VCOM 2023 Annual Report

Via Research Recognition Day VCOM-Auburn

E dward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Auburn held its sixth annual Via Research Recognition Day on Feb. 3, 2023. VCOM Vice President for Research P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, gave an overview of research efforts and initiatives at VCOM. Following Brolinson’s presentation, keynote speaker Stan Sonu, MD, MPH, gave a lecture titled: “Elephants in the Exam Room: The Long Term Effects of Childhood Adversity and Why We Need Trauma-Informed Systems of Care.” Dr. Sonu serves as an assistant professor of internal medicine, pediatrics and preventative medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine and as an associate program director for Emory’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. His research interests include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma-informed care and the integration of social determinants of health with clinical care. Additional Research Recognition Day panel speakers included Kimberly Klaus, PA, PhD, Physician Assistant in Family Medicine at Mercy Med of Columbus; Jos Edison, DO; Bob Seton, PT; and VCOM-Auburn Assistant Professor for Anatomical Sciences Mary Piscura, PhD. Klaus began with her presentation titled: “The Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Trauma on Mind-Body-Spirit Unity Among Underserved Populations.” Klaus works in a safety net-style clinic, where she continually interacts with many patients with enormous life challenges. She encouraged clinicians to look at patients as a whole person, listen for cues, ask questions and know their resources. Dr. Edison discussed Myofascial Pain Syndrome and efforts to reduce suffering and improve the quality of life for MPS patients. Seton gave a presentation titled: Trauma Informed Approach to Myofascial Pain Elimination.” The last presentation during the panel was given by Piscura, who also served as panel moderator. Piscura’s

presentation was titled: “Conceptualizing an Animal Model to Investigate Pain Mitigation.” Piscura’s presentation discussed using animal models to investigate chronic pain. Following a question-and-answer session for panelists, awards were given out to poster winners in each category. Additionally, VCOM-Auburn Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research Kenny V. Brock, DVM, MS, PhD, awarded VCOM-Auburn’s Researcher of the Year Award to William Pearson, PhD. He serves as the discipline chair and associate professor of anatomy at VCOM-Auburn. He is an educational innovator and translational scientist, who has been interfacing with medical students for over 35 years as a medical educator and mentor.

Event Presenters

Keynote Lecture Elephants in the Exam Room: The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity and Why We Need Trauma-Informed Systems of Care.

Stan Sonu, MD, MPH Assistant Professor of

Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Preventative Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Plenary Lecture The Connection Between Social Determinants of Health and Trauma on Whole Person (Mind-Body-Spirit) Care Among Underserved Populations Kimberly Klaus, PA, PhD Physician Assistant at Mercy Med of Columbus

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