Students Experience Hands-On Culinary Medicine, Host Networking Panel for First-Generation Students and Resume International Rotations

VCOM-Auburn Partners with Rane Culinary Science Center: A New Frontier in Culinary Medicine

A recent Opelika Observer article touches on Auburn University’s many impressive achievements, including the opening of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, which houses the teaching restaurant 1856.

The article highlights Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn)’s involvement in this dynamic space, specifically how VCOM-Auburn students, along with those from other disciplines, are learning the art of culinary medicine and the vital connection between nutrition and healthcare. Through hands-on learning experiences, students get an opportunity to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world culinary practices. Read more coverage from the Opelika Observer.

Two Students Selected for ICOM's OPP Fellowship Program

Photo (left to right): Kevin Stoll, OMS II, and Benjamin Babbit, OMS II, have been selected as OPP Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Two second-year students have been selected to participate in the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)'s Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship. Student Doctors Benjamin Babbit and Kevin Stoll will serve as OPP Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Now in its third year, the program is geared toward students who are particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic hands-on manipulation. It is designed to augment students’ knowledge and application of the principles, philosophies and procedures of osteopathic medicine in both the academic and clinical settings. Read more about how the new fellows will assist the OPP department.

Meritus Scholar-Con Highlights Research, Scholarly Activity

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) recently held its inaugural research and scholarly activity conference—known as Meritus Scholar-Con. Organized by the school’s Office of Research, 43 abstracts were submitted for the March 13, 2025, event in the school’s newly constructed D.M. Bowman Academic Hall. Of those abstracts, 37 were poster presentations and six were picked for podium presentations.

“This inaugural event highlights the research and scholarly activity of our Meritus Community, including our MSOM faculty and Meritus Health providers and staff, in addition to the larger Meritus community of residents and rotating clinical students,” said Murray Berkowitz, DO, interim dean. Read more about the research that was presented.

WVSOM Strengthens Effort to Encourage Global Rotations for Medical Students

There was a time when West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) students were providing care to patients from Bangladesh to Bolivia and Sierra Leone to South Korea. But when the world was navigating a pandemic, international rotations ceased.

WVSOM is quickly moving toward again having an international presence with its newly created Rural and International Medicine Center, formerly known as the Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns, established in 2009. Read more about WVSOM’s international rotations and service trips that are planned for 2025.

UNTHSC-TCOM Student Named 2025 TOMA Student Doctor of the Year

Samin Arianpour of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM) has been named the Student Doctor of the Year by the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA). Samin, a third-year student, was honored during an awards ceremony at TOMA’s MidWinter Conference in Southlake, Texas. Read more about Samin’s recognition and her leadership in the UNTHSC-TCOM Class of 2026.

OCOM’s Commitment to Sustainability: Investing in Solar Energy, Reducing Plastic Waste & Supporting EV Charging

At the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM), sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a core value embedded in campus operations. OCOM’s commitment to eco-friendly practices ensures a greener future for both students and the Central Florida community. Read more about how OCOM is making a difference.

First-Generation Students Learn About Networking, Build Connections and Celebrate National Day

Photo (left to right): Hilal Arnouk, MD, PhD, associate professor, Pathology, College of Graduate Studies; Jason Jaskulski, senior financial aid admin, Student Financial Services; Kathleen O’Hagan, PhD, CCOM associate dean; Caitlin Hill, CCOM ’27; dental student Erica Sanford; biomedical sciences student Jacob Dowd; and dental student Diem Tran.

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) faculty and a student participated in a networking advice panel for first-generation students.

Midwestern University encourages first-generation students in their pursuit of healthcare education by offering supportive events, such as a panel discussion about networking and a celebration of the national first-generation day on the Downers Grove Campus. Read more about the panel discussion and hear from attendees.