Research

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025

ebailey — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:44:35 +0000

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025 ebailey Fri, 02/21/2025 - 08:44

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025

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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 SWAG��Ƶexperiences 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 SWAG��Ƶand 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.

"Delaney has a strong intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn—both essential traits that will no doubt contribute to her becoming an excellent physician."

Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD , Assistant Professor for Immunology and Microbiology

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.

"I have an immense mixture of excitement and wonder. At this time, I do not know my residency location, so there is a lot still up in the air with future planning. Everything is very exciting, and I greatly look forward to furthering my medical training."

Delaney Yu , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2025

The DO with Research Distinction Program at VCOM

For students interested in integrating research into their medical education, SWAG��Ƶoffers 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. SWAG��Ƶreally promotes research, and only the students can help make it happen!”

Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons

aostroth@vt.vcom.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:47:43 +0000

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons aostroth@vt.vcom.edu Mon, 01/27/2025 - 11:47

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons

1737979200

Images of rolling highlands, ancient castles, and colorful kilts may come to mind when you think of Scotland. Yet, buried deep in its history lies a darker chapter—the final deadly encounter with the plague during the mid-17th century. Thanks to extensive research by an interdisciplinary team, which included Jenna Dittmar, PhD, assistant professor for anatomical science at The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Louisiana), we now have a clearer understanding of how this pandemic shaped the lives of Scottish people.

The research, recently published in PLOS One, represents a significant milestone. The interdisciplinary study, titled "The final plague outbreak in Scotland 1644-1649: Historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence," is the first to confirm the presence of the bacterial agent Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) in Scotland using ancient DNA (aDNA) techniques. This discovery sheds new light on how the plague impacted the Scottish population and the factors that led to the spread of the epidemic during one of the most tumultuous periods in its history.

From America's Heartland to Scotland's Lowlands: The Path to Researching Scotland's Plague

Dittmar's path to this research is as fascinating as the study itself. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, she developed an early interest in history and the stories of everyday people who are often overlooked in historical accounts. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Science in human osteology and palaeopathology at the University of Bradford, and a PhD in biological anthropology at the University of Cambridge.

“Archaeology, specifically osteoarcheology (the scientific study of human and animal remains from archaeological sites), enables us to understand the lives of people who were not typically included in historical accounts — women, children, the poor, and the unfree," Dittmar explains. "Including diverse narratives about people from all walks of life allows us to better understand the past so we can more thoughtfully craft our future."

Her work on the Wellcome Trust-funded project "After the Plague: Health and History in Medieval Cambridge" laid the foundation for her interest and expertise in studying ancient diseases. She subsequently moved to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where she worked with Professor Marc Oxenham on a project funded by the British Academy that explores how communities adapted to various challenges, including infectious diseases, over millennia. Through this work, she was able to continue to study the plague and to go looking for the first genetic evidence of this disease in Scotland.

Jenna Dittmar, PhD, Assistant Professor for Anatomical Science

Unlocking Secrets Through Ancient DNA

This study's heart is ancient DNA (aDNA), which Dittmar describes as genetic material extracted from organisms that lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago. By analyzing aDNA from human remains found in a mass burial site in Aberdeen, Scotland, the team confirmed the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. This discovery marks the first molecular evidence of the plague in Scotland.

"Knowing the disease-causing agent allows us to better contextualize human actions and responses to outbreaks of infectious diseases before the modern understanding of germ theory," shares Dittmar.

The findings reveal that Scotland's geography, transportation networks, and the broader circumstances of civil war, famine, and population displacement influenced the plague's spread and impact. While urban centers like Aberdeen experienced relatively low death tolls, the pandemic's reach and severity varied widely across the country.

Plague Victims Were Often Treated With Compassion

One of the study's most moving findings is the compassionate treatment of plague victims. Many individuals were buried according to contemporary norms in singular graves in churchyards, reflecting a commitment to care for the dead even in the direst circumstances. "Mass burial appears to have been a practical solution for overwhelmed communities, but many of those who died of the plague were buried according to contemporary burial norms," Dittmar explained. Though the individuals analyzed in this study were buried outside the city wall in a mass burial, the documentary records indicate that many others were buried according to contemporary religious norms. The study underscores the resilience and humanity of communities facing extraordinary challenges.

Lessons for Today

Dittmar's research deepens our understanding of the past and offers insights into the present. The parallels between historical and modern pandemics, particularly the measures to control disease spread, are telling. Just as 17th-century Scots implemented quarantines and travel restrictions to combat the plague, societies worldwide adopted similar strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The movement of people was a major contributing factor to the spread of the plague, and communities responded by restricting movement and quarantining the infected," Dittmar explains. "We experienced very similar protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic."

The research also highlights the plague's enduring presence. While it may seem like ancient history, outbreaks still occur in parts of the world today, including Africa, Asia, and South America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a small number of cases are reported annually in the United States.

"The movement of people was a major contributing factor to the spread of the plague, and communities responded by restricting movement and quarantining the infected. We experienced very similar protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Jenna Dittmar

Connecting the Human Experience

Reflecting on her work, Dittmar emphasizes connecting with the broader human experience. "The ability to rebuild, recover, and adapt in the face of devastation has defined human history," she says. "When we reflect on the idea that we, as humans, are part of a long history of perseverance, we realize that our experiences are not isolated but part of a broader narrative spanning centuries."

As she looks to the future, Dittmar remains committed to exploring past pandemics' biological and social aspects. Her contributions to the study of Scotland's final encounter with the plague demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary research. Through her team's work, we gain a deeper understanding of the past, which provides valuable lessons for the future and a renewed appreciation for the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:10:41 +0000

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 11/20/2024 - 09:10

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

Tags: Research

Location: VCOM-Auburn, 910 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832

Research Day is a significant event for SWAG��Ƶthat supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and promote research that prepares globally-minded, community-focused physicians to improve human health.

Who should attend?

Student doctors, student pharmacists, student nurses, and other health professions students; physicians, physician assistants, biomedical researchers, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, and others interested in current medical research.

Agenda

TBA; Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Program

A research day program book will be available at the event.

Speakers

Scott Powers, PhD
UAA Endowed Professor, Distinguished Professor
Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
College of Health & Human Performance
University of Florida

Gaurav Choudhary, MD
Ruth and Paul Levinger Professor of Cardiology
Director of Cardiovascular Research at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
Associate Chief of Staff (Research) at the Providence VA Medical Center

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to share their research in poster format. Poster abstracts must be accepted for posters to be displayed at the event. The Via Research Recognition Day features an optional student poster competition in the following categories: Biomedical Research, Clinical Research, Clinical Case Reports, Educational Research and Simulation Research.

Guidelines for Writing Poster Abstracts (DOC)

Abstract Submission Form (DOC)

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form linked above by Friday, December 6th, 2024, at 5 PM CST.

Please note: In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email researchday-auburn@vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions for poster submission via email by Friday, December 13th, 2024. Posters will be due by January 17th, 2025, at 5 PM CST.

SWAG��Ƶprovides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the SWAG��ƵMedical Education Department to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all its educational programs. All participating faculty are expected to disclose to the participants any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

Campus: Auburn

When: February 7, 2025 8:00am to 3:00pm CST

SWAG��ƵHosts 10th Annual Research Retreat

ebailey — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:45:59 +0000

SWAG��ƵHosts 10th Annual Research Retreat ebailey Tue, 11/19/2024 - 08:45

SWAG��ƵHosts 10th Annual Research Retreat

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Ten years ago, when Gunnar Brolinson, DO, launched VCOM’s first-ever research retreat, he didn’t know that the retreat would continue to grow—just as the College itself has. Yet, with the help of many hands across the last decade, the College recently hosted its 10th retreat, welcoming researchers from all four campuses, plus partners including government agencies, universities, and more.

In the beginning, Dr. Brolinson says he was just trying to get folks together to “foster research partnerships amongst our schools and amongst our partners.” He continues: “The kind of grants that are successful on the national level are multidisciplinary and multi-institutional. Every year, we have several new collaborations that come out of people sitting down at the same table and chatting about their research ideas.”

This year’s retreat had more than 120 participants from all four SWAG��Ƶcampuses and 12 partner organizations, including the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Pfizer; and Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia; among others. The agenda featured a number of workshops and sessions with CME opportunities as well as talks on projects happening across the four campuses.

Matt Gevaert, PhD, VCOM’s new chief innovation officer spoke about the importance of innovating new treatments for cancer, but also the challenges of developing those treatments in terms of cost of high failure rates. Other sessions included how a mobile app is expanding the reach of mental health education, novel treatments for pain, integrating radiomics and musculoskeletal sonography, short “MedX” talks on a variety of topics, and much more. In addition, there was ample time for social interaction and networking, helping to build the strong relationships that are so necessary to successful research collaborations.

Research at VCOM

VCOM’s research department offers a variety of services, including help to identify funding sources and to match faculty and student research ideas to appropriate funding sources. The department also helps develop and manage large-scale, cross-campus project teams; assists with development and content editing; offers statistical consulting; and helps with technology transfer and licensing of intellectual property. The department not only supports faculty, but also students, residents and hospital partners.

VCOM’s commitment—both philosophically and financially—to research has borne a lot of fruit over the years. In fiscal year 2024, there were 61 extramural proposals submitted by 36 different faculty members. The College’s extramural award success rate of 27% is a notable achievement. The national success rate for new grant proposals to the NIH, for example, is just over 21%. SWAG��Ƶfaculty currently have 15 proposals in the review stage at various organizations, with more than $9 million in potential funding.

Notable recent awards include:

Nearly $4 million for a syndromic surveillance project with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland
Just over $2 million from the NIH to study the effect of cranial OMM on neuroinflammation
A CATCH grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics to engage caregivers and children in a fun learning experience about the topic of anxiety
A USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grant to enable SWAG��Ƶto deploy its mobile medical unit in weeklong medical mission experiences in rural Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in South Carolina.

Many of the research projects that receive extramural funding start off as intramural projects. SWAG��Ƶcurrently has 25 internally funded research projects and has a dedicated budget of $1.2 million annually to support such research. Seventy-two percent of these projects feature collaborators from partner institutions, and about 20% feature new investigators.

Research

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

SWAG��ƵResearch Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding

ebailey — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:19:49 +0000

SWAG��ƵResearch Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding ebailey Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:19

SWAG��ƵResearch Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding

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Gunnar Brolinson, DO, VCOM’s vice president for research, is the principal investigator on a research project that has recently been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant is $2.17 million over five years and the project is a collaboration with Pamela VandeVord, PhD, who heads up the Traumatic Nerve Technologies (TNT) Lab and Jennifer Munson, PhD, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) at Virginia Tech. As a clinician, Dr. Brolinson is particularly interested in how diseases and conditions affect the human brain and how osteopathic techniques can provide treatments.

About a decade ago, Dr. Brolinson collaborated with Blaise Costa, MPharm, PhD, and Hope Tobey, DO, to develop a model to study the impact of cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine (cOMM) on Alzheimer’s on rats. They discovered that the rats that received cOMM had improved mood, memory and lower anxiety. The internally funded pilot study was so successful that it won a grant from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). It also got Dr. Brolinson thinking if the cOMM techniques would have the same positive impact on brains that had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Like all osteopathic physicians, Dr. Brolinson has seen firsthand the positive result of OMM to serve as a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Cranial OMM has been performed for years, but Dr. Brolinson says that the neurobiological mechanisms of why it works aren’t well understood. Studying those mechanisms could go a long way toward helping people suffering from TBI because it could lead to new treatments.

Traumatic brain injury is a huge problem, not just in this country, but worldwide. And there is no real treatment for it. There isn’t medication for concussion, just rest and gradual resumption of activity. A novel, non-invasive, gentle OMM technique is potentially revolutionary.

Gunnar Brolinson, DO , Vice President for Research

Dr. Brolinson reached out to Pam VandeVord, who studies the complex mechanisms of injury to the brain. Together, they applied for and received intramural funding from SWAG��Ƶand the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), an investment institute that advances Virginia Tech research by connecting researchers with resources that will help them maximize the scope and impact of their work. The intramural funding allowed the team to develop the data that would be needed to get additional funding from other organizations—like the NIH. Their team worked on this preclinical TBI research for about five years and submitted grant proposals to the NIH and other funding agencies a handful of times before being successful.

Cranial OMM has the potential to have a positive impact on TBI patients for which headaches are the most common symptom. The NIH award will help us foster research collaborations between engineers and osteopathic clinicians to develop innovative strategies that promote recovery.

Pamela VandeVord, PhD , Associate Dean, Research and Innovation, Harrison Professor

The NIH grant is particularly noteworthy because it supports osteopathic research, which typically gets less funding than other types of medical research. One reason for that may be that agencies like the NIH have fewer osteopathic physicians on their boards and committees. As a result, there may not always be enough expertise to understand the value of osteopathic techniques when the committees are reviewing research submissions. “It is really important for osteopathic clinicians and scientists to become more involved in the fabric of the NIH,” Dr. Brolinson observes. “When they’re reviewing a grant to study osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), for example, and there is an osteopathic physician or scientist on the review panel, there’s an expert who understands what OMT is.”

Another reason that osteopathic research may get less funding is that osteopathic medical schools have typically focused on educating great clinicians, rather than great researchers. However, with the advent of combined ACGME residencies into a single pathway, osteopathic medical schools like SWAG��Ƶare giving their students more opportunities to participate in high-level research. “Program directors are looking for students who have done research in their medical school programs,” Dr. Brolinson says. “It helps to differentiate students, particularly since medical education is going increasingly toward pass-fail. Research allows osteopathic students to be as competitive as students from allopathic institutions that have long histories of high-value research.”

As a result, this funding from the NIH is important—not just for VCOM, but for the osteopathic profession. “NIH is widely regarded at the top tier of funding in research, so you can’t underestimate the impact of getting NIH funding has on the impact of your research profile,” Dr. Brolinson says. He’s also grateful for the teamwork that is a key part of this kind of research. “I don’t do this by myself. We have a big team working on this project. Put together great teams of collaborators and great things happen.”

SWAG��ƵPresident Dixie-Tooke Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, and its board chairman John Rocovich, Jr., JD, LLM, have been incredibly supportive of research at VCOM. The College provides more than $1.3 million annually to researchers, and their proposals are reviewed in a competitive process to ensure that the College is engaged in high-value research. This kind of seed funding allows researchers to gather data, which is critical to successfully receiving funding from agencies like the NIH, the American Osteopathic Association, the United States Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control. SWAG��Ƶhas several funding programs across its four campuses, many of which are collaborative with other universities and medical partners.

Research

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

Louisiana Research Day 2025

ebailey — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:25:47 +0000

Louisiana Research Day 2025 ebailey Thu, 10/24/2024 - 14:25

Louisiana Research Day 2025

Tags: Research

Location: VCOM-Louisiana, 4408 Bon Aire Dr, Monroe, LA 71203

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Louisiana Campus will hold its Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 28, 2025. Research Day is a significant event for SWAG��Ƶand supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and research that prepares globally-minded, community-focused physicians and improves the health of those most in need.

Registration

Registration is FREE and is required for all participants, including students and poster presenters. Registration is now open and the deadline to register is Monday, January 13, 2025.

With registration for this event, you get:

Program materials
A meal will be provided during the event
Full access to all event activities

For any problems with registration, please email researchday-lc@ulm.vcom.edu

Agenda

VCOM-Louisiana Research Day Agenda 2025 (PDF)

Program

Research day program book will be available one week prior to the event.

Speaker

James Weger-Lucarelli, PhD
Assistant Professor - Viral Genetics and Host Interactions
VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech

How do I participate?

Guidelines for Writing Research Abstracts for Posters (DOC)

Abstract Submission Form

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is Monday, January 13, 2025 at 5 PM.

Please note: In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email the Research Day Committee at researchday-lc@ulm.vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email.

SWAG��Ƶprovides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Poster Template (PPT) (Please save poster file name as: lastname,firstname-VCOM-RD25)

Poster Submissions are due by Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 5 PM.

What will this conference offer?

The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the oral presentations and poster sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health. By attending the poster session, participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at SWAG��Ƶand its partner institutions and will have an opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

Medical and pharmacology students, physicians, physician assistants, biomedical researchers, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, and other health profession students and others interested in primary care issues and research.

Disclosure Statement

Campus: Louisiana

When: February 28, 2025 7:45am to 12:30pm CST

Virginia Research Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:51:13 +0000

Virginia Research Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 09/25/2024 - 13:51

Virginia Research Day 2025

Tags: Research

Research Day Virginia: February 14, 2025

VCOM-Virginia Campus Building 2 (SWAG��Ƶ2), 2280 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Location: SWAG��Ƶ2

Registration

Registration is FREE, but required. Registration opens on October 7, 2024, and the deadline to register is Friday, January 17, 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: OMSII students do NOT need to register using the form. You are already included in this event.

With registration for this event, attendees receive:

Program materials
Full access to all event activities
Boxed lunch during the event

Register Now

For any problems with registration, please email Alyson Farrar or Dr. Jim Mahaney at ResearchDay@vt.vcom.edu.

Program

Research Day Program

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to share their research in poster format. Poster abstracts must be accepted for the event for posters to be displayed. The Via Research Recognition Day features an optional poster competition with distinct categories: Research by a medical resident, biomedical research by a faculty member, biomedical research by a student, clinical research by a faculty member, clinical research by a student, educational research by a faculty member and educational research by a student. For the competition, students are defined broadly as any student in training, including undergraduate, graduate, medical and post-doctoral students. The resident research category is reserved for physicians currently in residency, internship and/or fellowship training.

Abstracts must be submitted electronically to ResearchDay@vt.vcom.edu using the completed Abstract Submission Form linked below. The final deadline for abstract submission is Friday, November 8, 2024, by 5 pm.

Abstract Form (DOC)

Please note due to limitations in space, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email. Abstract acceptance will be communicated by Friday, November 22, 2024.

SWAG��Ƶprovides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to the submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Free SWAG��ƵPoster Printing Deadline (if in-person conference) is January 24, 2025, at 5 p.m.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email Alyson Farrar or Dr. Jim Mahaney at ResearchDay@vcom.vt.edu.

What will this conference offer?

The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the sessions with the speakers, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health. By attending the poster session, participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at SWAG��Ƶand its partner institutions and will have ample opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, health professions students and others interested in primary care issues and research.

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the SWAG��ƵMedical Education Department to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational programs. All participating faculty are expected to disclose to the participants any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

Campus: Virginia

When: February 14, 2025 8:00am to 3:00pm EST

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2025

ebailey — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:05:17 +0000

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2025 ebailey Tue, 09/03/2024 - 14:05

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2025

Tags: Research

Location: VCOM-Carolinas, 350 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Carolinas Campus will hold its Eleventh Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 21, 2025. Research Day is a significant event for SWAG��Ƶand supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and research that prepares globally minded, community-focused physicians and improves the health of those most in need.

Registration

Registration is FREE but required for all participants, including students and poster presenters. Registration opens on November 11, 2024, and the deadline to register is February 3, 2025.

Registration is now closed.

Hotel Accommodations

With registration for this event, you get:

Program materials
Lunch will be provided during the event
Full access to all event activities

For any problems with registration, please email researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.

Agenda

Time	Event
8:00 am - 8:25 am	Registration, First Floor Reception Area Continental Breakfast, Third Floor
8:30 am - 10:50 am	Poster Presentations, Third Floor
8:30 am - 9:40 am	Poster Presentation session 1
9:40 am -10:50 am	Poster Presentation session 2
11:00 am - 11:30 am	Opening Remarks, Lecture Hall 2
11:30 am - 12:30 pm	Keynote Address, Lecture Hall 2
12:30 pm - 1:25 pm	Lunch, First Floor
1:30pm - 2:00 pm	Faculty Speaker 1, Lecture Hall 2
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm	Faculty Speaker 2, Lecture Hall 2
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm	Faculty Speaker 3, Lecture Hall 2
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm	Break
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm	Oral Presentations- DO Research with Distinction, Lecture Hall 2 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm 3:30 pm - 3:45 pm 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm	Awards Ceremony, Lecture Hall 2
4:30 pm - 4:45 pm	Closing Remarks, Lecture Hall 2

Speakers

Coming Soon

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to submit their research abstract via email below and, if accepted, will be invited to share their research during the poster session that will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025. Submission categories will include Biomedical Research, Clinical/Educational Research, and Case Reports.

Research Day Abstract Submission Form (PDF)

Abstracts must be submitted electronically to researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is 12:00 noon on Monday, November 25.

In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email the Research Day Committee at researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email. Three presentations from each category will be considered for a cash prize.

SWAG��Ƶprovides free poster printing for any participant with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Free SWAG��ƵPoster Printing Deadline is 5:00 PM, Monday, January 27, 2025

What will this conference offer?

The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals, and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the oral presentations and poster sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health., Participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at SWAG��Ƶand partner institutions will have an opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

Medical students, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, other health profession students and others interested in primary care issues and research.

Disclosure Statement

Campus: Carolinas

When: February 21, 2025 All day

Strengthening VCOM’s Partnership with Auburn University through Obesity and Diabetes Research

ebailey — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:05:45 +0000

Strengthening VCOM’s Partnership with Auburn University through Obesity and Diabetes Research ebailey Mon, 07/01/2024 - 15:05

Strengthening VCOM’s Partnership with Auburn University through Obesity and Diabetes Research

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Obesity is a growing health crisis affecting nearly 20% of the global adult population. It is associated with increased severity of infections, reduced responses to vaccines and increased risk for autoimmune disease. Further, it is a factor in major metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Despite the widespread nature of obesity, however, the mechanisms underlying obesity-associated immune system dysfunction are poorly understood.

To address this problem, Joseph W. Brewer, PhD, a professor of immunology at VCOM-Auburn, is collaborating with Robert L. Judd, PhD, a professor at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert in adipocytes (fat cells). Adipocytes store fat as an energy source for the body and help regulate metabolic processes. They also affect cell types in other tissues, so Brewer and Judd reasoned that adipocytes are well-equipped to communicate with the immune system.

With intramural funding from the SWAG��ƵCenter for One Health Research, the team developed a system to investigate the hypothesis that adipocytes influence the behavior of B lymphocytes, a key cell type in the immune system that produces antibodies that fight infection but can also cause disease. VCOM-Auburn students participate in the work, helping generate critical knowledge about adipocyte-B lymphocyte interactions.

In their initial studies, the researchers investigated interactions between adipocytes and B lymphocytes. Preliminary findings suggest that adipocytes can indeed modulate B lymphocyte function, potentially leading to altered immune responses in obese individuals.

In the long term, Brewer and Judd plan to extend their work into studies of adipocytes and B lymphocytes from mouse models of diet-induced obesity and aging, as well as from healthy and obese human subjects. This comprehensive approach will make it possible to understand more fully the relationships between obesity and immune system functions. The goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets to mitigate the adverse effects of obesity on immune health.

Brewer, Judd and many other VCOM-Auburn faculty members participate in the Boshell Research Program, which aims to enhance opportunities for diabetes research at Auburn University by facilitating cross-disciplinary scientific discussion, supporting the study of new ideas, fostering the development of investigators new to the field of diabetes and expanding the overall base of diabetes investigation at the university. The vision of the Boshell Research Program is to improve the lives of people with diabetes through the world-class investigation into the prevention, cure and management of the disease and its complications.

That vision nicely complements VCOM-Auburn’s mission to cultivate community-focused physicians who will improve the lives of rural and medically underserved populations and advance research to enhance human health. The collaborative efforts of Brewer and Judd are a key part of the meaningful relationship between SWAG��Ƶand Auburn University.

Research

Auburn

By Brittany Lilla -

VCOM-Virginia Researcher of the Year: Harsha Bhagtani, MD

ebailey — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:55:50 +0000

VCOM-Virginia Researcher of the Year: Harsha Bhagtani, MD ebailey Mon, 04/22/2024 - 13:55

VCOM-Virginia Researcher of the Year: Harsha Bhagtani, MD

Dr. Bhagtani's students show off her Researcher of the Year Award

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VCOM-Virginia is home to some pretty amazing faculty, which makes it difficult to choose just one each year for Researcher of the Year. This year’s recipient, Harsha Bhagtani, MD, is the discipline chair for pediatrics and is devoted to making sure her students have ample opportunities to engage in research with her. “It is very important for students to be involved in research,” she says. “As a medical school, we need to foster the future researchers of tomorrow.”

Currently, Dr. Bhagtani and her students are working on “Feed, Read and Grow,” a multi-agency project focused on improving access to health services, food, and literacy resources in the community. The goal of the project is to deliver educational information on pediatric health-related topics in a creative way. To accomplish that, partnerships have been forged with professionals throughout the community and they are creating a suite of age-appropriate videos for children.

Elizabeth Acors ’26, one of the students working on the project, says she has learned a lot. “Dr. Bhagtani is so passionate about all of her research projects because they will benefit many children struggling with a variety of topics like mental health,” Acors says. “The team she has put together consists of incredible people who work together so well, and I appreciated how they included me and the other students every step of the way.”

Dr. Bhagtani believes that community collaborations are a vital part of doing effective research. “The information is developed and vetted by a multitude of professionals, including pediatricians, personal trainers, librarians, psychologists and teachers,” she says. “Our goal is to increase the ease with which accurate and high-quality information can be provided to members of the community. Development of such a resource involves the creation of musical educational videos that feature an original song created by author, chemical engineer, and artist Carolina Smales, also known as Carol Joy ®.”

It is very important for students to be involved in research. As a medical school, we need to foster the future researchers of tomorrow.

Harsha Bhagtani, MD , VCOM-Virginia Discipline Chair for Pediatrics

Of course, as a medical educator, she enjoys working with students and says they bring a fresh perspective to the work. “The students bring their own talents to the collaboration and improve the work with their involvement,” Dr. Bhagtani observes. “They are very interested in community service and leaving a legacy of good community programs that will benefit our patients and families.”

Spencer Prematta ’27 has become even more interested in community service as a result of his work on the project. “Dr. Bhagtani has really instilled in me the importance of public and community health that I will certainly take with me as a physician,” he says.

In addition to being a valuable learning experience, working with Dr. Bhagtani is an uplifting experience. “Dr. Bhagtani is the most kind, joyful, encouraging, and dedicated person I've ever met,” says Brittany Renner ’27. “She has such a passion and vision for everything she does, including this research, and it shows. This research would not be possible without her.”

Dr. Bhagtani, along with her students and community partners, has just finished a series of pediatric anxiety videos. They are currently applying for more grants to continue their work, and she hopes to address other mental health issues for children, such as depression.

award Research

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -