VCOM 2018 Annual Report

“ I work at the Community Health

Abraham Hardee, DO/PhD

Center...there is no better place to extend my passion for the Mission [to care for the underserved] than working for those who

VCOM-Virginia Class of 2007

Dr. Hardee, who is also a Virginia Tech alumnus, serves as Chief Medical Officer at Community Health Center of the New River Valley in Blacksburg, Virginia. He specializes in family medicine.

may be in poor health due to financial, physical, social or educational reasons. I would not tell a patient, ‘I am not going to see you because of your insurance or lack thereof... I’m going to see you because I have been trained to care for my patients.’

Dr. Hardee also tells current medical students to realize you have a gift and the opportunity to do good.”

“ The way you treat patients, listen to them

and work with them makes all the difference. I’ve learned that there are times to be tough and times to be extremely gentle. You have to read the patient, and listen not just with your ears, but your eyes, your hands and your instincts.

Cassie Henninger, DO

VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2017

Dr. Henninger’s osteopathic focus on the whole person is essential in caring for patients in Akron, Ohio, where she is in residency, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

There’s always more to the story than what meets the eye. It’s your job to find the best way that you can help them, not just in the moment, but in a way that will continue after they leave your office.”

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ALUMNI PRACTICING IN RURAL AND MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Alumni meeting the needs of their communities

“ As an osteopathic doctor, practicing family medicine is a career filled with lifelong learning opportunities to continually

Joshua Wu, DO

VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2015

Dr. Wu is a primary care physician based in Newport News, Virginia.

challenge myself to be a better doctor every day. Instead of focusing on a disease or symptom, I utilize the whole person approach to practice medicine and promote healthy lifestyles. It is an honor to be a positive influence on my patients and forge trusting relationships to provide them with the best care.”

Emily Allen, DO

“ Osteopathic physicians are able to help people in ways in which nobody else can. Patients cling to you in times of need, even when the prognosis is not favorable. They look to you for support and guidance as they face difficult decisions. The trust that your patients have in you and your abilities is so rewarding, and it is something that I will never take for granted. Receiving baby photos in the mail thanking me for being a good doctor and delivering their children makes it worth all of the blood, sweat and tears!”

VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2015

Dr. Allen, who practices in obstetrics and gynecology, is based in Jackson,

Mississippi, where she continues to develop the resourcefulness and gratitude that she experienced in VCOM’s Punta Cana clinic in the Dominican Republic while in medical school.

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Autumn Starnes, DO

VCOM-Virginia Class of 2011

“ I feel privileged to help people everyday, often times when they are at their absolute worst. I give them my best. I can make a difference in someones life and that is truly rewarding!”

During her residency, Dr. Starnes’ husband was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and had a bone marrow transplant. Yet she completed training while taking care of him. In the years following that struggle, the couple opened a practice in Norton, Virginia where she now works to fulfill VCOM’s Mission by serving as a Dermatologist in a community with limited access to specialty care.

“ Not every medical school experience affords students the opportunity to work and learn outside of the

Camille Blake, DO

VCOM-Virginia Class of 2007

Dr. Blake is an internal medicine specialist based in Tallahassee, Florida.

United States medical system. I learned so much from my experiences on International Outreach trips as a VCOM medical student—not just from the attending physicians that we worked with but from the patients and the wide range of medical conditions not typically seen here in the U.S. These experiences also taught me the importance of caring for the most vulnerable population in my community.”

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ALUMNI PRACTICING IN RURAL AND MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

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The Global Community Focus

55

288 VCOM medical students participated in international trips 2017-2018

11 total week-long outreach trips to our international sites 2017-2018

49 students participated in a month-long clinical rotation in VCOM’s international clinics 2017-2018

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The Global Communities We Serve Our International Outreach Program V COM’s international outreach efforts are a reflection of the College’s Mission to

VCOM has established emergency medicine programs in all affiliated international outreach sites. During the training experience, VCOM faculty and students provide First Aid, Basic Life Support, First Responder and Basic Disaster Life Support training to clinical staff, employees of partner organizations and international medical teams. New Residency Options O ptions for residency program participation are being introduced to three to four selected OMNEE hospitals at each of our three campuses to fill slots, May through August, not occupied by VCOM students. This provides a Global Health Residency Track as an incentive for OMNEE hospitals supporting VCOM rotations and residency options and allows VCOM alumni to maintain their continuity of international training. T hrough the Global Seminar for Health and Environment experience, medical students at VCOM and international schools have the opportunity to join together to examine and discuss public health issues and global solutions through a case-study approach. VCOM campuses meet weekly from February through May to discuss public health case material. VCOM students then conduct global conferences with their international peers via video conferencing four to five times per year. Global Seminar for Health and Environment

prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to serve those most in need. To further this mission internationally, VCOM has established full-time medical clinics in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras to provide sustainable care. VCOM offers one-week long international medical outreach experiences, for second-and third- year students and faculty physicians, twice per year to each of the three countries served. These experiences focus on public health, community health and individual patient care. Student Experiences T he International Outreach Program offers a variety of opportunities for future physicians to participate in clinical-based learning environments where they may contribute to VCOM’s Mission through patient care and preventive services. Medical students participating in these trips develop the skills to address healthcare needs in the face of poverty, adverse environmental conditions and political complexity. VCOM also offers one- week, one-month and year-long fellowship opportunities for students interested in international medicine. Partnerships C ollaboration is key to VCOM’s international outreach initiatives. In addition to approvals from local ministries of health, VCOM has medical school partnerships in each country that the College serves. The goal of these partnerships is to share medical knowledge in evidence-based medicine and new technology to advance medical education globally.

Global Seminar Center for Research, Education & Outreach

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THE GLOBAL COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Hispanic Outreach in the United States

T he Hispanic Community Medical Outreach (HCMO) organization on VCOM’s three campuses is dedicated to promoting health to the Hispanic community through education and increasing access to care. HCMO’s medical outreach initiatives involve health screenings and osteopathic treatment for Hispanic populations. In addition to community outreach activities, HCMO works to promote cultural awareness on campus by organizing fun social and educational events for students. Guest speaker events, organized by HCMO, provide students with insight into diseases that commonly affect the Hispanic population and how to improve interactions with Hispanic patients.

HCMO also works to encourage preparation for medical outreach trips to Spanish speaking countries by raising money for supplies and gifts in order to support VCOM’s international outreach trips. In order to increase the capabilities of VCOM’s future physicians, HCMO works to improve the Spanish language skills of the VCOM student population by holding regular Spanish classes on campus. This helps students communicate with patients at both local and international outreach events. Additionally, especially fluent HCMO members may assist with interpretation for patients at local wellness events. The members of HCMO on all VCOM campuses take great pride in contributing to VCOM’s mission by helping to prepare globally- minded and community-focused physicians.

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59

THE GLOBAL COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

The Global Communities We Serve

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

HAITI

PUNTA CANA

Dominican Republic T he VCOM Verón Primary Care Clinic in the Dominican Republic provides regular care to almost

opportunity to VCOM students by offering a hands- on clinical experience. The Verón Clinic will also support six VCOM students as a rotation site. A gift from the family of the late Oscar de la Renta in 2017 paved the way for the Punta Cana Foundation and VCOM to build a pediatric clinic in Verón. The Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Care Center, which opened in May 2017, serves more than 140 children per day, providing much-needed general, urgent and emergency care, as well as critical immunizations.

A collaborative partnership with the Appalachian School of Pharmacy provides the Verón Clinic with a full-time pharmacist, and allows the clinic to serve as a site for pharmacy students on international rotations. Additionally, many local partnerships exist including sharing resources with the nearby hospital, continuing medical education with in-country physicians and yearly first responder and Basic Disaster Life Support training for local emergency responders and resort employees.

200 patients a day while serving a local population that now exceeds 30,000. The clinic was launched in 2006 and is a collaborative partnership among VCOM, the Punta Cana Foundation and the government of the Dominican Republic. The Verón Clinic offers primary care, emergency care and prenatal care services to the local community, many of whom are uninsured. This clinic, which operates all year, provides an outstanding

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Chirag Patel

VCOM-Auburn, Oct 2017

“ The Dominican Republic medical outreach trip was an incredible learning experience for me. Before going to the Dominican I knew that we were going to the rural areas that are medically underserved. However, when I saw patients desperately waiting in line for hours to receive medical care, which they did not have access

to, it made me realize how fortunate we are. I could appreciate the privileges, the high quality medical care and the opportunities we have in our country. This was the time when I examined my first patient. I had an opportunity to perform hands-on procedures like stitches and IVs. With the knowledge

I was equipped with thus far, I was now able to apply it to a real-life situation. Even though I was not able to communicate directly with my patients because of the language barrier, small gestures like thumbs up were rewarding. Besides, gaining valuable clinical experiences, I enjoyed my trip to the DR with the best group of people who made this trip more fun. ”

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

OR EACH

HONDURAS

OUTREACH

OUTREACH

Sydney Huggins

7

July 2017

July 2017

VCOM-Carolinas, Jan 2018

21 5

30 9

ALL 3 CAMPUSES VCOM STUDENTS FROM

S NAS ANS ADORAN BERS REACH S DULT

AUBURN + CAROLINAS VCOM STUDENTS FROM PHYSICIANS VCOM

1 3 300 “ My experience in the Dominican Republic was amazing and incredibly eye- opening. The opportunity to provide medical care to those who have very little access to healthcare was very rewarding and humbling. I was able to see a completely different side of medicine and learn so much. It was also amazing to see and be a part f other ways of life and cultures that

I had previously never been exposed to. I truly believe that the experience will help to make me a better, more compassionate physician in the future. A highlight of my week was being witness to a life-saving diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy by Dr. Jourden in the Ver ó n Clinic emergency room. I believe we helped many people in our short week, and I plan to go on many medical outreach trips in the future! I can’t wait for my next one! ”

PHYSICIANS VCOM + DOMINICAN

4 6 500

PHYSICIAN HONDURAN

+ A PHARMACIST NURSING FACULTY, STUDENTS

STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

17

TS N ANS ADORAN

October 2017

September 2017 STUDENTS VCOM-AUBURN

35 4

28 7

STUDENTS VCOM-VIRGINIA PHYSICIANS VCOM NURSES RADFORD VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT STUDENTS VCOM-AUBURN PHYSICIANS VCOM NURSE VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PEDIATRIC + ADULT

PHYSICIANS VCOM + DOMINICAN PHARMACISTS ROTATION STUDENTS + STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

ACISTS NG STUDENTS

3 5 480

4 3 486

F S + DULT

S

8

A

March 2018

January 2018

S

14 5

27 10

ANS ADORAN BERS REACH

STUDENTS VCOM-CAROLINAS PHYSICIANS VCOM + DOMINICAN

1 3 477 PATIENTS

7 6 456

VOLUNTEERS + VCOM STAFF ROTATION STUDENTS PHARMACISTS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

DULT

S

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Global Communities We Serve

El Salvador I n partnership with the El Salvador Ministry of Health, Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador (UEES) and the AMILAT Foundation, VCOM assists with the operation of the Shalom Medical Center. This clinic, located in an impoverished community in San Salvador, offers prenatal, pediatric, emergency and primary care services. The clinic, which serves up to 70 patients per day, also contains a laboratory and

operated by AMILAT. UEES, a medical and nursing school, provides more than 40 medical students to serve as interpretors during VCOM medical misson trips. Additionally, students from UEES and VCOM learn together through the Global Seminar Program, an annual videoconference event that encourages the sharing of knowledge and ways to address global health challenges. VCOM also provides care for rural populations in El Salvador, including communities in the mountainous areas around

Chalatenango. A partnership with the Decameron Resort aims to improve healthcare in rural communities between San Salvador and the ocean, including Sonsonate. Additionally, VCOM faculty and students conduct an annual first responder training workshop for resort employees. The Decameron Resort provides interpreters, housing and additional support for students and faculty. A partnership with the Presbyterian School of Pharmacy provides pharmacy students for outreach trips and rotations.

a pharmacy. This clinic will support six VCOM

students as a rotation site. Shalom Medical Center also provides care to a nearby school and orphanage, both

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65

EL SALVADOR

Elexander Atkinson

VCOM-Carolinas, Oct 2017

“ The medical outreach trip to El Salvador was both humbling and refreshing. I was humbled by the people we treated during our time there. They were so grateful for our care even though they waited all day to see us. They were grateful to receive 30 pills of ibuprofen. I can’t imagine not being able to go to the drug store and

buy a bottle of ibuprofen for a headache or joint pain. Seeing these people’s lives changes the way I view my life and all the opportunity and privileges I have. It was refreshing to get out of the classroom and practice medicine that I have been learning about for the past two years. It reminded me of why I wanted to become

a doctor and why I am going to school. The trip was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I hope to continue to participate in trips like this one throughout my career. I am very grateful for this opportunity that VCOM provided me and would encourage all students to go on a trip if possible. ”

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EL SALVADOR

OUTREACH

Kenia Lobo

October 2017

VCOM-Virginia, Jan 2018

28 8 3 408

STUDENTS VCOM-CAROLINAS PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

“ I was born and raised in a small medically underserved town in El Salvador. Growing up I saw the benefits that medical outreach trips provided to our residents and especially children. It was truly an honor to be able to serve my country in a new capacity as a medical

student. This experience further motivated and reminded me of why I decided to pursue a medical career. Lastly, it was amazing to work with my classmates and get to know people that I usually do not have the chance to work with daily! I miss everyone already. ”

December 2017 STUDENTS VCOM-AUBURN PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN 26 9

4 4 321

+PHARMACISTS RADFORD NURSING STUDENTS

VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

January 2018 STUDENTS VCOM-VIRGINIA

34 7

PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH

4 1 485

HELPFUL VOLUNTEER

PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

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EL SALVADOR

Global Communities We Serve

Honduras

I n partnership with the Baxter Foundation, VCOM assists with the operation of the James Moody Adams Clinic (JMA) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This clinic serves an especially impoverished area of Tegucigalpa, offering primary care, gynecological care, prenatal services, dentistry and pharmaceutical needs. The clinic will support four VCOM students as a rotation site and is scheduled to undergo a renovation soon. Additionally, the clinic serves the students and families of an adjacent theological college, the Baxter Institute. The JMA Clinic serves approximately 40 patients daily, and also offers a nutrition and training center

that assists families of children that are evaluated as malnourished. This nutrition program, which includes supplemental food baskets along with education by a nutritionist, has a high success rate. In addition to serving Tegucigalpa, VCOM faculty and students provide prevention and primary care services to rural villages and communities outside the city. Patients with more serious conditions are referred to the JMA Clinic for follow-up or continuing care. A recent partnership with Misson UpReach expands the geographical reach of VCOM medical outreach work even farther to include the mountainous, coffee-growing

regions of Santa Rosa de Copán. For many of the residents of these regions, this is the only opportunity for healthcare during the year. A VCOM-affiliated program called “Hope to Walk” has resulted in more than 200 prosthetic fittings for leg amputees. Other efforts in the area include a vocational center that provides career skills for youth, also provided by Mission UpReach. VCOM also offers first responder training for the ministry students at the Baxter Institute, as well as a gift of a backpack containing first-responder medical supplies and equipment to graduating class members.

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69

HONDURAS

Hannah Patterson

VCOM-Auburn, July 2017

“ I feel very fortunate to have traveled with VCOM to Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras. I enjoyed working alongside the Carolinas campus, and I felt like a more confident medical student after one week of treating patients in rural settings from this trip. Additionally, I was able to practice patience and

be mindful of remaining respectful to the attending throughout each day; this is good practice for future encounters during my career. I appreciated Dr. Bolin, who not only taught us valuable patient care lessons, but also gave valuable advice regarding how to live happily while balancing priorities as

a physician. Both campus coordinators carried out their jobs extremely well, and made the trip run smoothly and effectively for all the students. I look forward to the opportunity of taking advantage of a month-long rotation in one of VCOM’s overseas sites during either my third or fourth year. ”

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EL SALVADOR

HONDURAS

OUTREACH Alex Paulini

OUTREACH

October 2017

July 2017

VCOM-Virginia, Oct 2017

28 8 3 408 “ After returning from Honduras, I can’t help but think about the impact this trip had on me. Being exposed to this different culture really opened my eyes to the harsh reality of poverty and disparity that exists in the world today. Experiencing this reality was very humbling, and this experience showed me the impact I can have

21 5

STUDENTS VCOM-CAROLINAS PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

AUBURN + CAROLINAS VCOM STUDENTS FROM PHYSICIANS VCOM

in providing a service to people in need. My minimal skill set and limited resources were enough to impact some people’s lives immensely; I can only imagine what we could have done with more training and resources. This newfound awareness has opened my eyes to the need of medical care in areas like Latin America, and it has instilled in me an urge to continue to serve those in need. ”

1 3 300

PHYSICIAN HONDURAN

STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

December 2017 STUDENTS VCOM-AUBURN PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN 26 9

October 2017

35 4

STUDENTS VCOM-VIRGINIA PHYSICIANS VCOM NURSES RADFORD VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT STUDENTS VCOM-AUBURN PHYSICIANS VCOM NURSE VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PEDIATRIC + ADULT

4 4 321

+PHARMACISTS RADFORD NURSING STUDENTS

3 5 480

VCOM STAFF VOLUNTEERS + PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

January 2018 STUDENTS VCOM-VIRGINIA

34 7

March 2018

14 5

PHYSICIANS VCOM + SALVADORAN STAFF MEMBERS VCOM OUTREACH

4 1 485

1 3 477 PATIENTS

HELPFUL VOLUNTEER

PATIENTS PEDIATRIC + ADULT

71

HONDURAS

Alumni Return to Serve in Global Health Outreach A special aspect of the International Outreach Several VCOM graduates have returned to the College

This is accomplished while administering patient-centered care for those who need it most. According to VCOM-Virginia Class of 2012 member Olutayo Sogunro, DO, these trips allow alumni like herself to give back by serving in areas with great healthcare disparities and by educating future physicians. “It is very humbling to provide the

Program is the involvement of VCOM alumni who continue to support the College’s outreach efforts. After completing residency training and beginning their careers as physicians, these alumni have come back to support VCOM’s mission, as well as train the next generation of medical students.

as faculty and share their knowledge with current students as preceptors in the international clinical environment. VCOM’s

alumni faculty, alumni and preceptors act as mentors to help prepare future VCOM physicians to develop the skills necessary for serving others.

72

“ My wife Brittany and I have always believed in giving back to the underserved through medicine.

healthcare that is so needed in these countries and to be a source of experienced guidance for medical students,” said Sogunro. By assisting on international outreach trips, the VCOM Mission comes full circle as the College’s graduates take on the responsibility of teaching the

next generation of medical students. In 2017-2018, 14 VCOM alumni participated in outreach experiences at VCOM's clinics in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Honduras.

It was a calling prior, during and will remain one long after VCOM. We strongly believe in VCOM’s international mission statement, enjoyed being a part of the first all-alumni preceptor trip, and look forward to the opportunities to give back to the students and the underserved in the years to come. ” Kyle Bennett, DO Class of 2013

Alumni Who Have Participated in International Outreach Trips

Sofia Abraham-Hardee, DO, PhD Class of 2007 Pediatrics

Adrian Dews Jr., DO Class of 2007 Emergency Medicine Jessica Flinchum, DO Class of 2010 Emergency Medicine

Sonja Guan-Gin Lynm, DO Class of 2009 Family Medicine Courtney Legum-Wenk, DO Class of 2008 OB/GYN Barrett McLaughlin, DO Class of 2012 Emergency Medicine CPT Matt R. Noss, DO, MSEd Class of 2011 Family Medicine

Maria Rejbi, DO Class of 2016 Internal Medicine Bailey Runkles, DO Class of 2013 OB/GYN Olutayo Sogunro, DO Class of 2012 General Surgery Johnny Stackhouse, DO Class of 2008 Family Medicine

Brittany Bennett, DO Class of 2013 Family Medicine Kyle Bennett, DO Class of 2013 Internal Medicine Melissa Bunnell, DO Class of 2008 Family Medicine Morlee Burgess, DO Class of 2011 Family Medicine

Abraham Hardee, DO, PhD Class of 2007 Family Medicine

Victoria Herold, DO Class of 2014 Family Medicine

Tamra Strine, DO Class of 2012 Emergency Medicine

Michelle Jacobs, DO, MPH Class of 2007 OB/GYN

Angelica Perry, DO Class of 2009 Family Medicine

Ariel Talts, DO Class of 2016 Family Medicine

Dave Bury, DO Class of 2012 Family Medicine

Doralyn Jones, DO Class of 2008 Family Medicine

Nicole Phillips, DO, MPH Class of 2013 Emergency Medicine

Jeremy White, DO, PhD Class of 2007 Emergency Medicine Kimberly Bush Wilson, DO Class of 2011 Family Medicine

Erin Connor, DO, MPH Class of 2008 Emergency Medicine Hanna Coulson, DO Class of 2010 Pathology

Ahmadreza Karimianpour, DO Class of 2014 Internal Medicine

Paul Phillips, DO Class of 2007 Family Medicine Natasha Powell, DO Class of 2011 Emergency Medicine

Macy Latter, DO Class of 2007 Family Medicine

73

THE GLOBAL COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

74

Research Focused on our Mission

75

VCOM Research

3 VCOM Faculty Awards

2.5

2

1.5

1

.5

$2,447,782

$2,880,529

$1,751,407

$2,429,461

$2,394,058

$2,278,189

$1,661,724

$949,983

$1,164,376

$2,396,483

$1,984,588

0

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total Research Expenditures

10

0 1 2 3 4 9 8 7 6 5

$1,079,682

$725,033

$527,210

$734,252

$522,381

$463,524

$389,041

$418,856

$1,860,969

$1,156,753

$2,756,004 2008

$3,363,595 2009

$3,560,228 2010

$4,276,309 2011

$3,233,259 2012

$3,761,864 2013

$3,537,648 2014

$2,853,179 2015

$7,456,185 2016

$7,543,103 2017

VCOM–All Campuses

Virginia Tech

76

V COM’s research activities support the College’s mission to be a top osteopathic research school by promoting collaboration and opportunities for the development and dissemination of knowledge. In the face of life-altering disease and injury, medical research provides hope for those who previously had none and new avenues for doctors to treat cases from the everyday to the uncommon. Our researchers have worked tirelessly this year diving into Ebola virus research, further investigating the human genome to find markers identifying genetic risks for having lung or breast cancer, and even finding a new way to diagnose traumatic brain injury. VCOM has explored a wide variety of topics like multiple sclerosis, opioids in relation to chronic pain and pre-diabetes— making significant strides in what is known in these areas. We are diversifying our research portfolio more than ever through collaborative efforts and delving deeper into areas that benefit so many. VCOM’s new Center for One Health Research, a collaboration between VCOM and the Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, is a successful partnership bringing forth more significant projects than was once thought possible. Our International Medical Missions program has been an asset in furthering research on the Zika virus— this research is highly relevant to the people in the international regions we are working in but becoming ever-more important to us here at home. Research Focused on the Mission

Research teaches our students to be forward thinkers, attracts the best faculty available, and keeps all of us here at VCOM focused on the Mission.

77

NATIONAL AND GLOBAL RESEARCH

Campus Research Auburn Faculty at the Auburn campus continue to develop research

Virginia Research projects at the Virginia campus continue to grow with many VCOM researchers having moved into the fully remodeled VCOM/ VMCVM Center for One Health. Recent notable research includes FDA approval of a blood test that indicates whether a person has a concussion which included data from a 5-year study at VCOM and Virginia Tech. Genomic research continues with Orbit Genomics on several blood tests being developed to predict lung and breast cancer risks, as well as tests with partners at Greenwood Genetics to be utilized in the diagnosis of autism. College-wide, several patents were issued and more were filed and are pending approval.

Carolinas Carolinas campus

faculty are engaged in clinical, biomedical and educational research, much of this involving students from VCOM and local undergraduate colleges, including Converse College and USC Upstate. Collaborative projects continue with researchers at the Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute labs. Strong research partnerships have formed with VCOM/ Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) Center for One Health at Virginia Tech. Over 60 VCOM

collaborations with their colleagues at the Auburn University School of Kinesiology, the Jack Hughston Foundation and HudsonAlpha. Research initiatives at the Auburn campus focus on sports medicine, chronic diseases and preventive medicine. Research space in the Auburn University MRI facility has been leased by VCOM. This laboratory space is being developed to provide the ability to perform cardiovascular research which will utilize the imaging capabilities of the 7T MRI. It is a collaborative effort with the Auburn University College of Engineering.

students are involved in research projects and several are authors on publications stemming from this area.

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Research Program Highlights

Collaboration Across VCOM Campuses Research Retreat: The annual Research Retreat was held in November at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This event was the largest research retreat to date. More than 60 people attended, including researchers from all three VCOM campuses, partner hospitals and colleges such as Virginia Tech, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Radford University. Researchers shared their ideas and current research, and the program explored funding processes.

Research Rounds: Bi-monthly video

conference meetings are being held

for researchers to present their proposals for comments and feedback to engender collaborative ideas between campuses.

79

NATIONAL AND GLOBAL RESEARCH

80

Virginia Via Research Day 2018

T he 13th annual Via Research Recognition Day at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine was held on February 23, 2018 with 101 posters and over 200 people in attendance. Keynote speaker Kimberly Wolf, DO, assistant professor and newly appointed Director of Pediatric OMM at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, lectured on integrating research into osteopathic clinical practice. Her current research project looks at the impact of touch on the management of chronic illness, and she hopes to stress the importance of evidence-based medicine. Plenary speaker Michael G. Flynn, PhD, Division Director of Research with the Physicians Services Group, presented a lecture titled “Writing the Literature.” Dr. Flynn mainly focuses on exercise immunology ranging from elite athletes, to immune response to exercise in elderly women.

To wrap up the afternoon, luncheon speaker Pamela VandeVord, PhD, N. Waldo Harrison Professor and Interim Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech, stressed the importance of the intersections of engineering and medicine. Focusing on collaborative pathways between the two, Dr. VandeVord shared her groundbreaking research on the mode of energy transfer to the brain during impact or blast at the cellular level. Her studies awarded her the 2009 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The Osteopathic Medical Network of Excellence in Education (OMNEE) once again sponsored the poster competition that allows medical residents to submit research they have conducted thus far during their tenure. With seven research categories for students and faculty, 15 people placed and were awarded prizes based on their research achievements.

Guest Speakers Keynote Lecture: Integrating Research Into Osteopathic Clinical Practice Kimberly Wolf, DO Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric OMM, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine Plenary Lecture: Writing the Literature Michael G. Flynn, PhD Division Director of Research, Physicians Services Group, HCA South Atlantic Luncheon Speaker: Collaborative Pathways: The Intersection of Engineering and Medicine Pamela VandeVord, PhD N. Waldo Harrison Professor and Interim Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech

Guest speaker Michael G. Flynn, PhD

Guest speaker Pamela VandeVord, PhD

Guest speaker Kimberly Wolf, DO

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VIA RESEARCH RECOGNITION DAY

2018 Virginia Via Research Recognition Day Poster Competition Winners

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OMNEE Resident Research Poster Winners 1. First Place Cara Marie Rogers, DO, Carilion Clinic Inhabition of PIK3CB/p110 β , a Selective Survival Factor for Glioblastoma 2. Second Place Christopher Busch, DO, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute Transcriptional Regulation of Amino Acid Transport in Glioblastoma 3. Third Place Brent Portz, DO, SOVAH Health Internal Medicine Residency Program, Danville VA Establishment of a tubule-specific renal panel in acute kidney injury Biomedical Research – Students 4. First Place Mike Mykins, VCOM–Virginia A Non-Pharmacological Therapy Improves Spatial Memory, Waste Clearance and Neurotransmission in Naturally Aged Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Biomedical Research – Faculty 6. First Place Pawel Michalak, PhD, VCOM−Virginia Integrative Genomics: A new gateway to “ONE HEALTH” 7. First Place Govindarajan Rajagopalan, VCOM−Virginia Molecular profiling of staphylococcal superantigen- induced toxic shock syndrome using humanized mice 8. Second Place Terry Hrubec, PhD, VCOM−Virginia & VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech Quaternary ammonium compounds temporarily alter the gut microbiome 5. Second Place Carrie Fisher, VCOM−Virginia Impact of antibiotic use in pregnancy and subsequent gastrointestinal flora disruption on behaviors in mice offspring

Clinical Research – Students 9. First Place Elizabeth Mack, Virginia Tech Optimal blood flow characteristics in a four-way right- atrium bypass connector Diabetes in southwest Virginia; multifactorial effects of coal mining, mental illness, socioeconomic, clinical care, lifestyle factors Clinical Research – Faculty 11. First Place Liang Shan, PhD, VCOM−Virginia Positive association of job satisfaction and career advancement: An exploratory survey on the impact of clinical dietitian organizational structure Educational Research – Students 12. First Place Paneeni Lohana, OMSII, VCOM–Virginia Multiple myocardial bridges: A significant anatomical variant? 13. Second Place Kahley Stanco, OMSII, VCOM–Virginia Improving medical education by integrating ICD codes into lectures Educational Research – Faculty 14. First Place Susan Meacham, PhD, RD, VCOM−Virginia Analysis of students’ daily documentation of nutrition related conditions during clinical rotations to inform curricular developments in Medical Education 15. Second Place Amber Stephens, DO, SOVAH Health Family Medicine Residency Program, Danville VA Resident fatigue: Are we doing enough under ACGME work hours standards? 10. Second Place Chris Wyatt, OMSI, VCOM−Virginia

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VIA RESEARCH RECOGNITION DAY

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Carolinas Via Research Day 2018

T he third annual Via Research Recognition Day at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)–Carolinas was held on March 30, 2018. The event featured research presentations and posters from 48 VCOM students, faculty, and local researchers, with a total of 287 registered attendees. The featured speaker at VCOM– Carolinas Via Research Day was Robert Gourdie, PhD, Director of the Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM) at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech. Dr. Gourdie delivered this year’s first keynote lecture, titled “The Gap Junction Protein Connexin43: New Roles in Wound Healing and Cardiac Ischemia Reperfusion Injury.”

The second keynote lecture, “Integrin-dependent Leukocyte Gene Expression in Vascular Remodeling and Angiogenesis,” was given by Jeffrey R. Bender, MD, Robert I. Levy Professor of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine and Immunology, Associate Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of the Yale Cardiovascular Research Center. Medical students, faculty and other participants submitted a total of 48 posters in the categories of biomedical, clinical and educational research. In addition to the featured speakers, six oral presentations on topics in both biomedical and clinical research studies were presented. Top prizes were awarded to 16 research presentations.

Guest Speakers Keynote Lecture: The Gap Junction Protein Connexin43: New Roles in Wound Healing and Cardiac Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Robert Gourdie, PhD Director of the Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM) at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech Keynote Lecture: Integrin-dependent Leukocyte Gene Expression in Vascular Remodeling and Angiogenesis Jeffrey R. Bender, MD Robert I. Levy Professor of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine and Immunology, Associate Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of the Yale Cardiovascular Research Center

Guest speaker Robert Gourdie, PhD

Guest speaker Jeffrey Bender, MD

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2018 Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day Poster Competition Winners

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Clinical Research – Students 11. First Place Deevee Sanchez, OMS-IV

Oral Presentations − Biomedical 1. First Place Andrea Rivero, OMS-II Production and Comparative Analysis of Decellularized Heart Valve Scaffolds 2. Second Place Elexander Atkinson, OMS-II Dietary Gluten Alters the Balance of Gut Microbiota in the DSS induced Colitis Model

Free Clinic Efficacy: A Retrospective Analysis on the Relative Emergency Department Utilization by Free Clinic Patients

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Case-Based Research – Students 12. First Place Carrie Downing-Larick, MPH, OMS-II Case Report: Female with Large Nonparasitic Epithelial Splenic Hilum Cyst 13. Second Place Cara Marie Boreli, OMS-III Mastoiditis with Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Radiology Case Report 14. Third Place Davis Brian Berry, OMS-IV A Case of Type I Hepatorenal Syndrome: Diuretic-Induced in Cirrhotic Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Educational Research – Students 15. First Place Guillermo Alfonso, OMS-III Psychological Components of Concussion Reporting Among Adolescent Athletes

3. Third Place Lauren Needell, OMS-II

Ebola Virus Secreted Glycoprotein Inhibits IL-6 Production When Stimulated with Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid Oral Presentations − Clinical 4-5. First Place

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Megan Barcroft, OMS-III/Stephanie Bland, OMS-III A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Filmarray Respiratory Panel Utilization on the Management of Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations 6. Second Place Nathaniel Foster, BS Randomized Trial of Tricuspid Annuloplasty for Moderate Functional Tricuspid Regeneration Associated with Mitral Operation

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7. Third Place Erin Christensen, OMS-I

Perceived Benefits of Peer Support Groups for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers in Rural North Carolina

16. Second Place Hannah Carroll, OMS-II

Biomedical Research − Students 8. First Place Elexander Atkinson, OMS-II Using Lymphatic Pumping Techniques to Determine the Key Mediators of Inflammatory Bowel Disease 9. Second Place Daniel Gonzalez, OMS-I The Role of the Hematopoietic-derived Cells in Heart Development 10. Third Place Jay Agarwal, OMS-II Targeting SOX9 in Colon Cancer Stem Cells to Increase Chemotherapy Efficiency

PLAY – Promoting Lifelong Activity in Youth – An Osteopathic Approach to Engage Children in Physical Activity while Incorporating Step Tracking Devices

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Funded Research VCOM Extramural Funded Active Research Projects

as the VCOM PI, and Kaelin Young, PhD is an investigator on this project. • American Diabetes Association: The antiglycemic effects of a lower pressure external pneumatic compression device in type II diabetics: a molecular and applied investigation. Darren Beck, PhD is an investigator on this study and Auburn University School of Kinesiology serves as a subcontractor. • Maximum Human Performance (MHP): The effects of a pre-workout Faculty from Auburn University School of Kinesiology and Oklahoma State University Department of Applied Health and Educational Psychology are collaborators on this study. • NormaTec: Comparative effects of NormaTec and an alternate device in the treatment of lymphedema. Investigators on this research are Mark Sanders, DO, Andy Langley, DO and Darren Beck, PhD. • Renew Research: Efficacy of external counterpulsation (ECP) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Mark Sanders, DO and Andy Langley, DO are investigators on this study. • MAS Holdings: Pilot study on the efficacy of Dynamo on augmenting circulation in sports and wellness applications. • NormaTec: The role of target inflation pressures on skeletal muscle gene expression and the efficacy of a peristaltic pulse external pneumatic compression device as an adjuvant to exercise training. Danielle McCullough, PhD • Gainesville, FL VA Office of Research & Development: Role of bone blood flow in bone loss following spinal cord injury. supplement on markers of fiber recruitment and muscular fatigue.

• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Foundation (ASHP): Assessment of the ability of a web- based application that incorporates elements of gamification to identify opportunities for healthcare intervention in an ambulatory care pharmacy clinic setting. Josh Hollingsworth, PharmD, PhD and Liang Shan, PhD are investigators on this project. Auburn University Pharmacy Health Services is a subcontractor. Wei Liu, PhD • NextFlex in collaboration with Department of Defense (funding through Auburn University): Failure modes in wearable performance monitors. Dr Liu serves as the VCOM PI for this research out of Auburn University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. • National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (Harvard Medical School): What is the extent to which people with MS utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Jeff Martin, PhD • University of Tampa (funding through Auburn University): Age related changes in cardiac stem cells and their relation to functional outcomes. Dr. Martin is the PI and collaborates with the Auburn University School of Kinesiology on this project. • DolCas Biotech: The effects of red spinach extract on variables related to blood flow and exercise performance. Faculty from Auburn University School of Kinesiology are investigators on this project. • DolCas Biotech (funding through Auburn University): The effects of curcumin on nutritionally induced non- alcoholic fatty liver disease and non- alcoholic steatohepatitis. This project is in collaboration with Auburn University School of Kinesiology. • FutureCueticals, Inc. (funding through Auburn University): Effects of a novel plant extract on cycling performance, hemodynamics and markers of red blood cell physiology. Dr. Martin serves

Auburn Campus

Darren Beck, PhD • FutureCeuticals, Inc. (funding through Auburn University): Neurophysiological effects of whole coffee fruit concentrate in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: An fMRI investigation. Dr. Beck is the VCOM PI on this project.

Kenny Brock, DVM, PhD • Arthrex: Quantification and qualification of stem cells after

peripheral mobilization and harvest for orthopaedic point of care applications. This research is in collaboration with Andrews Research and Education Foundation. Courtney Gamston, ScM, PharmD, BCPS • University of Alabama-Birmingham Center for Clinical and Translational Science: Assessment of the efficacy and economy of an employer-based screening program as a platform for diabetes prevention. Dr. Gamston is collaborating with Auburn University on this project and is a Co-PI. Annie Kirby, PhD is an investigator.

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Carolinas Campus

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)/Department of Defense (DOD) (funding through Virginia Tech): DOD- NCAA Grand Challenge: Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) consortium. Dr. Brolinson is VCOM PI, and Mark Rogers, DO is a VCOM Investigator on this study. Over 30 universities are involved in this project. • National Science Foundation (funding to Virginia Tech): Acquisition of a force- measuring treadmill for biomedical experimentation and assistive device development. • American Osteopathic Association (AOA): Head impact biomechanics, concussion and osteopathic structural diagnosis and treatment. Mark Rogers, DO, Al Kozar, DO and Liang Sham PhD are investigators on this research. Blaise Costa, MPharm, PhD • American Heart Association: Development and pharmacological characterization of mechanistically distinct NMDA receptor allosteric modulators. Skip Garner, PhD • Via Bradley Engineering Foundation: Via Bioinformatics and Clinical Genetics Network. Ramu Anandakrishnan, PhD, Nick Kinney, PhD and Robin Varghese, PhD are investigators within this program. • Children’s Network Health System: Biomarkers for meduloblastoma. Nick Kinney, PhD is an investigator on this study. • Children’s Network Health System: Microsatellite genotype prediction of medulloblastoma risk and the germline foundation of predisposition. Nick Kinney, PhD is an investigator on this study. Rebecca Davis, PhD • National Cooperative of Health Networks: Building health networks for rural and small healthcare providers.

Jennifer Berglind, PhD • American Osteopathic Association: Use of the lymphatic pump technique as a novel therapy for IBD. Ron Januchowski, DO and Randy Gregg, PhD are study investigators. Chris Martin, EdD, MHS, CHS, Tim Kowalski, DO, FACN and Thim Corvin, MA • Fullerton Foundation: Simulation Center ultrasound equipment. Scott Ochs, PhD • American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM): Development, implementation, and assessment of an interprofessional education program: Identification of best practices. Petra Warren, MD • Appalachian Regional Commission: The Cherokee and Spartanburg County outreach initiative (CSCOI). Alexis Stoner, PhD and JuliSu DiMucci-Ward, MPH are investigators on this project. Community partners on this prioject include the Senior Centers of Cherokee County (Gaffney),

• Carilion Clinic: Genetic markers for responders to dofetilide therapy in persistent atrial fibrillation. Dr. Garner is working in collaboration with investigators from Carilion Clinic. Pawel Michalak, PhD • Virginia Tech: Network dynamics and simulation science laboratory. Jim Palmieri, PhD • Virginia Biosciences Health Research Corporation (VBHRC) (funding through James Madison University and Virginia Tech): Nanotrap ® tick-panel test development. Dr. Palmieri is collaborating with faculty from Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Ceres Nanosciences on this research. Ann Peton, MPH • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (funding through Virginia Rural Health Association): National Center for Rural Health Works. Chris Reilly, PhD • Acetylon Pharmaceuticals (funding through Virginia Tech): Inhibition of SLE with the HDAC-6 Inhibitor ACY-1083 in NZB/W female mice. • National Institutes of health (funding to Virginia Tech): Effect of maternal immune factors in shaping the infant gut microbiota. • National Institutes of health (funding through Virginia Tech): MicroRNA expression in the NZB/W lupus mouse. • National Institutes of health (funding to University of Oklahoma): Prolonged inhibition of pathologic neovascularization by catalytic antioxidants.

ReGenesis Healthcare and the Cherokee County Family YMCA.

• Fullerton Foundation (funding to the Gaffney Senior Center): The Cherokee County pre-medical clinic

Virginia Campus

Michael Breiner, MD • Ethicon US: VCOM advanced suturing course for residents III. P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO • National Institutes of Health (funding through Virginia Tech): Biomechanical basis of pediatric mTBI due to sports related concussion. Dr Brolinson is the VCOM PI of this study.

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NATIONAL AND GLOBAL RESEARCH