VCOM 2024 Annual Report

Via Research Recognition Day VCOM-Louisiana February 23, 2024 V COM-Louisiana’s second-annual Via Research Recognition Day was, in the

The event featured two keynote speakers, a plenary speaker, and a poster competition. The poster competition featured research on a wide range of topics, all falling within four main categories: biomedical research; clinical research; case studies; and education, simulation and best practices. Of the 67 posters in the competition, a vast majority featured student-led research. In addition, two major research awards were given out during the event, Faculty and Student Researcher of the Year, along with poster competition awards listed on the next page. “This year’s event marked a significant growth over our inaugural Research Recognition last year with more than a 20% increase in participation,” said Michalak. “This surge reflects the escalating recognition and interest in VCOM research both locally and regionally, evidenced by the participation from our partner academic and clinical institutions.”

words of Pawel Michalak, PhD, associate dean for biomedical affairs, “a resounding success.” Research Day serves as a platform where medical students, healthcare professionals, and scientists representing academic institutions, teaching hospitals, and clinical settings can showcase and learn from research innovations aimed at enhancing the well-being and health of all individuals. “In my opening remarks,” said Michalak, “I underscored the expectation that participation in Research Day is poised to grow. This growth is a testament to the advancing scope of our research endeavors, both at the local level and across the entire system, positioning us as an emerging research leader in the region. This expansion aligns perfectly with VCOM’s mission, which strongly prioritizes research as a fundamental component.”

Keynote Speaker Jonathan Auguste, PhD Associate Professor of Arbovirology at Virginia Tech The Tale of an Insect-Specific Virus: from Ecology to Vaccine Development

Keynote Speaker Albert J. Kozar, DO, FAOASM, R-MSK

Plenary Speaker P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP, FACOFP Vice President for Research at VCOM

Professor for OMM at VCOM-Virginia

Do Biomarkers Exist in the Thoracolumbar Fascia for Lower Back Pain?

The State of Research at VCOM

RESEARCH 107