Students Mark History with a Time Capsule, Participate in Simulation Wars, Launch Peer Wellness Program and More
Published January 29, 2025
Campus Roundup Inside OME
Charles Lichtenstern Named CHSU-COM Student Researcher of the Year
Charles Lichtenstern, third-year medical student at the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM), has been named the school’s 2024-2025 Student Researcher of the Year. Charles embodies the spirit of research excellence through his numerous projects, which span topics such as point-of-care ultrasound education, colorectal cancer and vaccine literacy. His work has been recognized in multiple publications and presentations, and he continues to advance knowledge in osteopathic medicine through his dedication and curiosity. Read more about Charles’ past research projects.
First-Ever Sim Wars Brings the Heat
On January 13, 2025, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)’s Simulation Center staff, interns and associates hosted the inaugural Sim Wars competition on campus. Three teams of medical students competed head-to-head, tackling a simulated patient assessment under pressure. This event, a longstanding tradition on other VCOM campuses, was a brand-new experience for VCOM-Auburn. Congratulations to all participants for showcasing exceptional skills, teamwork and determination in this exciting competition. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.
Cook Children’s Center for Community Health Honors SaferCare Texas and Dr. Leslie Allsopp
For more than a decade, Leslie Allsopp, PhD, MPH, MSN, AE-C, has worked tirelessly to bring asthma services, resources and support to the community, and now she’s being honored by Cook Children’s Center for Community Health with the Outstanding Community Partner Award. Dr. Allsopp, who is an assistant professor in the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM)’s Department of Pediatrics and Women’s Health and a principal investigator and faculty partner for Asthma 411 at UNTHSC’s SaferCare Texas, was honored recently by Becki Hale, EdD, MA, RDH, Cook Children’s Health Care System assistant vice president for the Center for Community Health.
“Being a part of the Greater Tarrant Area Asthma 411 Consortium has been a tremendous honor and pleasure,” Dr. Allsopp said. “It exemplifies what we can accomplish for community health through collaboration. Together, we have strengthened asthma services on over 350 campuses, and lessons learned are being applied to initiatives across the state. I am deeply grateful to Cook Children’s and all our partners for making this work possible.” Read more about the award and Dr. Allsopp’s work with Asthma 411.
OCOM Marks History with Time Capsule Celebration
The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) made history with a special Time Capsule Celebration that will forever be remembered as a milestone in the institution’s journey. This unique event brought together faculty, staff and students to honor OCOM’s early days and celebrate the vision of its founding members.
The ceremony showcased the heart and spirit of the OCOM community as meaningful artifacts, documents and mementos were carefully selected and contributed to the time capsule. Each item reflected a piece of OCOM’s story, from its founding mission to foster compassionate, innovative medical professionals to the milestones achieved during its inaugural year. Read more about the time capsule celebration and the speeches from the president of the inaugural class.
ICOM Launches Peer Wellness Program
Photo: ICOM's peer ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year include (left to right) Eric Hanzel, OMS II; Mara Krutsinger, OMS II; Leah Moyal, OMS II; Agata Rubis, OMS II; Lu Wolff, OMS II; Samreen Anees, OMS II; and Garrett Battaglia, OMS II.
A pilot program at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) aims to train students to become mental health ambassadors who can build a network of peer-to-peer support across campus.
Known as the Peer Wellness Program, this new initiative driven by ICOM’s Behavioral Health Department aims to build a culture of mental health and wellness within the campus community. Read more about how the program aims to help students’ mental health and wellness.
Annual Mini Medical School Highlights Healthcare Career Paths for Students
Photo: Kyle Henderson, PhD, Associate Professor, Physiology, College of Graduate Studies-Downers Grove (CGS) and medical student Madeline Schnurr (CCOM ’28) listen to a case study presentation from Mini Medical School participant Adama Gueye about a 12-year-old boy with autism, vision loss and nutritional deficiency.
The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) offered its annual Mini Medical School on the Downers Grove Campus. For five weeks, 150 first- and second-year CCOM students volunteered, organized and led instructive sessions, mentored 100 local high school and college students and led them along their journey of learning and exploring various options in the healthcare field. The attendees acquired knowledge about a variety of topics including cardiology and pulmonology, public health, neurology, orthopedics, family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN. Read more about the annual mini medical school and mentorship opportunities CCOM students provided.
WVSOM Leads State’s Medical Schools in Primary Care, Rural Practice, Total Physicians and Lowest Tuition
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) remains a medical education leader in several key areas, according to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Health Sciences’ annual report.
According to information published in the commission’s 2024 West Virginia Health Sciences and Rural Health Report, issued in December, WVSOM produces the highest number of physicians who practice in the Mountain State in all specialties, as well as the largest number who practice in rural areas of West Virginia. The report provides data for all three medical schools in the state. Read more data about WVSOM’s graduates’ specialties and where they practice.
VCOM-Louisiana Hosts Hands-On Dry Needling Workshop for Students
Photo: Students practice dry needling techniques during a hands-on workshop hosted by VCOM-Louisiana.
The Student American Academy of Osteopathy and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) recently hosted a dry needling workshop. This treatment technique uses thin needles to target trigger points in muscles and connective tissues, helping to alleviate pain and enhance mobility. Randy Aldret, EdD, VCOM-Louisiana’s dean for the proposed Master of Science in Athletic Training and associate professor of family and sports medicine, led the interactive session. Students gained hands-on experience, practicing the skills they learned during the workshop. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.
VCOM-Carolinas Student Named Representative to AOF Board of Directors
Congratulations to Henry Knox, OMS II, at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas), who was named as the Student Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation (SOMAF) representative to the Board of Directors of the American Osteopathic Foundation for a two-year term on January 1, 2025. Congratulate Henry on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook and read the American Osteopathic Foundation’s press release.