Rural communities have 20 percent of the nation's population but 10 percent of its physicians, and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Rural Health Initiative aims to help doctors provide high-quality medical care in rural communities. "The data is very clear that, if you put one doctor, primary care doctor, into a rural area where there previously was none, the health indices for that entire community go up," said Linda Boyd, DO, vice president for academic affairs and dean of WVSOM.

The first class of 80 medical students will enter Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine in July. "I'm excited because I know to some degree, I'll be able to help build a culture that lasts for future students," incoming student Justin Pallo said.

Medical students at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation organized a Mini Medical School for fourth-grade students from the Tahlequah area. "Medical school is hard and burnout is real. This event was such a great reminder to us about our purpose," said Molly Bloom, a second-year medical student.

The Joint Admission Medical Program in Texas offers scholarships, summer internships, preparation for the MCAT and guaranteed admission to a medical school in Texas for low-income students who meet the academic and testing requirements. "Without this program, I wouldn't be where I am today," said Edward Vera, a second-year student at University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine's MedAchieve afterschool program gave 95 students across New York City encouragement in science, technology, engineering and math. Medical students mentor high school students over two years, and a survey of participants found that MedAchieve helped prepare them for higher education and influenced their intention to apply for medical school.

The Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is now pre-accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and can start accepting applications for the 2024 fall semester. BUCOM will help meet the need for primary care and family medicine physicians in the Mid-South, BHSU President Betty Sue McGarvey said.

Shannon Jimenez, DO, has been appointed dean of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. "I am honored and excited to lead ARCOM as it continues to serve the region as a leading educator of osteopathic medical students," Dr. Jimenez said.

"AACOM is proud to present Dr. Goldstein, Dr. Ferretti, Dr. Cavalieri and Student Doctor Michael Megafu with these prestigious awards," said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. "It's contributions and commitment to osteopathic medical education by individuals like these that have made our past 125 years so successful. Their example will inspire their colleagues and peers, who've recognized their dedication and service, to lead us to even brighter days ahead." Read more.

Shane Speights, DO, has taken over the role of chair of AACOM's Board of Deans. Dr. Speights is the dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University. He succeeds H. William Craver, DO, who retired as chair at the end of April. Read more.

Rance McClain, DO, will begin his new role at AACOM on July 3, 2023, and currently serves as dean and professor of clinical medicine at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. "We are very excited to have someone with the skills, knowledge and clinical experience of Dr. McClain joining our team," said Dr. Cain. "Ensuring we are at the cutting edge of medical education and able to support our colleges is of critical importance." Read more.

AACOM announced that an all-time high 7,776 graduating osteopathic medical students landed residency positions in 2023. This translates to a record 99.5 percent of graduating seniors finding placements. Read more.