Each year, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) hosts its Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED) to provide learning opportunities for continuing medical education, as well as celebrating the excellent work of physicians and medical students alike.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) was well represented at this year鈥檚 conference. VCOM-Louisiana Dean Mark Sanders remarked that the conference had a vibrant atmosphere: 鈥淔rom engaging keynote speakers, such as Cole Zanetti, DO, to interactive workshops, every moment was a chance to deepen my knowledge and connect with our Osteopathic family.鈥
VCOM鈥檚 excellence in research was recognized at the conference. A group from VCOM-Carolinas, students Joshua Ranta 鈥25 and Andrew Walker 鈥26, along with faculty members Steven Enkemann, PhD, and JuliSu DiiMucci-Ward, RD, PhD, won first place for their poster,
In addition, the American Osteopathic Foundation held its annual honors gala, an opportunity to recognize and honor excellence throughout the osteopathic community, and several members of the SWAG视频family were recognized.
Two SWAG视频students鈥擳orhiana Haydel 鈥24, VCOM-Louisiana, and Numa Rehmani 鈥25, VCOM-Carolinas鈥攚ere recognized with the prestigious . The scholarship is named after Dr. Anderson, who was the first Black person to serve as a member of the American Osteopathic Association and who is a director emeritus on the SWAG视频College-Wide Board of Directors. The scholarship recognizes richly diverse medical students who are committed to eliminating healthcare disparities and enhancing patient-centered care.
Ahmad Chaban 鈥24, VCOM-Louisiana, and Amaria Sledge 鈥25, VCOM-Virginia, both won . These grants are open to first, second and third-year osteopathic medicine students who have a financial need and demonstrate a commitment to community service and academic achievement.
Chandra Jennings, DO, who graduated from VCOM-Carolinas in 2017, was recognized as a Florida State Emerging Leader.
Zach Simmons 鈥25, from VCOM-Virginia, was honored with one of the most notable awards of the conference: the . These scholarships support exceptional osteopathic medical students who carry a 鈥渄isproportionate financial burden due to events outside of their control.鈥 Simmons was selected by a review committee from five finalists asthe winner of the largest Golden Ticket award. A native of Giles County, Virginia, Simmons is an active member of the VCOM-Virginia family. He can regularly be found organizing health fairs and other events to provide healthcare to patients around the region.
Congratulations to all of our SWAG视频winners!
