VCOM 2020 Annual Report

Sixth Annual VCOM Research Retreat

T he Research of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), together with VCOM Provost and President Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, and Chairman John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, held the sixth annual VCOM Research Retreat at the beautiful Ballantyne Collection Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 15-17, 2019. The event was designed to assist VCOM faculty in understanding resources available to them and how to put together a strong team with a focus on Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and educational research. The retreat allowed significant time for faculty to present their current research endeavors in order to facilitate discussions with other researchers and clinicians in attendance. A highlight of the weekend was a keynote address by Helene Langevin, MD, Director for the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). As NCCIH director, Dr. Langevin oversees the Department of the Edward Via College

federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. The NCCIH funds and conducts research to help answer important scientific and public health questions about natural products, mind and body practices and pain management. Sessions included a panel discussion with associate deans from all four campuses focused on detailing available resources on each campus. Attendees enjoyed presentations highlighting medical education research, as well as new international research guidelines and opportunities. One presentation comedically explored common compliance pitfalls, followed by a lively discussion. A faculty-led panel discussion focused on how to engage and involve students in research. Another panel explored how to leverage seed funding into extramural success.

Each year, the Research Department strives to offer

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