Students Display Art Inspired by Anatomy Course, Offer Free Health Screenings at Local Elementary Schools and More

Published October 15, 2024

Campus Roundup Inside OME

ATSU-KCOM Students Express Wide Range of Talents with Anatomy Course Art Project

Artwork of an eye with a sunset scene reflected in the pupil, blending realistic and abstract elements.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) anatomy professor, Sara Funk, DPT, was in her first year leading the anatomy course, grading exams, when she had an idea. She gave students an optional assignment to express their experiences in the anatomy lab. Nearly 100 took part, providing a range of drawings, paintings, crafts, poems and more.

“On the practical (exam) sometimes, students put little drawings to help them remember things. I was talking to one of my students about her drawings, they were really good. It got me thinking, these are high-achieving people. There’s a lot of other sides to them beyond medicine, beyond science, that we do not see, but are also really important to them,” Dr. Funk said. “I wanted them to have a chance to express their experiences in a way outside of traditional science.” Read more and view the students’ art projects.


Noorda-COM Students Offer Free Health Screenings at Local Elementary Schools

A group of medical students enthusiastically posing in matching pink shirts for a group photo.

The Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) hosted two events as part of their health outreach initiative. Medical students provided essential health screenings to elementary school children in the Provo, Utah area. They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve and support the health of local youth. View more photos on NoordaCOM’s Instagram.


VCOM Earns Fifth HEED Award for Excellence in Diversity Initiatives

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) campuses are proud to announce that they have been named a 2024 recipient of the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. Presented in early October, this marks the fifth time VCOM has earned this prestigious recognition. Awarded by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the annual HEED Award honors U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. VCOM is pleased to be recognized for its ongoing efforts to integrate diversity into its daily practices and to be included among a prestigious group of institutional colleagues. Read more about the recognition and programs that are part of VCOM’s daily commitment to diversity.


White Coat Ceremony for CHSU-COM Class of 2028

A formal ceremony at a medical school, featuring faculty and students on stage under a large school emblem.

More than 150 new medical students in the class of 2028 received their white coats at the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) Medicine White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

At the ceremony, John Graneto, DO, dean of CHSU-COM, shared the history of the white coat and the importance of maintaining professionalism and humanism in healthcare careers. Read more about the ceremony and welcome address from Donna Cashdan, DO, immediate past president of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California.


VCOM-Carolinas Students Volunteer in Temporary Medical Wards After Helene

During the recent widespread power outages across the Carolinas caused by Hurricane Helene, many community members relying on in-home healthcare were left without access to essential medical devices. In response, Spartanburg Regional and University of South Carolina Upstate quickly set up two temporary wards to provide beds and bedside care for those in need.

More than thirty Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) students volunteered their time, working in shifts around the clock to support these patients—even while on block break. View more stories like this on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.


A smiling woman proudly holding a certificate on stage, signifying her achievement at a professional event.

UNTHSC-TCOM’s Dr. Crompton Inducted as a Fellow of the AAFP

Photo: Dr. Crompton at the FMX Conference.

A distinguished honor for a distinguished faculty member of the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) as Maria Crompton, DO, was inducted as a fFellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians at their annual conference, FMX. Dr. Crompton, the director of rural medical education at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas, was inducted at a convocation of new fellows at the FMX Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I am so incredibly honored to earn this Degree of Fellow from the American Academy of Family Physicians,” Dr. Crompton said. Read more about the recognition and Dr. Crompton’s distinguished service.


WVSOM Alumna Is First Urologist to Bring High-Tech Prostate Treatment to Area

Surgeons and medical staff performing a surgery using advanced imaging technology in an operating room.

Urologist L. Faith Payne, DO, a West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) 2007 graduate, is one of the few physicians who have been able to get their hands on medical equipment that reduces not only operating time, but also recovery time and side effects.

This technology, called aquablation therapy, uses a real-time, ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted and heat-free waterjet to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia—also known as enlarged prostate—a health issue that is common as men age. It combines ultrasound imaging with a thin camera, called a cystoscope, to allow surgeons to see the entire prostate as they target the tissue to be removed. Read more about Dr. Payne’s efforts to raise awareness of the health issue.


VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates the Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) recently held the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2028 and witnessed a significant milestone as 155 students received their white coats. This meaningful tradition marks the beginning of their journey into the medical profession, symbolizing their commitment to patient care and the values of compassion and excellence. View more photos on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.