

When Rian Covington received his white coat during the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia Campus (PCOM South Georgia) White Coat Ceremony on August 7, 2026, the moment marked more than the start of medical school. It symbolized his journey from cancer patient to future doctor.

Rian was just 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“I was mostly asymptomatic besides an enlarged lymph node on the right side of my neck,” Rian said. “I got checked out by several doctors, and everyone kind of downplayed it at first, saying it could be an allergic reaction or a cold symptom.”

Read more about Rian’s journey from cancer patient to medical student.

D’Youville University Welcomes the Inaugural Class of Its College of Osteopathic Medicine

D’Youville University officially welcomed the inaugural class of its D’Youville University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DYU-COM), marking the opening of Western New York’s first osteopathic medical school and the region’s first new medical school in nearly 200 years. After years of planning, preparation and collaboration, 97 future physicians walked into their first day of medical school, launching a new chapter for both the university and healthcare across New York State.

“There are moments when a single decision can shape the future of an entire region. Today is one of those moments,” said Lorrie Clemo, PhD, MA, president of D’Youville University. “The students beginning their education at D’Youville will one day care for our families, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and improve the health of communities throughout Western New York. That is what makes today a defining moment not only for D’Youville, but for our region.”

Read more about the inaugural class of DYU-COM.

VCOM-Louisiana Launches House System to Strengthen Student Community

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) Student Affairs and Student Government Association introduced a new house system this fall to help first-year students build community and foster connections from the start of medical school. Each student is assigned to one of five houses (each representing core values such as strength, endurance, adaptability) with colors, symbols and themes representing and inspired by Louisiana culture.

The first house party was held last week where students connected with “housemates”, to celebrate house pride, and began to build the relationships that will sustain them throughout their medical school journey.

Read more about the community-building event for first-year medical students.

ICOM Welcomes Largest Class of Student Physicians

Photo: A new student receives her iPad during orientation week.

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) recently welcomed its largest incoming class to date, continuing the college’s strategic expansion to educate more physicians for Idaho and the communities that need them most.

ICOM’s ninth cohort includes 231 students from 125 colleges and universities across 31 states. ICOM’s Class of 2030 also includes 38 Idaho residents, bringing together a diverse group of future physicians committed to serving patients across the country.

Read more about ICOM’s largest incoming class to date and the coverage from Idaho Ed News.

WVSOM Sets Record for Number of Students from West Virginia

With its new first-year medical students, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) welcomed a class that includes the largest number of West Virginia residents in the school’s history.

WVSOM, the state’s largest medical school, achieved an admissions goal this year, with its 210-member Class of 2030 including 79 students who call the Mountain State their home.

WVSOM officials attribute the upsurge to intentional admissions strategies to attract more West Virginians, including pipeline programs, tuition waivers for in-state students who meet select criteria and the introduction of a master’s degree program to prepare students for the rigorous study required to pursue a medical degree.

Read more about WVSOM’s record number of students from West Virginia.

LMU-DCOM Faculty Member Earns National Award for Research on Anatomical Donation Records Management

Adam Kolatorowicz, PhD, professor of anatomy and executive director of the Anatomical Donation Program at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), received the Anatomical Services Award at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA).

Adam earned the national recognition for his poster presentation, “Records Retention Policies for Anatomical Donation Programs,” which was co-authored by Pam Nelson and Amanda Collins. The award recognizes outstanding scientific studies and innovations related to donor program administration, donor management, tracking, storage and preparation.

Read more about Adam’s national recognition for research on anatomical donation records management.