Students Investigate Skincare Influences, Assemble Menstrual Supply Packs, Thank Inspiring Faculty and More
Published November 11, 2026
Campus Roundup Inside OME
The OCOM Podcast with Dr. Kiran C. Patel: A Vision for Medical Education and Global Healthcare
From his early life in Zambia to building a successful medical career in the United States, Kiran C. Patel, MD, has built a legacy rooted in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and a commitment to improving lives through healthcare and education.
In this special episode of the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) Podcast, Dean and Chief Academic Officer Robert T. Hasty, DO, sits down with Dr. Patel, physician, philanthropist and founder of Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Global University (KPGU). Dr. Patel shares his journey from establishing a medical practice in Tampa, Florida, to transforming the managed care industry and investing in the future of medical education.
Watch the full episode on OCOM's YouTube to hear Dr. Patel reflect on his journey, the power of education and his vision for the future of medicine.
TUNCOM Student Research Explores How Social Media Influences Skincare Decisions
Jessica Ruggieri, a third-year student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), is conducting research examining how social media influencers and board-certified dermatologists influence consumers’ skincare decisions and purchasing behaviors. Her study aims to better understand where people turn for skincare information and how those sources shape their choices, with findings that may help improve public education on evidence-based skincare practices.
Jessica is seeking participants of all ages, sexes and geographic regions to complete a brief online survey about their skincare habits, social media use and sources of skincare information.
Read more about Jessica's study and complete the online survey about skincare habits and information sources.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Launch of WVSOM Health
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) and WVSOM Health, along with members of the community, celebrated WVSOM Health’s first few months in operation under a new name with an October 29, 2026, ribbon-cutting ceremony.
WVSOM Health officially changed its name from the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in July 2026, but the clinic has been a vital part of the Greenbrier County community since 1976. The transition reflects a milestone in shared efforts to strengthen the clinic’s long-term viability and to more fully integrate it into WVSOM’s academic clinical enterprise.
Located on WVSOM’s campus, the clinic has served as a faculty practice and teaching site for WVSOM students. It remains a significant component of the school’s curriculum for students on clinical rotations and graduates in residencies.
Read more about WVSOM Health's ribbon-cutting ceremony and the clinic's new chapter in patient care and medical education.
VCOM-Carolinas ACOOG Hosts Period Packing Party to Benefit Spartanburg Period Project
The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists student organization at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) hosted a Period Packing Party to benefit the Spartanburg Period Project on October 17, 2026. At the event, members made 844 packs for the Spartanburg Period Project (SPP) to distribute at schools and other community partners.
View more photos from the Period Packing Party benefiting the Spartanburg Period Project on VCOM-Carolinas' Facebook.
A Note of Thanks: PCOM Students Celebrate Faculty Who Inspire and Support Them
A small token of appreciation can go a long way. That's the simple but powerful premise behind Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's (PCOM) Thank A Faculty Member initiative, launched in 2024 by Darby Scroggs, assistant director for the Center for Teaching Support and Professional Development.
“When I was in college, I had a chemistry professor who was so kind to me during a difficult time in my life,” Darby said. “His kindness left such a lasting impression on me that I still tell people about today. After the semester ended, I wrote him a note of appreciation. I wanted to create a way for students to be able to do the same.”
Read more about PCOM's Thank A Faculty Member initiative and how students celebrate faculty who inspire and support them.
Noorda-COM Faculty Members Honored as 2026 Healthcare Heroes
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) is proud to celebrate two of its exceptional faculty members, Amie Mower, DO, MHA, and Andy Yorgason, DO, MPH, MHPE, for being honored as 2026 Healthcare Heroes by Utah Business magazine.
This prestigious recognition highlights their remarkable dedication, expertise and profound impact on healthcare and medical education in our community. We are thrilled to see their hard work and leadership recognized on a statewide level.
View more photos celebrating Dr. Mower and Dr. Yorgason's recognition as 2026 Healthcare Heroes on Noorda-COM's Instagram.