Students Present Research Projects, Volunteer 1,100 Hours at Pediatric Hospital, Participate in Sports Medicine Regional Conference and More

Published February 11, 2025

Campus Roundup Inside OME

ICOM, ISU Sign Research Agreement

Two men in suits shake hands at a signing event with Idaho State University banners and balloons in the background.

Photo: Dr. Robert Wagner, president of Idaho State University, and Dr. Tracy Farnsworth, president of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Leadership from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) and Idaho State University (ISU) signed an agreement Friday, January 31, 2024, solidifying and expanding a research partnership between the two institutions. At an event on Idaho State University’s Meridian campus, leaders said they welcomed the chance at further collaboration.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of our shared mission to elevate healthcare related research,” said ICOM Assistant Dean of Research Sara Adams, PhD. “The agreement we are signing today lays the foundation for a dynamic partnership between Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and Idaho State University—one that will foster innovative, collaborative research and open new avenues for securing external funding.” Read more about the partnership between the two schools.


Five CHSU-COM Research Projects Featured at 2025 Western Medical Research Conference

A young man in a suit stands smiling in front of a research poster presentation, representing CHSU-COM.

Taejung Song, third-year CHSU-COM medical student, at the 2025 WMRC presenting his poster on managing severe hyponatremia with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate: a feasibility study

California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) was proud to have five research projects featured at the 2025 Western Medical Research Conference (WMRC). The WMRC attracts students, residents, fellows and faculty from more than a dozen U.S. states to present their research, network and gain continuing medical education credits. The WMRC is hosted by the American Federation for Medical Research in partnership with the California Thoracic Society, Western Association of Physicians, Western Society for Pediatric Research and Western Student Medical Research Forum and Residents Forum. Read more about the research the five CHSU-COM students performed.


A speaker in a yellow sweater and striped scarf stands at a podium with a

Charleston Physician Recognized as WVSOM Distinguished Alumni of the Year

Andy Tanner, DO, a West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) Class of 1999 graduate, was named the WVSOM Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Dr. Tanner practices in Charleston, West Virginia, and is director of the Charleston Area Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program.

The award was announced by Ryan Newell, DO, vice president of the WVSOM Alumni Association, during the association’s annual Mid-Winter Osteopathic Seminar in Charleston, WV.

“All right, folks, buckle up because I’m about to introduce someone who has not only put the ‘doctor’ in ‘doctoring,’ but has also become an absolute cornerstone of the West Virginia healthcare community,” Dr. Newell said in his introduction. “Before I go any further, let me tell you this guy isn’t your average doctor.” Read more about Dr. Tanner’s recognition.


UNTHSC-TCOM Student Takes Volunteering to a New Level at Cook Children’s Medical Center

Two women pose with a person in a bear mascot costume wearing a

When you see Kathryn Adkins scroll through her journal of 110 pages of meaningful and memorable experiences, you know why she’s been a volunteer at Cook Children’s Medical Center since 2017. When you hear her speak about being a volunteer, you hear the passion that surrounds her more than 1,100 volunteer hours at Cook Children’s and you know the “why” behind her efforts.

It comes as no surprise that the second-year student at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) was nominated as a Volunteer of the Year at Cook Children’s. Read more about Kathryn’s dedication to pediatric volunteering.


VCOM-Carolinas Hosts Spartanburg County Board of Trustees

Medical students in white coats participate in a hands-on clinical training exercise in a simulated hospital setting.

The Spartanburg County Foundation Board of Trustees visited the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus (VCOM-Carolinas) in mid-January. The Board got to see VCOM-Carolinas' Simulation Center's 3D printed simulation technology, including a new state-of-the-art 3D printer, and they saw a demonstration of medical students in action, as the students provided care for a simulated emergency room heart attack. View more photos on VCOM-Carolinas’ Facebook.


VCOM-Virginia Hosts Successful SAOASM Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

Four individuals sit on a bench in front of a

Photo (left to right): Conference instructors Mark Rogers, DO; Allison Bardowell, DO; Annemarie Beran, DO; and Chris Whalen, DO

In January, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia) hosted the Student American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (SAOASM) Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, bringing together 75 attendees from four schools, both in-person and online. The morning sessions featured expert-led presentations, including insights on shoulder evaluations, guidance on getting involved in sports medicine and sideline concussion assessments, casting and bracing for athletes and firsthand experiences working with USA Gymnastics. The conference concluded with an interactive osteopathic medical manipulation workshop focusing on the osteopathic approach to evaluating and treating lower extremity injuries. View more photos on VCOM-Virginia’s Facebook.


A medical student in a white coat guides another person through a CPR demonstration on a mannequin.

VCOM-Louisiana Hosts Mini-Medical School to Inspire High School Students to Pursue Careers in Health Science.

Photo: VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2027 student, Marci Peck, instructs a high school student on proper CPR techniques during a recent Mini-Medical School event.

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana Campus (VCOM-Louisiana) recently hosted students from Rayville High School for its mini-medical school event. Students participated in interactive sessions led by second-year osteopathic medical students, who gained practical experience in sharing medical knowledge. Participants learned and practiced essential skills, including infant and adult CPR techniques. Mini-medical school events are designed to educate, inspire and encourage local students to explore careers in health sciences, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. View more photos on VCOM-Louisiana’s Facebook.