Students Hold Walk for Suicide Prevention, Begin a Health Equity Scholar Program and Introduce Elementary School Students to Dream Careers
Published October 17, 2023
Campus Roundup Inside OME
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Receives Diversity Award
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) has received the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
As a recipient of the annual HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, TouroCOM will be featured along with 63 other recipients in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is the fifth year TouroCOM has been named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient.
“Our mission at TouroCOM is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities (URM) in medicine and to serve the underserved,” said Executive Dean Kenneth Steier, DO, MBA, MPH, MHA, MGH. “We are very appreciative to be receiving this award in recognition of our efforts to attain diversity, equity and inclusion.” Read more about TouroCOM and their factors for success.
Meet Noorda-COM’s Baby Luna
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) students practice on computer-aided engineering simulators—like baby Luna pictured above—to heighten the reality of their training. Behind Luna, you’ll see a pediatric and adult simulator. This technology (and the Noorda-COM simulation team) helps students practice their skills over an entire lifespan, without human risk. View more stories like this on Noorda-COM’s Instagram.
From Undocumented Immigrant to Medical Student
Photo: Mauricio Soto overcame several obstacles to become a first-year medical student at PCOM South Georgia.
First-year Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia (PCOM South Georgia) student Mauricio Soto arrived in the United States from Mexico when he was six years old. He quickly learned English and became his family's translator in their new country. Years later, due to an expired visa, Soto’s status as an undocumented immigrant almost prevented him from achieving his dream of becoming a doctor serving the Hispanic community in South Georgia until a generous benefactor opened the door. Read more about Soto’s journey to medical school on Newswise.
DO/PhD Candidate Selected for Prestigious ADNI Health Equity Scholars Program
Photo: Mohammad Housini with Dr. Sid O’Bryant.
Mohammad Housini, a dual degree student at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM), has been chosen for a year-long fellowship with Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) as part of the Health Equity Scholars Program. Housini is also pursuing his PhD with the School of Biomedical Sciences in Pharmacology and Neuroscience. He was one of only two medical or graduate students nationwide selected for the program. Read more about Housini’s path to medical school and future research.
CCOM Student Group Holds Suicide Prevention Walk
Photo: The Midwestern University community and guests gathered for a walk to raise awareness to prevent suicide and take care of mental health.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September, the Exercise is Medicine Club organized its first event, the Suicide Prevention Walk. About 60 Midwestern University students, counselors, advisors and guests participated in the walk aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and concerns. This event is an integral component of Midwestern University’s ongoing commitment to student and patient care and promoting overall well-being.
“I’m hoping people learn something from the event, and they understand that we’re all in this together. A lot of people go through the same things. People are not alone. I hope people are able to recognize those signs and symptoms of suicide,” said Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University student Harrison Quirke, vice president of the Exercise is Medicine Club. Harrison reflected on one of the speeches delivered at the event, and how it emphasized the importance of self-care and positive self-talk.
“You need to take care of yourself before taking care of someone else. You can’t take care of someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. Consider what you’re saying to yourself, and if you would say it to someone else,” Harrison said. Second-year medical student Mary Grace Phelan, president of the Exercise is Medicine Club, added, “It’s really important that you try hard to talk to yourself positively. We’re going to be taking care of patients. We need to have positive thinking.” Read more about the event.
Elementary Students Experience Dream Careers with ICOM
Photo: Student doctors Nika Magnani Convertino and Jonah Heath, both second-year students at ICOM, teach elementary students about the human heart.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)’s simulation team, with assistance from student doctors Jonah Heath and Nika Magnani Convertino, met with students from grades three through six and introduced them to medical simulation. The eager students participated in a hands-on simulation experience, learned the basics of conducting a physical exam assessment and witnessed an ultrasound demonstration of a heart.
“It was fulfilling to assist in the event because some of the kids were genuinely interested in learning about how the heart worked,” said Heath. “It’s important for kids to be exposed to many different jobs and styles of life so they can start thinking what manner of job and life they want in their future.” Read more about the event and its impact on the local community.
Don Smith Joins WVSOM as Director of Communications
James W. Nemitz, PhD, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) president, named Don Smith the school’s director of communications starting October 2, 2023. Smith, who served for many years as executive director of the West Virginia Press Association following a decade as a member of that organization’s board of directors, has extensive experience working with print, broadcast and online media as well as government, business and industry officials in West Virginia. Read more about Smith’s background.
Philadelphia Union Foundation Launches Youth Mental Health Awareness Initiative in Collaboration with PCOM
Photo: Scott Glassman, PsyD, director of PCOM's Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program, at a HeadFirst meeting with youth club representatives.
The Philadelphia Union Foundation, in collaboration with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and Independence Blue Cross, announced the launch of HeadFirst, a groundbreaking initiative focused on the provision of mental health resources for youth soccer players, parents and coaches. The new program will begin with select youth soccer teams in Delaware County.
Nearly 15 percent of youth worldwide, between the ages of 10-19, experience a mental health disorder, and a federal study showed that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children diagnosed with depression increased 27 percent. Additionally, another study showed about 91 percent of high school athletes polled experienced some level of stress due to their sports, and 58 percent reported moderate to an extreme amount of stress.
HeadFirst, powered by programming and content from PCOM psychology faculty, emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and the resources available using educational material developed for youth soccer players, parents and coaches. Read more about the future of the initiative.
Medical Spanish Course Prepares Med Students for Outreach and Rotations
Photo: PCOM Georgia students Daniela Gutierrez (DO ’26), Darwin Mendez (DO ’27), Abraham Melara (DO ’27) and Maria Reyes (DO ’26) helped to plan the medical Spanish course.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia) students Abraham Melara and Darwin Mendez are leading a medical Spanish course under the sponsorship of the Latino Medical Student Association. Students are preparing for clinical rotations across Georgia, where one million Spanish speakers call home.
“As a child, I acted as an interpreter because her [my mother’s] physicians did not speak our language. It's very important for me as a medical student to give future physicians the tools to communicate. People who are vulnerable due to a language barrier need the connection,” said Abraham. Read more about the critical need for the new course.
VCOM-Auburn Open House: Exploring the World of Medical Education
On October 6, 2023, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) hosted an open house event, offering guests a firsthand glimpse into the world of medical education. Attendees had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations, interact with faculty and staff and engage with current students. The event shed light on the distinctions between a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) and a medical doctor (MD), while also delving into topics like student organizations, financial aid opportunities, global health initiatives and international missions This event was an informative and inspiring occasion for all who attended. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.
VCOM-Louisiana Students Celebrate National Primary Care Week
Photo: Bowling during VCOM-Louisiana's National Primary Care Week celebration.
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) students celebrated National Primary Care Week! Students hosted speakers, participated in a service event, created posters and held a bowling night. View more photos on VCOM-Louisiana’s Instagram.