Students Provide OMT to Veterans, Commit to Practicing Rural Care and Play Pickleball

Osteopathic Revolution in Veteran Healthcare

Photo: Chief Medical Officer of the Mare Island and Fairfield VA Clinics Dr. Dru Herring in the OMT lab of the Mare Island VA Clinic

For the chief medical officer of the Mare Island and Fairfield VA Clinics, Dru Herring, DO, the dream is to create a formalized osteopathic program within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinics.

“I commonly work with patients who have a history of traumatic brain injury, musculoskeletal trauma, various stages of recovery from surgery and military service-connected disabilities,” says Dr. Herring. “In my experience, [osteopathic manipulative treatment] has been able to support veterans with complex disorders, such as PTSD, postoperative spinal and brain surgery, Guillan Barre, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Ehlers Danlos and Myasthenia Gravis.”

The program is still developing, and to expand the services, Herring began precepting clinical rotations for students at the Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Read more about the students’ experiences in the program.

WVSOM Commencement Ceremony Celebrates 190 New Physicians

It was a day when the end of one journey marked the beginning of another. At the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)’s 47th annual Commencement Ceremony, graduation caps soared and hoods were draped over grads’ shoulders as the school celebrated the conferral of medical degrees to 190 new physicians.

The May 3, 2024, event brought thousands of guests to the school’s campus to watch students cross the stage to receive their diplomas. In addition to graduates’ family and friends and members of WVSOM’s administration, faculty and staff, the audience included Lewisburg Mayor Beverly White and Lewisburg city manager Misty Hill. Read more about the ceremony and hear from the WVSOM student class president.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Medicine: Insights from an Autistic Medical Student

Two decades ago, I received a medical diagnosis that would change my life.

Diagnosed with moderate autism spectrum disorder, my physicians at the time were unsure whether I would be able to live independently. I was nonverbal until I was four, went to four different elementary schools, two different middle schools and received a decade of therapy.

Today, I am a first-year osteopathic medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and have continued to defy expectations and preconceived notions surrounding my diagnosis.

Read more about Ryker’s story in the Philadelphia Inquirer and on PCOM’s website.

Growing Shortage in Physicians Impacts Rural Areas

Inspired by her father’s death due to COVID-19 and the growing shortage of physicians in rural areas, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) 2024 graduate Anne Ast, DO, hopes to change the trajectory for those living in communities that lack access to care. Watch the segment featured on KSHB40 News.

VCOM-Louisiana Students Attend DO Day on the Hill

DO Day on the Hill is an annual event in Washington, DC, and this year several Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) students and faculty were among those who attended. Medical students and physicians from across the nation gather during this event each year to participate in congressional meetings to advocate for the osteopathic profession. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.

Becker Named ACOFP Osteopathic Family Medicine Educator of the Year

Photo: Dr. Becker received the Osteopathic Family Medicine Educator of the Year award from the ACOFP.

Kind, compassionate and selfless. Those are just a few of the words used to describe PCOM’s Michael A. Becker, DO, MS, associate dean of clinical education. Dr. Becker was recently chosen by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) as the 2024 Osteopathic Family Medicine Educator of the Year. It’s an honor that means a lot to him.

“This one's really big because it's our specialty college,” Dr. Becker said. “I was speechless at first and then very excited to tell my family.” Upon learning of his award, Dr. Becker’s family and friends came together to tell him how he has not only impacted their lives, but the lives of others. Read more about Dr. Becker’s impact on the osteopathic community.

VCOM-Carolinas Students Attend SCMA Meeting

Students from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) attended the annual South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) meeting in Greenville, South Carolina. Events included networking with physicians, establishing healthcare priorities at the House of Delegates, a president's award gala dinner and the SCMA Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of 163rd SCMA President Mayes DuBose, MD. Read more stories like this on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.

VCOM-Auburn's 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament Leaves Lasting Memories

On April 27, 2024, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) hosted its 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament, drawing a fantastic turnout of VCOM-Auburn students for a day of exciting competition. Participants of all skill levels came together to showcase their talents, forging new friendships and creating lasting memories amidst the lively atmosphere. From intense rallies to moments of camaraderie, the tournament exemplified the spirit of community and sportsmanship. View more photos on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.