Students Host Vaccination Event, Get Published in a Medical Journal and More

COVID-19 Vaccine Found by DMU-COM Researchers to Inhibit Prostate Cancer Growth

Photo: Dr. Yujiang Fang, left, and Brad Johnson (DO ’24) analyze the expression of key molecules involved in prostate cancer growth.

In their research over the past 11 months, Brad Johnson, a second-year medical student in Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), and Yujiang Fang, MD, PhD, a DMU academic pathologist and associate professor of microbiology and immunology, found that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein involved with the COVID-19 vaccination actually reduces the survival of prostate cancer cells. Their groundbreaking investigation, conducted with researchers at the University of Missouri, was published in January in the prestigious  Medical Oncology journal. Read more about Johnson’s research.

PCOM South Georgia Student Trains with Doctor Who Delivered Him

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia Campus student Griffin Clyatt (DO '23) recently completed his OB-GYN rotation with the physician who delivered him 27 years ago. Alongside Ellen Courson, MD, Clyatt assisted in baby deliveries, c-sections and circumcisions. 

“I assisted in my first delivery on my first day of rotations at 7:30 AM,” he said. “It is extremely rare that a medical student is that hands-on during a rotation, especially OB-GYN, but she trusted me, and I trusted her to have my back.” Read more about their shared bond.

PCOM HEARTS Club Hosts Vaccine Event

Students from the PCOM HEARTS club partnered with PCOM's Community Wellness Initiative and PCOM's Healthcare Centers to provide vaccinations to residents and staff at Methodist Services on Wednesday, January 19. Student volunteers worked the event. First-year osteopathic medical students assisted with check-ins, observation and advocacy services, and second-year students helped administer vaccinations. During the event, participants also received non-perishable food and clothing from a food and clothing drive hosted by PCOM HEARTS. View this story and more on PCOM’s Facebook.

WVSOM’s Barbara Holt to Lead Center for Rural and Community Health

Barbara Holt has been named executive director of the Center for Rural and Community Health (CRCH) at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). The mission of the CRCH is to drive engagement in rural health through education, research and community engagement. Holt said she is pleased to oversee the center’s operation, management and expansion.

“Since I began at WVSOM, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with inspiring people,” Holt said. “The CRCH has had great leaders, and it is an honor to be given this opportunity. We will endeavor to continue to grow, develop and reach our vision to build infrastructure that empowers communities to reach their highest level of health and wellness through evidence-based, community-engaged outreach, education and research.” Read more about Holt’s new position within the CRCH.

MSUCOM Hosts Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), with sponsorship across MSU and dozens of community partners, kicks off the 22^nd annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom, “An American Odyssey,” this evening. Featured speakers include Dr. Yusef Salaam (2/3), a member of The Exonerated Five and an award-winning motivational and transformational speaker, thought leader, trainer, New York Times bestselling author and coach; Brandan “Bmike” Odums (2/17), a New Orleans-based visual artist who, through exhibitions, public programs and public art works, is engaged in a transnational dialogue about the intersection of art and resistance; and LaTosha Brown (2/24), the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter (BVM) Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute who is fighting to ensure that all human beings have access to quality education, safety, security, peace, love and happiness. Read more and learn how to register for the virtual event.

RVUCOM Students and Alumni Published in Medical Journal

A study by Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) students and alumni, titled “An Analysis of US Academic Medical Center Websites: Usability Study,” has been published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. The study aimed to “adapt a preexisting usability scoring methodology to academic medical centers, apply and test this methodology to a sample of academic medical center websites and make recommendations on potential areas of improvements.” The study was the result of a collaborative effort by Digital Health Track members Jonathan Gale, OMS III; Kameron Black, DO ’21; Joshua Calvano, DO ’21; and Edwin Fundingsland, DO ’21. Share this story and view more stories like this on RVUCOM’s Instagram.

Parks Named PCOM Georgia’s Director of Diversity and Community Partnerships

PCOM Georgia has recently named Darnae Parks, MSLD, as the director of diversity and community partnerships effective January 3. In this role, Parks will work to implement educational, assessment and quality improvement programs and initiatives as they relate to cultural competency and diversity and inclusion.

Parks said, “As a proud member of several minority groups, I have experienced speed bumps and road blocks that only delayed my determined outcomes.” He added, “My goal in this position is to make sure that our faculty and staff have the best resources to ensure that our future medical providers, pharmacists, psychologists and scientists are properly prepared to assist our growing diverse communities.” Read more about Parks’ background and new position. 

VCOM-Auburn ACOP Takes the Plunge

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) students took part in the Auburn Parks and Recreation Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Proudly representing VCOM-Auburn were members from the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) student organization. Proceeds for this year’s 10th anniversary event benefit Lee County Special Olympics. Registrants, some in costumes, brave the cold weather every year and take the plunge in the City of Auburn’s Samford Pool facility to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.