Ethel Allen, DO, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, was the only Black and only female member of the PCOM Obstetrics-Gynecology Society and served people in disadvantaged neighborhoods. She worked to end gang violence and made her mark in politics as a Philadelphia City Council member and Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Dr. Allen spoke on behalf of Gerald Ford at the 1976 Republican National Convention.
Academic and medical experts in Arkansas agree that expanding residency programs and incentivizing the state's medical students to enter practice close to home could help serve the needs of local patients. Rance McClain, DO, dean of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, said retaining medical students through in-state residencies makes more sense than trying to attract physicians from other states.
Construction of the Rocky Vista University's Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine has been completed in Billings, Mont., and it features group-based learning spaces, simulation rooms, a large anatomy lab and virtual reality equipment that will help medical students learn in a hands-on environment. The school's founding dean, David Park, DO, said there will be a significant focus on health care for rural populations. The school's first class of 80 medical students will begin this summer.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine students provided screenings and talked with residents about their health at the school's third annual Community Health Fair. "It's so good to be able to actually get out and apply the things that we're learning in the classroom," medical student Ethan Lowe.
Richard Jermyn, DO, was named interim dean for the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Jermyn fostered growth of the school's NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute and led COVID-19 vaccination efforts for underserved populations in South Jersey.
Medical student investigators at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine reported in a study that the highest rates of pediatric health care disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic were seen among urban families, those with low socioeconomic status, and Black and multiracial children. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, examined rates of missed, delayed and skipped appointments and also identified disruptions in immunization efforts and care for children with special health needs.
In case you missed it, more than a dozen students, faculty and staff answered our followers' questions throughout February in celebration of Black History Month. Watch recaps following the daily life of medical students, find advice on preparing for medical school and discover why they chose DO.
"We are very excited to have Dr. Wadsworth as our 2023 Chair. She is a trailblazer in the medical education community and one of osteopathic medicine's greatest champions," said AACOM President and CEO Robert Cain, DO.
AACOM's Excellence in Communications (EIC) Awards Program is designed to recognize the important role communications plays in advancing osteopathic medical education and the profession. It also seeks to inspire higher levels of performance among our members. Entries are due Monday, March 13, 2023.
