Students Share Why Representation Matters, Make an Impact in the Military, Commit to Serve as a Pediatrician and More

Making an Impact in the Military and Medicine

May was Military Appreciation Month, and at 46 years old, first-year medical student Kevin Hauns has already earned a PhD, served more than a decade in the military, contributed to the development of a malaria vaccine and begun his medical school journey at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). With the support of his family, there's nothing he can't do. Read more about Dr. Hauns’ experiences and what drew him to osteopathic medicine.

Representation Matters in Medicine

Growing up as the eldest daughter of Filipino immigrants, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus (PCOM Georgia) first-year medical student Diane Janelle “DJ” Camonayan faced the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with the aspiration to pursue medicine.

“My passion for healthcare began in high school during a lunch and learn event in a cardiac cath lab,” Camonayan said. “That's where I witnessed the lifesaving impact of a stent on a heart attack patient.” Read more about Camonayan’s impact at PCOM Georgia and her leadership with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association chapter.

From Patient to Doctor: KCU Student Who Overcame Childhood Cancer Prepares to Serve as Pediatrician

"It's a complete exhaustion that consumes you.” That is how Regan Hill described what he felt while battling cancer as a young child. Today, the medical student sets out to help children with severe health problems – including those in need of cancer care.

Preparing to start pediatric residency at Phoenix Children's Hospital is a step toward fulfilling a lifelong calling for Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) student doctor Regan Hill. “I just knew there was no other consideration. I want to be a pediatrician who treats cancers and rare blood disorders,” Hill explained. Read more about how Hill hopes to use his experiences to become the best pediatric physician he can be.

President Tooke-Rawlins Inducted into Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame

Photo: President Tooke-Rawlins (2nd from left) with other inductees and leaders from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

As a child, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) president of all four campuses, Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, witnessed firsthand what happens in communities that lack access to healthcare. She never forgot those challenges and her career has been devoted to addressing them. In that, her vision and VCOM’s mission are perfectly aligned.

Dr. Tooke-Rawlins has been recognized throughout her career for her work in policy development, the advancement of women in medicine and her leadership in medical education. In recognition of her contributions to the local community, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce recently inducted Dr. Tooke-Rawlins into their Hall of Fame, which recognizes inductees for their leadership, vision, integrity and civic engagement.

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Graduates 244 New Doctors

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) awarded Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees to 244 new doctors last week at separate events for the TouroCOM Middletown and TouroCOM Harlem campuses.

The Class of 2024 Middletown received their diplomas at festive ceremonies held at Middletown’s Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, followed by TouroCOM Harlem’s commencement the next day at the famed Apollo Theater across the street from the school.

The celebrations began with welcomes from Dean of Student Affairs Nadege Dady, EdD, in Harlem and Associate Dean of Students Frank Rose in Middletown, followed by traditional academic processions of faculty, administration, guest speakers and students, accompanied by a color guard, grand marshal and bagpipes. Read more about the graduation, including the ceremony, Match and awards.

‘Healthcare is a Calling,’ DMU Grads Encouraged

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences awarded graduate degrees in medicine and the health sciences to more than 400 new health professionals on May 24, 2024, at its 124th annual Commencement ceremony. The graduates were encouraged to follow their own vision and “block out the noise” by keynote speaker Omar Lateef, DO, a DMU graduate and president and CEO of RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH University, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, RUSH Copley Medical Center and RUSH Health in Chicago.

“Healthcare is a calling. It is a human right. Let that be your true north as you make your mark in this world,” he told the grads.

UNTHSC-TCOM’s Owen Saenz Selected for the Prestigious ElevateMeD Scholarship Program

Paying it forward, sacrificing and serving has been at the core of who and what Owen Saenz is—now, it’s paying him back. The rising fourth-year student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) was selected for the ElevateMeD scholarship program.

Saenz, who will receive a $10,000 scholarship, was selected for demonstrating leadership, interpersonal skills in medical school and service to the community.

“I feel deeply honored and grateful,” Saenz said. “It affirmed my dedication to serving underrepresented communities, like the ones I called home, as well as acknowledging a past that, statistically, should have prevented me from any success. The recognition was truly humbling.” Read more about Saenz’s journey through medical school.