The Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine will supplement studies in the cadaver lab by using virtual reality technology, allowing students to practice dissection before working on bodies. "The 3D virtual anatomy allows basically a view from the inside of the body or outside of the body being able to remove different structures in a three-dimensional space," said Michael Zawada, chair of biomedical sciences.

Jay S. Feldstein, DO, the president and CEO of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, says attacks on academic diversity, equity and inclusion programs are misguided, and confronting inequities in health care head-on is vital to better health outcomes and fewer disparities. "In medical education, this means we must create opportunities for underrepresented students, embed health equity in our curriculum, and equip graduates to address both symptoms and structural issues when they enter practice," Dr. Feldstein writes.

Charles Lopresto, DO, offers guidance for medical students who want their research to be published in academic journals. Student researchers need to make sure their question is a good one, have a detailed, well-thought-out study design, explain why the question is important, and avoid overstating the conclusions, Lopresto says.

Anya Cope, DO, associate dean of clinical affairs and an assistant professor of internal medicine at Lincoln Memorial University--DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, grew up in central Kentucky and believes that early outreach to potential medical students in rural areas broadens their horizons, giving them options for success. "You can be just as good as any others -- and maybe better because of the resistance you've had to fight against. It's like cross-training: fighting against resistance makes you stronger," Dr. Cope says.

Ali Houshmand, Ph.D., president of Rowan University, has been named to the 2023 Philadelphia Titan 100 list of civic leaders.

A 10% reduction in body weight is associated with lower risk that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or to early fibrosis, according to a review in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Fatty liver disease has become rapidly growing public health problem, and good communication and shared decision-making are key to helping patients lower weight and protect the liver, says Jay Shubrook, DO, coauthor of the review and a professor and metabolic specialist at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The problem of moral injury among physicians may be getting worse since a 2018 essay shined a light on the concept. Physicians are struggling with documentation burdens, insurance plan requirements and, increasingly, having their productivity monitored by hospital management.

Meet rising third-year medical student Jett Murray, ICOM, and rising fourth-year student Kevin Weiss, BCOM, who will spend eight consecutive weeks working virtually with AACOM's Government Relations department. Throughout their internships, Murray and Weiss will observe and participate in the legislative and regulatory processes, monitor ongoing public policy issues for AACOM, discover and implement effective advocacy techniques and develop networking skills. Read more.

First-year medical student Jared Nasso reflects on how the practice of osteopathic medicine is anchored in acceptance and compassion, and how those values are celebrated within the Rainbow Health Coalition and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Shiby Abraham, MD, wants to dispel misconceptions regarding physician well-being and burnout. She will equip participants with the necessary terminology to accurately differentiate between burnout, moral distress and moral injury, which will enable a more nuanced understanding of these concepts. Attend this informative webinar on June 28 at 4 p.m. ET.

You'll also read about UNTHSC-TCOM's Chief Residency Skills Conference, PCOM Georgia's student awards and CHSU-COM's ACOFP 2023 Emerging Leader. Read more.