Students Participate in National ShaDO Week, Commemorate Black History Month, Learn About Life-Threatening Animal Bites and Stings at the Zoo and More
Published February 25, 2025
Campus Roundup Inside OME
VCOM-Virginia Commemorates Black History Month with Inspiring Speaker Series
Photo: Danielle Ward, DO (center), with VCOM-Virginia leadership and members of their Student National Medical Association.
On Monday, February 17, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia) welcomed Danielle Ward, DO, to its Blacksburg, Virginia, campus as part of the annual Dr. William G. Anderson Black History Month Speaker Series. Dr. Ward, a plastic surgery resident, former urgent care physician and author of Atypical Premed: A Non-Traditional Student's Guide to Applying to Medical School, delivered an inspiring and practical presentation on overcoming challenges in the pursuit of a medical career.
She encouraged students to advocate for themselves, seek mentorship and remain open to unexpected opportunities. Reflecting on her own journey, Dr. Ward shared how not matching into a residency program initially felt like a setback but ultimately led her to a path that aligned with both her personal and professional aspirations. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Virginia’s Facebook.
CHSU-COM Students Organize ‘Med Student for a Day’ Event
Photo: Student organizers of ‘Med Student for a Day’ from the CHSU-COM OPSC and Pre-SOMA chapters and the Radiology Interest Group.
As part of the national Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association (Pre-SOMA) ShaDO Week, premed students from Fresno State and University of California Merced were invited to the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) to experience ‘Med Student for a Day.’ The all-day event was organized by second-year medical students at CHSU-COM, including board members from CHSU-COM’s Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) and Pre-SOMA chapters and the Radiology Interest Group. Read more about the clinical skills workshop and view more photos.
Midwestern University Medical Students Participate in National ShaDO Week
Photo: Medical students Lucas Debiase (CCOM ’27) and Jasmine Zhai (CCOM ’27) give a demonstration of OMM techniques.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) students from the Midwestern University chapter of Pre-SOMA hosted 30 undergraduate pre-medical students and college graduates taking a gap year for ShaDO Day. During CCOM’s ShaDO Day, the visiting undergraduate students learned more about the field of osteopathic medicine, CCOM’s academic program and viewed demonstrations in ultrasound and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Hear from participants about what they learned during CCOM’s ShaDO day.
Empowering Future Leaders: OCOM's Medical Student Leadership Summit
Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) recognizes that leadership is more than just a title—it’s a skill set that requires continuous growth, self-awareness and the ability to inspire others. That’s why, over four weeks, OCOM hosted its inaugural Medical Student Leadership Summit, designed to equip students with the tools and insights necessary to lead effectively within their organizations, future medical careers and beyond. Read more about OCOM’s leadership summit and key takeaways.
PCOM Launches New Research Center Dedicated to Infectious Disease and Chronic Disorders
Photo: Dr. Brian Balin and Nikki Schultek.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has established the Pathobiome Research Center dedicated to studying the connections between infectious processes and chronic disorders. The research center is founded and led by director Nikki Schultek, who is also principal and founder of the Intracell Research Group and executive director and co-founder of the Alzheimer’s Pathobiome Initiative.
Creation of the Pathobiome Research Center is the result of an eight-year collaboration between Dr. Schultek and PCOM’s Brian J. Balin, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience and Neuropathology and director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging. Read more about the research center and its mission.
Nishimwe Named Colquitt County Medical Society’s Medical Student of the Year
Alleluia Nishimwe, DO ’26, said the most valuable lesson she's learned while enrolled as an osteopathic medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine South Georgia Campus (PCOM South Georgia) is how to persevere.
“The road has been far from smooth,” she explained. “I have had some great moments and some lows along the way, but I am constantly encouraged not to give up.”
Alleluia completed clinical rotations at Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie, Georgia. During an event last fall, the Colquitt County Medical Society named her their Medical Student of the Year. Read more about Alleluia’s award and what it means for her future.
Rocky Vista University Medical Students Learn About Animal Bites and Stings at ZooMontana
Medical students in the Wilderness Medicine track at the Rocky Vista University Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-MCOM) got an up close and personal look at animal behavior through a partnership with ZooMontana. They learned how to treat snake bites and stings as well as awareness of surroundings to prevent life-threatening animal encounters. Read the coverage from KTVQ News.
VCOM-Auburn’s Master of Health Services Administration Students Give Back to the Community
This week, Bluefield University Master of Health Services Administration students from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) and their faculty members stepped into the Auburn/Opelika community, making a meaningful impact through service. Community outreach fosters empathy, teamwork and leadership—key skills for future healthcare professionals. By engaging with the community, students gain real-world experience and reinforce the importance of service in healthcare, preparing them to make a lasting impact beyond the classroom. View more photos from the event on VCOM-Auburn’s Facebook.
The Key to Seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
The vast majority of people who have a substance use disorder never seek treatment. At most, ten percent of adults with a drug or alcohol use disorder have entered any type of inpatient or outpatient treatment program, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
But according to a new study by researchers at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) in New York, when a physician offers advice on cutting down on drinking or provides treatment information, people are significantly more likely to get help. Read more about the study and its implications.