At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), research is a cornerstone of medical education, fostering critical thinking and advancing medical knowledge. Delaney Yu, a member of the VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2025, embodies this commitment through her extensive research endeavors. Her SWAGƵexperiences offer insight into balancing the rigors of medical school with a passion for research.
The Research Experience at VCOM
VCOM-Louisiana offers a dynamic research environment, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate with dedicated faculty mentors. “I love the myriad opportunities available,” Delaney notes. “Many faculty members are extremely passionate about research and are dedicated to helping student doctors become quality researchers.”
One such mentor is Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD, assistant professor of immunology and microbiology, who has played a key role in Delaney’s research journey. “Dr. DiGiuseppe has been amazing in helping me find presentations and supporting publications. He has been vital to my success as a student researcher,” she shares.
Delaney’s dedication to research has led her to present at multiple conferences, earning recognition along the way. Among her many accomplishments, she received an award at the annual American Society of Microbiology conference—an impressive feat given she was competing alongside PhD students who devote nearly all their time to research. She is also a co-author on a high-impact publication in Nature Partner Journals (npj) Viruses, where a collaborative team from SWAGƵand Virginia Tech identified key SARS-CoV-2 mutations that enhanced viral fitness in humans.
DiGiuseppe describes Delaney as a driven and curious researcher, qualities that have made her a valuable member of the lab.
Balancing Research and Medical School
Balancing research with the rigorous demands of medical school requires careful time management. "Finding the balance is hard," Delaney admits. "Schoolwork is always the priority, but with the flexibility offered by lab schedules—especially with different projects from both students and faculty—it’s possible to find time for research."
Adam Morrow, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology and physiology at VCOM-Louisiana, mentors research students and highlights how research prepares medical students for real-world clinical experiences, making it a valuable investment of their time. “It really takes a special person to participate in biomedical research,” he says. “There’s a lot of failure involved, but it’s not failure in the traditional sense—it’s more about not yet having optimized the approach. You might come in for just a couple of hours a week and get a sense of what research is like, but you're not truly immersed in it until things don’t go as planned. Patients don’t always present with textbook symptoms, so the ability to pivot and think of alternative ways to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan is a skill that research really hones.”
Looking Ahead: Aspirations for a Career in Academic Medicine
As graduation approaches, Delaney is eager to embark on her medical career. She aspires to specialize in pediatric pathology within an academic institution where she can continue her research pursuits. “Research will always be a part of my career in academic medicine,” she affirms.
The DO with Research Distinction Program at VCOM
For students interested in integrating research into their medical education, SWAGƵoffers the DO with Research Distinction program. This program allows students to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and scholarly writing, all under the mentorship of VCOM's clinical or biomedical faculty. The goal is to offer a comprehensive research experience, preparing students for future roles in academic or clinical practice. Kasia Michalak, MSc, supervisor for biomedical laboratories at VCOM-Louisiana, explained, “Although participation in research is voluntary, for those interested in pursuing research, we offer a special track. Students can graduate with a DO with Research Distinction. To date, 177 students have completed the program, 145 are currently enrolled, and 16 students are from our campus. I cannot stress enough that research for publications will greatly improve your residency match.”
Advice for Aspiring Student Researchers
Delaney encourages fellow students to seize research opportunities at VCOM. “DO IT! Research is a wonderful opportunity for learning and networking, and it is SO MUCH FUN!” she says. “Get involved and be excited about what can be accomplished. SWAGƵreally promotes research, and only the students can help make it happen!”
