AACOM Research Grant Awardees

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) congratulates all the recipients of the AACOM Research Grant Awards in Osteopathic Medical Education.

AACOM research grant awardees receive funding of up to $10,000 in support of their osteopathic medical education research topics. Grants are awarded to educators at colleges of osteopathic medicine for a period of 18 months and are non-renewable.

AACOM congratulates all grantees of its annual Research Grant Program. This program supports research in osteopathic medical education by providing topic-specific medical education and institutional study grants to qualified applicants from colleges of osteopathic medicine.

AACOM's Research Grants Program includes awards for medical education research and institutional research. Visit AACOM Research Grants for details.


2024

Category: Improve trainee readiness to help every osteopathic graduate successfully place into residency.

Introducing Health Informatics Curriculum Through Case-base Simulations: For Undergraduate Medical Education

  • Primary Investigator:
    Janet Lieto, DO, FACOFP, CMD, CPP, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Amany Hassan, UNTHSC-TCOM
    Lin Nelson, MBA, UNTHSC-TCOM
    Nelumdini Samaranayake, PhD, UNTHSC-TCOM

Category: Reimagine the recruitment and admissions process for osteopathic medical students

Empowering a Relational Professional Identity Among Medical Students to Increase Under-Represented in Medicine (URiM) Applicants

  • Primary Investigator:
    Kari Dugger, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)
     
  • Co-Investigators: 
    Mayra Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, VCOM-Auburn
    Ellen Wilson, MEd, VCOM-Auburn

Category: Expand opportunities for faculty and trainees to participate in academically rigorous research to contribute to the evidence base for OME and osteopathic medicine

Correlation Between Visual Spatial Intelligence and Palpatory Ability Using 3D Printed Models

  • Primary Investigator:
    Natalie Freeman, PhD, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Anne Marie Zeller, DO, LMU-DCOM
    Ian Schultheis, OMS, LMU-DCOM

2023

Category: Promoting excellence in medical education, policy, research and service

The Nutrition Kitchen: An Interdisciplinary Culinary Medicine Elective to Enhance Nutrition Literacy and Personal Dietary Habits

  • Primary Investigator:
    Annie Kirby, PhD, RD, LD, CCMS, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) 
         
  • Co-Investigators:
    Katie Wolter, (VCOM-Auburn)
    Josh Hollingsworth, (VCOM-Auburn)
    Phillip Snider, (VCOM-Auburn)
    Joy DeBellis, Auburn University
    Jeanna Sewell, Auburn University

Exploring a Novel “Policy in Health Care” Curriculum: A Needs Assessment

  • Primary Investigator:
    Janet Lieto, DO, FACOFP, CMD, CPP, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Amany Hassan,  UNTHSC-TCOM
    Lin Nelson, UNTHSC-TCOM
    Lillee Gelinas, UNTHSC-TCOM

Category: Increasing awareness of osteopathic medical education and osteopathic medicine

Investigation of Suboccipital Release, Muscle Energy, and Combination Therapy, respectively evaluating their effect on vertebral artery blood flow

  • Primary Investigator:
    Per Gunnar Brolinson, DO, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Sydney Moriarty, OMS-II, VCOM-Virginia
    Ishan Perera OMS-II, VCOM-Virginia

Changes in Carpal Tunnel Dimensions Following the Application of a Novel Combined Myofascial Release and Muscle Energy Osteopathic Technique

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Mario Loomis, MD, Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    David Moeler, SHSU-COM
    Jamie Eller, SHSU-COM
    Lilian Zhan, SHSU-COM
    Sharon Gustowski, DO, MPH, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Category: Fostering innovation and quality throughout medical education

The Impact of Early Educational Intervention Programs for Struggling Medical Students

  • Primary Investigator:
    Shiyuan Wang, PhD, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-Virtua SOM)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Dyron J. Corley, EdD, Rowan-Virtua SOM

The Development of a Medical Education Faculty Development Program Quality Inventory Toolkit

  • Primary Investigator:
    Lise McCoy, EdD, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University
     
  • Co-Investigator:
    Sebastian Diaz, PhD, JD, Northeast Ohio Medical University 

Effectiveness of a Small Group Activity (SKIPPs) for Interprofessional Learning

  • Primary Investigator:
    Martin Schmidt, PhD, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Use of a Study Tracker to Characterize the Influence of Study Process on Pre-Clinical Exam Performance in First- and Second-Year Medical Students

  • Primary Investigator:
    Robert Tyler, DO, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Joplin (KCU-COM Joplin)
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Nicholas Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
    John Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
    Annamarie Lukish, KCU-COM Joplin
    Arleah Aguilar, KCU-COM Joplin

2022

Category: Osteopathic Inter-Institutional Research

Understanding COMLEX Level 1 as a Pass/Fail Exam – Impact and Opportunities

  • Primary Investigator:
    Donald Sefcik, DO, MBA, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
     
  • Co-Investigators and Institutions:
    Patricia S. Sexton, DHEd, FNAOME, A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Melissa Efurd, EdD, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Ashley N. Gerhardson, PhD, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Category: Osteopathic Institutional Research

Exploring Undiagnosable Syndromes in Medical Students: The Prevalence and Implications of Imposter Syndrome and Medical Student Syndrome

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Mikhail Volokitin, PhD, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York

The WellMESS Project

  • Primary Investigator:
    Joshua C. Hollingsworth, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus 

Improving Anatomy Education Through Evidence-based Practice:  Testing a Hands-On Resource for Teaching Neurovasculature and Spatial Relationships of the Skull Base

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Randy J. Kulesza Jr., PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Co-Investigator(s): 
    Mark Terrell, EdD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Brittney Link, MA, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Evaluating the Impact of Narrative Medicine Workshops on Reflective Learning, Empathy and Burnout: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study and Systematic Review

  • Primary Investigator:
    Timothy J Barreiro, DO, MPH, Mercy Health Youngstown St. Elizabeth Health Center and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine in Osteopathic Medical Education: Assessment of Student’s Personal Nutrition Goals and Effect on Future Medical Practice

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Amanda T. Parker, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Co-Investigator(s): 
    Robert Bateman, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Danielle Fastring, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Experiential Learning as a Tool to Grow Empathy in Osteopathic Undergraduate Medical Students

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Rosemary Niedens, MA, Kansas Health Science Center- Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

What Comes After ACGME Accreditation: Identifying and implementing Academic Enrichment Plan to Improve Residents' performance on the Internal Medicine In-Training Examination

  • Primary Investigator:
    Amro Ilaiwy, MD, Cape Fear Valley Health System and Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

    Co-Investigator: 
    Donald Maharty, DO, Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine 

2021

Category: Osteopathic Inter-Institutional Research

Using hands-on interprofessional culinary medicine education to increase the confidence and ability of medical and dietetic students to address lifestyle and nutrition related disease.

  • Primary Investigator:
    Kathryn H. Thompson, PhD, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine 
     
  • Co-Investigators:
    Anne Mathews, PhD, RDN, Medicine, University of Florida
    Carolyn G Carter, MD, MS, University of Florida College of Medicine
    Leslie Ouellette-Todd, MS, RD, LD, MPH, University of New England
    Celeste Bouchard, DO, Mayo Clinic

Determination of the Most Effective Visualization Technologies for the Instruction of IN SITU Heart Anatomy by Anatomical Context and Question Type to First Year Medical Students

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Kenneth Hisley, PhD, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Co-Investigator: 
    Mark Terrell, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Category: Osteopathic Institutional Research

Pursuing an internal medicine subspecialty: a review of the factors influencing female medical students’ intentions for fellowship

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Sheeba Varughese Tano, DO, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
     
  • Co-Investigator: 
    Gina Sun Gilderman, OMS-II, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

A Pilot Program Studying the Effects of Student, Peer-Facilitator Development in Support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curriculum Learning Activities

  • Primary Investigator:
    Edward Barnes, MD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest
     
  • Co-Investigators: 
    Mirabelle Fernandes-Paul, EdD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – NW 
    Vicki Wedel, PhD, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
    Stephanie White, DO, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

A Faculty Development Training Program to Improve Communication about Medical Uncertainty in Graduate Medical Education

  • Primary Investigator:
    Anna M. Kerr, PhD, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
     
  • Co-Investigator(s): 
    Charee Thompson, PhD, University of Illinois
    Alexander Rakowsky, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital
    Claire Stewart, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital
    John D. Mahan, MD, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Standardizing Cadaveric-based Lab Experiences and Assessments for Multiple Campus Medical Schools

  • Primary Investigator:
    Kent Smith, PhD, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tahlequah
     
  • Co-Investigator: 
    Denna Wheeler, PhD, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine – Tahlequah

The impact of 3-D printed and computer models on learning cranial nerve anatomy

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Randy J Kulesza Jr, PhD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
     
  • Co-Investigators: 
    Mark Terrell, EdD, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Brittney L. Link, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sideline Sonography for Ankle Fracture Evaluation (SSAFE): A Pilot Study

  • Primary Investigator: 
    Jacob Turnbull, DO, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
     
  • Co-Investigators: 
    Stephanie Aldret, DO, CAQSM, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
    Randy Aldret, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
    Travis Smith, DO, CAQSM, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
    John Lipka, MD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus
    Lin Kang, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Louisiana Campus

Enablers and incentives to promote research participation by osteopathic medical students

  • Primary Investigator:
    Sarah Zahl, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
     
  • Co-Investigators: 
    Jonathan Lowery, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Michael Baumann, PhD, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Enriching the Preclinical Medical Genetics Curriculum through OSCE Learning

  • Primary Investigator:
    Martin Schmidt, PhD, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Efficacy of an OMM Virtual Reality Program on Medical Student Learning

  • Primary Investigator:
    Sheldon C. Yao, DO, FAAO, DO, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
     
  • Co-Investigator: 
    Randy Stout, Jr., PhD, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine