Students Provide Medical Care in Punta Cana, Receive $38,000 in Scholarship, Bond During a Fish Fry and More
Published September 10, 2024
Campus Roundup Inside OME
UNTHSC-TCOM Student Spends the Summer Learning at the Prestigious MSTAR Program at Harvard Medical School
It was an eight-week opportunity of a lifetime for Kush Kinariwala, a second-year student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM), as he was selected to participate in The Greater Boston MSTAR Program at Harvard Medical School.
Kinariwala was one of only 11 medical students selected nationwide and the only student from an osteopathic school. The Medical Student Training in Aging Research program is designed to give medical students an in-person aging research experience and an introduction to the field of geriatric medicine. Read more.
Waukee APEX Program Opens Doors to Des Moines University
In the last summer of her senior year at Waukee High School in Waukee, Iowa, current Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) fourth-year medical student Gabby Duncan decided to participate in the Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) and enrolled in the Exploration of Health Sciences and Medicine course. She planned to attend the University of Iowa to study biology on a premedical track but was unsure which health career path was right for her.
The Waukee APEX program exposes high school juniors and seniors to different pathways of success after high school. Students partner with local businesses and organizations in health services, finance, engineering, technology and biosciences to take on-site projects, gain real-world experiences and explore careers. Read more about Gabby’s experience at the Waukee APEX program.
On Mission: VCOM-Louisiana Faculty, Staff and Students Provide Life-Changing Medical Care in Punta Cana
This summer several Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) faculty, staff and students, alongside VCOM-Auburn colleagues, embarked on a medical mission trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The dedicated team provided care to 512 individuals and wrote 1,295 prescriptions, helping to meet the community's health needs. In addition to providing medical care, the team distributed t-shirts, vision exams and eyeglasses. Through this trip, VCOM-Louisiana fulfills its mission to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations. View more photos from the trip on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.
WVSOM Students Receive $38,000 Through Encova Foundation Scholarships
Medical school can be an expensive undertaking, but 12 aspiring physicians at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) decreased their financial burden following an August 23, 2024, luncheon celebrating their selection as recipients of Encova Foundation scholarships.
WVSOM Class of 2027 student Leya Givvines said the scholarship will help her focus more on becoming a physician and less on figuring out how to pay for her education.
“These funds couldn’t have come at a better time,” Leya said. “I’m paying my own way through medical school while being a work-study student in one of WVSOM’s research labs and babysitting on the side, so having some of the financial burden taken off me allows me to focus more on my studies.” Read more about the impact the Encova Foundation scholarships will have on WVSOM medical students.
Across New York and Montana, TouroCOM Class of 2028 Begins Medical School with White Coat Ceremony
Across two states and three campuses, the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) welcomed almost 400 students to their studies in three separate white coat ceremonies. The ceremonial coating occurs before students officially begin their first year and heralds their entrance into the medical profession.
TouroCOM Harlem held its celebration on July 24, 2024, at City College’s Aaron Davis Hall for 134 class members; TouroCOM-Middletown on July 22 at the Paramount Theater for 135 class members; and TouroCOM Montana held its celebration on July 25 for the school’s second class of 125 students. Read more about the ceremonies’ speakers and hear from incoming medical students.
A Successful Kickoff: Inaugural First Football Friday Fish Fry
On August 30, 2024, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) hosted its inaugural First Football Friday Fish Fry. The event brought together students, faculty and staff to celebrate the start of the football season in true southern style—with a fish fry. The atmosphere was electric as the VCOM-Auburn community gathered to enjoy great food, lively conversations and school spirit. An impressive turnout showed just how strong the sense of community is at VCOM-Auburn. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.