Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine was among medical schools nationwide to express support to a continued commitment to campus diversity, saying a diverse medical workforce is vital, in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. "We embrace diversity because it makes us stronger, it makes us more competitive and it is the right thing to do," said Marc Hahn, DO, president and CEO of KCU-COM.

Research shapes the future of patient care, builds basic physician skills and is critical to academic physician success, say medical students involved with research. "I wish that every student would try at least one research project, just to develop those skills and to see a project through," said Ashton Glover Gatewood of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation. "Research also helps us identify how to overcome barriers in medicine and access to care and biases. It really just shapes our entire future for medicine," said Ashley Glass of the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine is partnering with the Wiregrass Museum of Art to present the "AIM to Heal" exhibit, educating the community on the healing power of art. A creative arts therapy class is a requirement at ACOM, and about 100 students are members of the campus group Arts in Medicine.

Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine is welcoming its inaugural class of medical students with a family-friendly open house. The public is welcome, with tours, food trucks, activity booths and faculty available to answer questions.

Kathleen Creason, MBA, has been selected to serve as chief executive officer of the American Osteopathic Association after filling the role on an interim basis. Creason previously was executive director of the American Osteopathic Information Association and the Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California.

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Chair of Biomedical Sciences Anthony (Martin) Gerdes, PhD, has been named to the school's first university professorship. "Establishing a university professorship supports our goals of becoming a Carnegie-classified Research 2 university within the next six years," Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Balentine, DO, said.

A study in The Lancet found no significant differences in pain scores between placebo and opioids for treating low back and neck pain. "There are simply too many risks such as opioid misuse and no benefit. Even short-term judicious use has the potential to lead to long-term harms including intoxication, addiction and overdose," said Charles De Mesa, DO, of Hoag Spine & Specialty Clinic in California.

"There's nothing like seeing one if you want to be one," says William Anderson, DO. Hear from Dr. Anderson about how becoming an osteopathic physician opened doors and cemented his purpose to help others. Visit the 125th anniversary webpage to learn more about AACOM's history and watch videos celebrating osteopathic medical education leaders.

The recent Supreme Court decision banning race-conscious admissions will have significant implications for osteopathic medical education. To help understand the ruling and how it affects our community, AACOM is bringing back legal expert Art Coleman, JD, to provide an analysis of the decision and describe how our schools may need to adjust to a new environment. Join us on Friday, July 28 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM ET and send your questions in advance to scotustalk@aacom.org.

The Community Nourishment Project, an initiative of the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium, offers a pipeline activity for pre-med and medical students, residents and faculty to bond while learning from people living in rent-controlled housing via monthly picnics and craft interaction. Meet the founders and discover more about the project on July 26, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET. Register now.