VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

The Future Of Primary Care In The Southeast 2020 VCOM-Auburn Yearbook

The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians

to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health.

THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

VCOM Building on the SUCCESS of the PAST, creating excellence in medical education TODAYand always moving forward to a FUTURE where access to primary care physicians will be available to all. This is the future of primary care in the Southeast.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2020 VCOM-Auburn Yearbook

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

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Messages from the President and Dean

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Highlights Snapshots of the Next Generation of Physicians

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Students VCOM is Preparing Future Physicians with Medical Education and Caring

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Student Organizations Serving the Community and Each Other

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Outreach Here,Where We are Needed Most

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Faculty and Staff Training the Next Generation of Physicians

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST Providing Consistent and Financially Sustainable Medical Education DIXIE TOOKE-RAWLINS, DO, FACOFP T his academic year has resulted in extraordinary successes as well as enormous challenges for VCOM. We are graduating more primary care physicians, and the College is becoming one of the most critical resources for providing primary care physicians in the southeastern United States. We have made great strides in medical research across our campuses, along with our collaborative partners, which benefits people in this country and around the world. The current challenge facing us is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed medical education at VCOM and across the country. Medical education has changed, hopefully for the better. This crisis has reinforced the need for more physicians and the availability of quality healthcare, whether one lives in a large city or the rural and often medically underserved areas of the country. VCOM focuses on contributing to the health of the people in our communities and across this nation. We have and will continue to make a significant difference in the future of primary care. ■

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

MESSAGE FROM THE AUBURN DEAN A Primary Care Shortage ELIZABETH A. PALMAROZZI, DO, FACOFP W ith little need to elaborate, 2020 might certainly be remembered as one of the most interesting and challenging years in our lifetimes. Despite the difficulty that has been thrown at us, the faculty, staff and students of VCOM-Auburn have risen to the challenge. This past academic year started like any other, however, the global pandemic forced us to rethink and retool our educational process. Though our methods have temporarily changed, our focus on alleviating the physician shortage in Alabama and beyond remains. We continually work to recruit students from rural and underserved areas with the hope that they will one day return to those areas with critical need. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, we were unable to hold a group graduation ceremony for the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020. For the first time in VCOM history, a virtual graduation ceremony was held and shared through our website to recognize these resilient students. We are excited to have been a part of the training of 156 more Osteopathic physicians that will go on to make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of patients. Despite the year’s challenges, the 2019-20 academic year brought a number of successes and achievements. We were proud to exercise our way to besting the Auburn University Pharmacy and Nursing Schools to win the Deans’ Fit Family Challenge! Additionally, this year saw another successful Match Day for the VCOM-Auburn campus with essentially 100 percent placement. The campus was honored to be recognized by the community with a permanent beautification award. Lastly, it makes me proud to recognize how hard our student organizations work throughout the year to serve the local community, as well as their fellow students. ■

AUBURN

ALABAMA’S PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE There are 4 . 1 Primary Care Physicians per 10,000 residents in RURAL COUNTIES compared to 7.9 in URBAN COUNTIES 156 NEW PHYSICIANS graduated in the VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020

With little need to elaborate, 2020 might certainly be remembered as one of the most interesting and challenging years in our lifetimes.

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SPECIAL REPORT

T he key to equipping future physicians to respond to the unexpected is preparation. For many years, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has prepared students by holding annual disaster simulation events, partnering with state and local agencies to simulate emergency scenarios ranging from tornadoes, biochemical terrorism, accidental chemical spills or explosions and more. This training was tested by sponsoring disaster relief trips to communities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, as well as areas damaged by floods and tornadoes. This year was different. The entire world was caught unprepared. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic raced around the world, creating an unforeseen disruption of human life on our planet. As the contagion entered this country, VCOM rapidly took action to respond to the unexpected. well-being of the VCOM family, as well as that of the broader community, throughout Appalachia and the Delta region. The College has been proactive in taking all reasonable steps that are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Faculty, staff and students have joined together to gather or make personal protection equipment (PPE) to distribute and donate to healthcare workers on the frontlines of this pandemic. Health and Safety Measures • Formed a COVID-19 coronavirus task force across all four campuses • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations are continually monitored • Compliance with state and local authorities and regulations • Inform and educate students and staff for personal safety procedures established by the CDC • To slow the spread of the virus, all campus buildings closed access on March 13, 2020 to students and non-essential staff • VCOM had the resources to keep all of its dedicated staff employed; Non-essential personnel worked from home utilizing video conferences and other virtual connections • Hired outside firms to use a “misting” system designed to disinfect all surfaces in all the campus buildings How VCOM Responded VCOM has a profound responsibility for the health and

COVID-19 Moving Forward in a Time of Global Pandemic

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THE FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE

Student Education • Online lectures and testing were immediately implemented as VCOM had these technologies already in place; Faculty recorded lectures as needed from home • For the health and safety of VCOM’s students, third- and fourth-year clinical rotations transitioned to include online coverage of all core learning objectives and supplemental materials, including cases and videos; Students completed these online core learning objectives to graduate as planned • Students on international clinical rotations were brought back to the United States and counseled on appropriate self- quarantine ahead of the global pandemic declaration • Large in-person events such as Match Day, Accepted Students Day and Graduation were changed for safety to an online platform to celebrate student experiences Prospective Student Recruitment • On-campus medical student interviews were replaced by video conference • Live recruitment events transitioned to online platforms and video tours of all four campuses were created and shared Facing the Future A ccording to the CDC, we don’t know how long the COVID-19 outbreak could last. The impact of this disease on individuals, households, communities, and society at large has yet to be determined. One thing is clear—the need for physicians in this country is tremendous, and the VCOM Mission is more important than ever. VCOM research scientists will continue to play a significant role in improving outcomes of diseases such as COVID-19, discovering or improving medical treatments, understanding genetics and new pharmaceutical breakthroughs to contribute to the health and well-being of all humans. The plans VCOM has put into effect, now and after this outbreak, will serve as a guide for the unexpected in the future. As medical educators, the College will continue to prepare its students to react, adjust and be successful as leaders in future healthcare efforts across the country. ■

VCOM on the Front Lines

Our brave graduates and healthcare workers are not able to stay at home during the crisis. See page 106 to see VCOM- Auburn’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Highlights 2019-2020

On September 20, VCOM-Auburn students took part in the Doc Trot , held in historic downtown Opelika, Alabama. This is an annual event where students get to know faculty in an informal setting by rotating among several restaurants.

VCOM-Auburn student organizations hosted the

Osteolympics. The classes of 2022 and 2023 competed in a variety of events, including dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee and flag football.

Oct. 2019

Sept.-Oct. 2019

Sept. 2019

Oct. 2019

From September 28 - October 5, VCOM-Auburn embarked on a week- long medical outreach trip to El Salvador . Second-year students had the opportunity to serve in villages and in a local medical clinic in San Salvador.

It was easy to see the excitement as friends and family watched their loved ones receive their white coats on October 12. These students will represent VCOM well as they continue their journey toward becoming osteopathic physicians. Congratulations class of 2023!

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HIGHLIGHTS

The SNMA chapter hosted its annual VCOM’s Got Talent , which showcased student and faculty talents including singing,

From July 7-14, VCOM-Auburn teamed up and flew to the medical outreach trip to the Dominican Republic.

dancing, fashion, comedy and playing instruments.

Nov. 2019

Oct. 2019

Nov. 2019

Jan. 2020

Students offered a Day of Service to benefit the Auburn/Opelika community.

VCOM-Auburn faculty, staff and students dressed up for Halloween on October 31.

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Highlights 2020

Camp Kesem is a nationwide nonprofit summer camp geared towards children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. VCOM’s ACOP chapter raised funds by encouraging student volunteers to shave their heads . They raised more than $2000, which allowed 8 children to attend camp for free!

Auburn University (AU) Harrison School of Pharmacy, AU School of Nursing and VCOM-Auburn competed in the Deans’ Fit Family Challenge , a health and wellness competition lasting 9 weeks. With participation from faculty, staff and students, VCOM-Auburn won the trophy!

Feb. 2020

Jan. 2020

Jan. 2020

March 2020

Members of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) hosted a Southeastern Regional Sports Medicine Conference . Participants were eager to take part in workshops and clinics, as well as hear from guest speakers.

Members of the Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA) conducted a Surgical Conference for VCOM- Auburn students. The students were eager to hear from speakers and guest panels, see demonstrations and get hands-on experience in workshops.

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HIGHLIGHTS

This year, due to CDC rules for COVID-19 distancing, a virtual Match Day brought together fourth-year students to celebrate and reconnect with fellow- classmates after two strenuous years of clinical rotations.

This fall, students returned to class in a different fashion by “driving through” for orientation materials, welcome gifts and PPE.

April. 2020

March 2020

April 2020

Aug. 2020

VCOM responded to COVID-19 by switching to remote learning. Faculty, staff and students respond by helping their community.

The Class of 2020 will always be remembered as the first to celebrate Graduation remotely. They are commended for their resilience and perseverance.

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

Students & Academics Preparing Future

T he Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to providing the best medical education to its students. The College stays true to its Mission by giving its students the tools they need to learn state-of- the-art medicine, along with a curriculum designed to bring out the compassion and caring in their hearts. It’s not just about better medical education, it’s also about a better medical education experience. Physicians withMedical Education and Caring

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Scholarships THE CLASS OF 2020 Jebha Babu W.A. Brookshire Foundation Scholarship 2016-2017 Dorian Bonam National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Corban Caldwell AOF Welch Scholar 2017-2018 Matthew Ferguson Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Craig Goldhagen Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020

Victoria LaFontant Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Sydney Matthews First Baptist Church Scholarship Meridian, MS 2016-2017 Mckenzie Merritt Indian River State College Foundation, Inc. Scholarship 2016-2017 Laura Mims Kids Cancer Alliance 2016-2019 Macy Phillips Memorial Hospital and Manor Scholarship 2016-2020 Ernest Philon Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP) 2017-2019 Medical Dental School Stipend Program 2017-2019 Matthew Pickich Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP) 2017-2019 Nicholas Ryan Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019

Rehana Satani Frank B. Rocovich Scholarship 2016-2019 Audie Schmid Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Vernon Sharp Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Hannah Spiker Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation 2016-2019 Caitlin Stoll Americorps 2016-2018 Kenneth Stroer Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Kendall Talley Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP) 2017-2019 Medical Dental School Stipend Program 2017-2019 Tuyen Tran AOF Welch Scholar 2018-2019 Christopher Wing Licking County Foundation Scholarship 2018-2019

Kayla Hammelman Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation 2016-2017 Zachary Jarrett Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020 Hannah Jaudon Zeta Tau Scholarship 2017-2018 Hendrix LaFontant Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2016-2020

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

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Scholarships THE CLASS OF 2021 Charles Bergdolt Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2021 Janet Chen J. W. Darden Scholarship 2018-2019 Farrah Gaston Allyrae P. Wallace Educational Trust Scholarship 2018-2019 Nigel Jagoo Sherry Arnstein Scholarship 2017-2018 Janina Jose Health Focus of Southwest Virginia Scholarship 2017-2019 Scholarships THE CLASS OF 2022 David Axford Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Jared Bies National Health Service Corps (NHSC) 2018-2019 Robert Buntyn Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Rachel Butler Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Scholarship 2018-2019 Hannah Choe Medical Dental School Stipend Program 2018-2019

Haldon Marmolejos Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program 2017-2021 Vinayak Memula Americorps 2017-2018 Joselyn Miller William G. Anderson, DO Minority Scholarship 2018-2019 Kimberly Noss Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 2017-2019 Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship 2017-2019 Dominique Saturno Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2017-2021

Luke Shope Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2017-2021 Corey Stone 10,000 Degrees Scholarship 2018-2019 Joel Sullivan Osage Nation Scholarship 2017-2019 Benjamin Taylor National Health Service Corp (NHSC) 2017-2021 Todd Ulmer National Football Foundation NEO Chapter Scholarship 2017-2019

Daniel Jeziorski Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Nicholas Lee Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Jacob Lovin Hatton Lovejoy Graduate Studies Scholarship 2018-2019 Taylor Murray The Merchants Company Scholarship Fund 2018-2019 Julia Orcutt Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019

Wesley Ortman Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Derriyan Price Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019 Rachel Wood Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2018-2019

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

Scholarships THE CLASS OF 2023

Blaire D. Borisoff Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023

Nikki Lauderback Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023 Cristina Negoescu Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023 Andrew Parker National Health Service Corps Scholarship 2019-2023 Kaitlyn Roberts Americorps 2019-2020 Jake Rouse Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023

Collin Vargas Army Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023 Charles White Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Scholarship 2019-2020 Jarquechia J. White National Health Service Corps Scholarship 2019-2023

Ashton A. Campbell Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023 Tarrah Frederick Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Scholarship 2019-2020 Jacob Harrison Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program 2019-2023 Wesley D. Hostetler Poarch Band of Creek Indians Scholarship 2019-2020

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MESSAGE FROM THE SAMOPS PRESIDENT BuildingTraditions in Military Medicine DENISIA THOMAS, ENSIGN, UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE, CLASS OF 2023 T he Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) is a support system for medical students that are in the military, as well as others who are interested in joining. SAMOPS focuses on cultivating self-sufficient, upstanding future military physicians through various military-focused activities and volunteer efforts. SAMOPS students raise the flags at the front of the school every morning. SAMOPS also lowers the flags to half-mast when ordered by the president and the governor. Additionally, SAMOPS holds special flag raising ceremonies when upstanding members of the military community pass away, as well as on 9/11, in remembrance of those that lost their lives. Yearly, we have collaborated with the Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA) in that organization’s annual surgical conference. SAMOPS members train VCOM students and faculty on effective ways to handle traumatic and urgent situations through one of the largest “Stop The Bleed” training courses in the country. Participants who successfully complete the course are provided with a certificate. This program is intended to provide necessary tools and encourage better- equipped bystanders to assist in a bleeding emergency until professional help arrives. SAMOPS also hosts Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) recruiting events for non-military members, allowing them to learn and explore their options of serving as a physician in the armed forces.

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

Air Force CLASS OF 2020 Craig Goldhagen Audie Schmid

CLASS OF 2021 Haldon Marmolejos

Currently, our chapter of SAMOPS has developed custom trauma kits with hemostatic gauze, tourniquets and other medical supplies to provide to VCOM-Auburn students. We hope that these kits will prepare our classmates if they are ever faced with unforeseen emergencies. Future endeavors include working with the Auburn Veterans Resource Center to provide a better transition into civilian life after military service and donating to military non-profit organizations. The calling to join the military should not be taken lightly. The armed forces of the United States serve the purpose of being a beacon of world peace. The students at VCOM-Auburn that have decided to dedicate a portion of their life to the military do so with dignity, compassion and gratitude. I am truly honored to be a member of the United States Navy and a member of SAMOPS at VCOM-Auburn. Each of our members are not only diligent students, but are also highly involved in the community around us. I know that the members of SAMOPS will continue making VCOM proud, even after graduation. They will not only strive to uphold VCOM’s mission, but also the missions of their respective service branches. As the current president of SAMOPS, I am grateful to have the pleasure of belonging to a group of like-minded individuals working towards the same goal: successfully serving our country in addition to our future patients. ■ » VCOM students value professionalism, integrity, duty, compassion, altruism, knowledge and critical thinking.

CLASS OF 2022 Robert Buntyn Army CLASS OF 2020

Zachary Jarrett Kenneth Stroer

CLASS OF 2022 Nicholas Lee Navy CLASS OF 2020 Matthew Ferguson Hendrix LaFontant Victoria LaFontant CLASS OF 2021 Charles Bergdolt Dominique Saturno Luke Shope CLASS OF 2022 David Axford Daniel Jeziorski Julia Orcutt

Wesley Ortman Derriyan Price Rachel Wood

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Student ClinicianAwards THE CLASS OF 2021

E ach year, hospitals, in partnership with students who have excelled in their clinical training and

awards ceremony and picnic where they have the chance to reconnect with classmates and faculty prior to beginning their fourth year of medical school.

have gone above and beyond to promote excellence in the osteopathic profession. These students are honored in May each year during an

VCOM, award third-year

Harvey Browning Distinguished Student Award, Internal Medicine

Anna Bianchi Student of the Region Award, Gadsden Regional Medical Center

Anesia Allen Distinguished Student Award, Internal Medicine

Ala’a Alrafati Student of the Region Award, Orange Park Medical Center

Ryan Charles Beckett Distinguished Student Award, Surgery

Carrie Brackett Student of the Region Award, Medical Center Enterprise

Emily Chin Distinguished Student Award, Geriatrics

Taylor Davis Distinguished Student Award, Geriatrics

Rachel Dykes Distinguished Student Award, OB/GYN

Haleigh Eubanks Distinguished Student Award, Surgery

Austin Gauldin Distinguished Student Award, Family Medicine

Rachel Herr Student of the Region Award, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center

Danielle Ferra Student of the Region Award, South Georgia Medical Center

Kayla Garner Distinguished Student Award, OB/GYN

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

Chandler Kemp Distinguished Student Award, Geriatrics

Abrahim Imam Distinguished Student Award, Family Medicine

Joan Hyland Distinguished Student Award, Psychiatry

Valario Johnson Student of the Region Award, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital

Arianne Kalra Student of the Region Award, Wellington Regional Medical Center

Rachel Levine Distinguished Student Award, Pediatrics

Shane Koler Distinguished Student Award, OB/GYN

Ashley Klein Distinguished Student Award, Pediatrics

David Levin Student of the Region Award, East Alabama Medical Center

Danielle Lemes Distinguished Student Award, Family Medicine

Kara Mann Distinguished Student Award, Pediatrics

Haldon Marmolejos Distinguished Student Award, Internal Medicine

Kyle McDonough Student of the Region Award, Grandview Medical Center

Caitlin Marshall Student of the Region Award, Helen Keller Hospital

Elizabeth McBee Student of the Region Award, Piedmont Columbus Regional

Andrew Meehan Student of the Region Award, Russell Medical Center

Iliet Payan Distinguished Student Award, Psychiatry

Nicolas Pinones Distinguished Student Award, Psychiatry

Benjamin Taylor Distinguished Student Award, Surgery

Christopher McNair Student of the Region Award, Crestwood Medical Center

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M embers of the VCOM-Auburn student that best represented the principles of leadership, community service, dedication and professionalism. Caitlin Marshall, a member of the class of 2021, was selected to represent VCOM-Auburn as student DO of the year. “It means so much to me to be nominated by peers and to be able to represent my class and my school, which I love so much,” said Marshall. “I feel very proud to be a VCOM- Auburn student and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given,” Marshall added. Marshall was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and wanted to become a physician at a young age. According to Marshall, many families in her neighborhood were uninsured. “Seeing my friends and their families struggle to get medical care for chronic diseases was a big factor in my decision to pursue medicine,” said Marshall. Marshall said that she “discovered” osteopathic medicine when she was learning more about healthcare. Marshall said that she felt that becoming a DO would give her the greatest tools to help patients. Marshall said that one of her most interesting life experiences in medicine was a six-week hospital internship at a maternity ward in a district hospital in Kisii, Kenya. This experience, along with other related experiences, brought her to decide upon pursuing a career in the OB-GYN field. Marshall said that throughout her academic pursuits, she has had some wonderful mentors. One, Dr. Duke Duncan, taught Marshall the importance of humility and working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. VCOM-AUBURN Student DO of the Year Student DO of the Year Committee announced their selection of a

Marshall said that she has enjoyed the supportive, family environment at VCOM and that she has made some wonderful friends during her studies. As a student, she has served as campus chapter president of the American College of Osteopathic

Caitlin Marshall Class of 2021

Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) and as a student research team leader. Her research project, with OB-GYN Co-chairs R. Kraig Smith, MD, and Kenneth Harris, MD, was recently published in the Journal of Medical Education. Additionally, Marshall has been on two international medical mission trips while at VCOM, along with an international clinical rotation. Marshall said that she has no specific plans about where she hopes to eventually practice, but she is certain that she wants to serve a medically underserved area. “I think it would be very rewarding to care for women in a small-town setting, but I am open to whatever ends up being the best fit for my family and me,” said Marshall.

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

More About the Honor T he Student DO of the Year (SDOY) award honors and recognizes an osteopathic medical student who is committed to the principles of leadership, community service, dedication and professionalism. Each school hosts their own individual selection process to choose a student who has made outstanding contributions to the osteopathic profession. Each school then sends its nomination to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents National Selection Committee. The National Committee consists of representatives from the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), the Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators (SOME), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), the Council of Interns and Residents (CIR), the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) and the previous Student DO of the Year winner.

REGIONAL, STATE AND NATIONAL Leadership Positions

Carol Harden Class of 2020 Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Osteopathic Schools Committee Co-Chair 2019-2020 Vice Chair for SNMA Osteopathic Schools Committee 2018-2019 Journal of the Student

Caitlin Marshall Class of 2021 Vice President for National Student Society of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (NSS-ACOOG) 2018-2019

National Medical Association Editor for the Student National Medical Association 2017-2019

Sergeine Lezeau Class of 2020 Student National

Medical Association National Publications Committee Chair, 2017-2019 Journal of the Student National Medical Association Editor-in-Chief, 2017-2020 American Osteopathic Association Liaison, 2019-2020

Joselyn Miller Class of 2021

Region 4 Community Service Liaison (AL, GA, FL, NC, SC, Caribbean, and Puerto Rico) for the Student National Medical Association

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STUDENTS & ACADEMICS

Auburn Via Research Recognition Day 2020

T he third annual was held on February 14, 2020. The event featured two keynote speakers, while the research poster presentation and competition featured 66 academic poster submissions. Prior to the keynote speaker presentations, Gunnar Brolinson, DO, VCOM Vice Provost for Research, spoke about the state of research at VCOM. Auburn Via Research Recognition Day VCOM-Auburn welcomed orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, MD, as the morning speaker. Dr. Andrews is one of the founding members of Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama, and is noted for his scientific and clinical research contributions in knee, shoulder and elbow injury prevention and treatment. He has mentored

and Joint Translation Stiffness as an Outcome Measure for OMT.” At the award ceremony, VCOM-Auburn researcher Darren Beck, PhD, Associate Professor for Cell Biology and Physiology, won the campus Researcher of the Year award.

more than 314 orthopedic/ sports medicine fellows and more than 84 primary care sports medicine fellows. The afternoon speaker at Research Day was Kevin McQuade, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of the Human Motion Analysis Research Lab at the University of Washington. Dr. McQuade currently teaches biomechanics and kinesiology to rehab medical students and DPT students, as well as a course in critical thinking. He also supervises PhD student research and is involved in several collaborative projects to develop automated objective musculoskeletal examination protocols using marker-less camera sensors and works internationally with researchers in Spain, Chile and Brazil. McQuade’s presentation at VCOM-Auburn’s Research Day was titled “Arthrokinematics

Guest Speakers PLENARY LECTURE: The State of Research at VCOM P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO Vice Provost for Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine KEYNOTE LECTURE: My Life in Sports Medicine and Success in Your Medical Careers James Andrews, MD Founding Member and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, AL KEYNOTE LECTURE: Research Update on Arthrokinematics and Joint Translation Stiffness as an Outcome Measure for OMT Kevin McQuade, PhD Staff Clinician Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Director of the Human Motion Analysis Research Lab, University of Washington Medicine

OPPOSITE TOP: Left to right: Darren Beck, PhD, VCOM-Auburn Researcher of the Year; Kenny Brock, DVM, PhD, MS, Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research. ABOVE LEFT: P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO. ABOVE CENTER: James Andrews, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist. ABOVE RIGHT: Kevin McQuade, PhD, Associate Professor at University of Washington.

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2020 Auburn Via Research Recognition Day Poster CompetitionWinners

UNDERGRADUATE / GRADUATE STUDENT First Place 1. Caroline Jackson Predictable Hematological Markers Associated with Cognitive Decline in Valid Rodent Models of Cognitive Impairment

MEDICAL RESIDENT / POST-DOCTORATE First Place 23. Gilberto Gomez, DO Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Using Third Generation Bioactive Glass Bone Graft Substitute in Setting of Multi-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Second Place 24. Esther Song, OMS II Effects of Macronutrient Cycling on Metabolic Flexibility in Obese Rats

Third Place 11. Kandace Williams, OMS II Malignant Mesothelioma: A Case Report

Honorable Mention 12. Brynn E. Hentschel, OMS I A Review of Orthopedic Implant Failures Due to Metallosis and the Methods Utilized to Minimize and Address This Condition Clinical Research

Second Place 2. Priyanka Pinky

Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Mimetics are a Potential Therapeutic Target for Prenatal Cannabinoid Exposure-Mediated Learning and Memory Deficits

First Place 13. Lauren Mason, OMS II

Visual Outcomes and Follow Up Rates in a Free, Nonprofit Diabetic Eye Clinic in Rural West Alabama

FACULTY Researcher of the Year Darren T. Beck, PhD Associate Professor for Cell Biology and Physiology (Pictured on page 24)

Third Place 3. Donny Lamb

Second Place 14. Ibrahim Noorbhai, OMS IV

Resistance Training Increases Muscle NAD+ and NADH Concentrations as Well as NAMPT Protein Levels and Global Sirtuin Activity in Older, Overweight, Untrained Individuals

A Retrospective Study of Moyamoya in a Unique, Primarily Caucasian Southern U.S. Population

Third Place 15. Brendan Lutz, OMS IV Perceptions of Current Cervical Cancer Screening and Self-Sampling Among a Latin American Immigrant Population Living in the South: A Quantitative Study Honorable Mention 16. Matthew Daniel, OMS II The Effects of Tai Chi on Knee Joint Laxity in Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) Patients: A Pilot Study Educational Research First Place 17. Caroline Clark, OMS II Evaluation of the Research Medical Student Second Place 18. Madison Blackwell, OMS II Field Amputations: A Scenario-based Workshop for First Responders, A Pilot Project Third Place 19. Harrah Chiang, OMS II Simulating Early Clinical Experiences with Surgical Procedures in the Anatomy Lab

Honorable Mention 4. Manjusha Annaji

Design and Fabrication of Novel Dosage Forms Via Thermoplastic 3D Printing to Improve Patient Care

MEDICAL STUDENT Biomedical Research

First Place 5. Kenneth Terry II, OMS I

Mice Gender and Strain Affect Neurotrophin Secretion and Corneal Nerve Regeneration After Injury

Second Place 6. Annie Gilliam, OMS II

Effects of Macronutrient Cycling on Energy Expenditure and Spontaneous Activity in Obese Rats

Third Place 7. Siddhi Patodia, OMS II The Effect of Macronutrient Cycling on Serum Markers of Metabolic Syndrome Honorable Mention 8. Zachary Holley, OMS II Protocol and Baseline Data for “Minute Calisthenics: A Daily, Habit-Based, Bodyweight Resistance-Training Program” Clinical Case Report First Place 9. Rachel Dykes, OMS III Extra-Nodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease: A Case Report Second Place 10. Rachel Herr, OMS III Vaping-Associated Lung Injury in Northwest Florida: A Community Hospital’s Perspective

Honorable Mention 20. Mohammad Alaghrabi

Elucidating the Risk of Parkinsonism by Designer Drugs: Investigating the Neurotoxicity Piperazine Class of Designer Drugs on Dopaminergic Neuronal Cells Simulation Research

First Place 21. Zachary Holley, OMS II

Novel Moulage Solutions for High-Fidelity, Large- Scale Mass Casualty Training and Simulation

Second Place 22. Matthew Gatewood, OMS II “Mr. Hurt” Head and Neck Trauma Manikin

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Congratulations to the 156 members of the VCOM Class of 2020 We salute you!

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CLASS OF 2020

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GraduationCeremony FOR THE CLASS OF 2020

A t 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020, a virtual worldwide pandemic, graduating students and their families could not celebrate in person. Despite this, graduation videos were produced and posted online in order for VCOM students and families to mark this special occasion. A total of 156 medical students were honored with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. This was a proud accomplishment of the Auburn campus as these students will go on to make a positive impact in the lives of thousands of patients. Virtual graduation ceremonies featured several speakers including a welcome address by VCOM President and Provost Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, followed by a message from VCOM-Auburn campus Dean Elizabeth Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP. VCOM Vice Provost and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Trustee Timothy Kowalski, DO, FACN, delivered greetings from the AOA. Class greetings were delivered by Jacob, Taunton, DO, Class of 2020 President. Delivering the graduation address was VCOM Chairman John Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM. The VCOM-Auburn Class of 2020 saw excellent match results, with students moving forward to residencies throughout Alabama and across the United States. The majority of graduates will pursue primary care as their specialty, following the College’s mission to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promoting research to improve human health. commencement ceremony was held for the VCOM- Auburn Class of 2020. Unfortunately, due to the

Speakers 1. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, VCOM President and Provost 2. John G. Rocovich Jr., JD, LLM, Chairman of the VCOM Board of Directors 3. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP, Dean, VCOM- Auburn

4. Jacob Taunton, DO Class President

156 Graduates in the Class of 2020

99 % of students in the Class of 2020 matched.

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CLASS OF 2020

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M ilitary graduates from the VCOM- Auburn Class of 2020 were honored with a virtual military promotion ceremony on the morning of Saturday, May 9, 2020. Opening remarks for the ceremony were given by VCOM-Virginia Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Kenneth Schor, DO, MPH, FAAFP, CAPT, MC, USN (Ret.). After an introduction from VCOM SAMOPS organization officers, Major Frederic A. Rawlins III, DO, USAF, MC, spoke to graduating VCOM military service members. Rawlins, a VCOM-Virginia Class of 2006 graduate, serves as a staff pulmonary and critical care physician in the 81st Medical Group at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. VCOM-Auburn took great pride in honoring nine of its students from the Class of 2020 for their commitment as physicians in the United States Armed Services.

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CLASS OF 2020

Honoring ourMilitaryGraduates THE CLASS OF 2020 MILITARY GRADUATION CEREMONY

Health Professions Scholarship Program Members

AIR FORCE Craig Robert Goldhagen Audie Benjamin Mackie Schmid

ARMY Zachary Steven Jarrett Vernon Thomas Sharp Kenneth Conrad Stroer

NAVY Matthew Robert Ferguson

Hendrix Lafontant Victoria P. Lafontant Nicholas Ford Ryan

Veterans

Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program

Kyle Walker Johnson Nicholas Anthony McDonald

Ernest J. Philon III Matthew Brent Pickich Kendall Alexander Talley

Heather Kaye Milloy Ernest J. Philon III Matthew Brent Pickich

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The Class of 2020 HOMETOWN, RESIDENCY LOCATION AND SPECIALTY

Allison McNeil Akridge Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Tallahassee, Florida Family Medicine

Melina Frances Alexander Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center Toledo, Ohio Emergency Medicine

Ashley Elisabeth Andrews University of South Alabama Hospitals

Jebha Christina Babu University of Texas Medical School at Houston Houston, Texas Pediatrics

Anahita Bahrami Advocate Health Care

Chicago, Illinois Family Medicine

Mobile, Alabama Internal Medicine

Ryan Douglas Beard University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Grand Forks, North Dakota General Surgery/Rural

Kimberly Berman Richmond University Medical Center Staten Island, New York Internal Medicine

Alexander Sean Besser Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines, Florida Neurology

Johnrick Pierce Bishop University of Kentucky Medical Center Bowling Green, Kentucky Transitional University of Kentucky Medical Center

Christopher Paul Blaine Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

Idaho Falls, Idaho Internal Medicine

Lexington, Kentucky Radiology-Diagnostic

Dorian Christine Bonam Southern Regional Area Health Education Center Fayetteville, North Carolina Family Medicine

Brandon John Bowers Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Emergency Medicine

Kayla Darci Brazelton University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Psychiatry

Nathaniel David Burnham HCA Medical City Arlington

Ambar Raheem Bux Zucker School of Medicine – Northwell Staten Island University Staten Island, New York Internal Medicine

Arlington, Texas Family Medicine

Jannat Rahim Bux Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center Lima, Ohio Internal Medicine

Corban Eugene Caldwell Beaumont Health Farmington Hills, Michigan Emergency Medicine

Benton Reid Cauthen University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington, Kentucky Anesthesiology

Tiffany Chapman East Central Mississippi Health Meridian, Mississippi Family Medicine

Alisa Chauhan WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Marietta, Georgia Internal Medicine

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CLASS OF 2020

Chelsea Renee Cockrell University of Kentucky Medical Center Bowling Green, Kentucky Obstetrics-Gynecology

Haglaeeh Trejo Contreras University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi Pediatrics

John Michael Cook University of Louisville

Coleman Scott Cowart Desert Regional Medical Center Palm Springs, California Emergency Medicine

Ridgeland Clay Dabbs North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo, Mississippi Family Medicine

School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky Emergency Medicine

Brigitte Marie Margaret Davis University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi Obstetrics-Gynecology

Olivia Celine Demarta Methodist Health System Dallas, Texas Family Medicine

Timothy Joseph Demshar Akron General Medical Center Akron, Ohio General Surgery

Louis Robert Dishman Brookwood Baptist Health

Ashleigh Dugas Dupuy Wellington Regional Medical Center

Birmingham, Alabama Radiology-Diagnostic

Wellington, Florida Internal Medicine

Matthew Robert Ferguson Walter Reed Military Hospital Bethesda, Maryland Internal Medicine

Thomas Joseph Fredericks Orange Park Medical Center Orange Park, Florida Transitional University of Florida College of Medicine

Kevin R. Giattina St. Vincent’s East Birmingham, Alabama Family Medicine

Jordan A. Gillenwater Geisinger Health System Danville, Pennsylvania Obstetrics-Gynecology

Craig Robert Goldhagen Geisinger Health System Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania General Surgery

Jacksonville, Florida Radiology-Diagnostic

Rishikumar Gopinath University Hospitals Osteopathic Consortium Parma, Ohio Internal Medicine/Osteopathic

Benjamin Michael Goulding

Emily Lyn Grandprey Medical College of Georgia Augusta, Georgia Obstetrics-Gynecology

Jerry Allen Grant Jr. Brookwood Baptist Health Birmingham, Alabama Internal Medicine

Rinko Grewal McLaren Health Care Lansing, Michigan Internal Medicine

Sparrow Hospital Lansing, Michigan Emergency Medicine

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The Class of 2020 HOMETOWN, RESIDENCY LOCATION AND SPECIALTY

Katelyn Elisabeth Hardeman St. Vincent’s East Birmingham, Alabama Family Medicine

Carol Yvette Harden University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee Family Medicine

Amanda Denise Hargrove Memorial Healthcare System

Mark Winston Hargrove LewisGale Medical Center Salem, Virginia Internal Medicine

Madeline Dru Hearn University of South Alabama Hospitals Mobile, Alabama Psychiatry

Hollywood, Florida Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Lauren Howard Corpus Christi Medical Center Corpus Christi, Texas Internal Medicine

Candice Ibarra Ostermann SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, New York Medicine-Preliminary Maimonides Medical Center Brooklyn, New York Anesthesiology

Nawzad Nazar Jacksi Orange Park Medical Center

Zachary Steven Jarrett Brooke Army Medical Center

Kyle Walker Johnson University of South Alabama Hospitals Mobile, Alabama Emergency Medicine

Orange Park, Florida Emergency Medicine

San Antonio, Texas Internal Medicine

Katelyn Petitfils Joubert University Hospitals and Clinics Lafayette, Louisiana Preliminary Geisinger Medical Center Danville, Pennsylvania Ophthalmology

Jasmine Farideh Jovzpary Brookwood Baptist Health Birmingham, Alabama Internal Medicine

John Kapaniris University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine St. Petersburg, Florida Family Medicine

Berina Karic Aurora Health Care

Gulreen Ahmed Kassoo Sunrise Health Graduate Medical Education Consortium Las Vegas, Nevada Emergency Medicine

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Obstetrics-Gynecology

Basima Hasan Khan Sovah Health

Karin Nicole Christine de Mello Kuusisto

Hendrix Lafontant Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia Transitional Year

Victoria P. Lafontant Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia Pediatrics

Peyton Lee Lampley Aventura Hospital and Medical Center Miami, Florida Emergency Medicine

Loma Linda University Loma Linda, California Pediatrics

Danville, Virginia Internal Medicine

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CLASS OF 2020

Michael Conrad Landers Brookwood Baptist Health Birmingham, Alabama Internal Medicine

Bryan Robert Lee Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Anesthesiology

Marissa Ann Lee University of Texas

Sergeine T. Lezeau Appalachian Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institute

Tiffany Lin Orange Regional Medical Center Middletown, New York Internal Medicine

Medical Branch Galveston, Texas Internal Medicine

Consortium (OPTIC) Pikeville, Kentucky Internal Medicine

Ethan Andrew Lindenbaum University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Massachusetts Psychiatry

Lauren Elizabeth Lowrey Brookwood Baptist Health Birmingham, Alabama Internal Medicine

Brendan Joseph Lutz University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee Family Medicine

Rachel D. Lyman University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas Pediatrics

Katherine Starrett Magnuson Campbell University Fayetteville, North Carolina Obstetrics-Gynecology

Chad Richard Marshall University of Kansas School of Medicine Wichita, Kansas Pediatrics

Sydney Kaitlin Matthews Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana Pediatrics

Nicholas Anthony McDonald NCH Healthcare System Naples, Florida Internal Medicine

Emma Kathryn McDowell Pursuing a career in Pediatrics

Daniel Robert Meis University of Louisville School of Medicine Owensboro, Kentucky Family Medicine

Mckenzie Diane Merritt Valley Hospital Medical Center Las Vegas, Nevada Neurology

Tyler Brant Miller Sunrise Health Graduate Medical Education Consortium Las Vegas, Nevada Emergency Medicine

Heather Kaye Milloy St. Mary Mercy Hospital Livonia, Michigan Emergency Medicine

Laura Beth Mims University of Louisville

Veronica Elena Moiño Prisma Health-Midlands/ University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, South Carolina Medicine-Primary

School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky Pediatrics

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The Class of 2020 HOMETOWN, RESIDENCY LOCATION AND SPECIALTY

Bruno Vergilio Moraes Aventura Hospital Miami, Florida Emergency Medicine

Dominique Noel Moreno University of South Alabama Hospitals Mobile, Alabama Psychiatry

Luke Matthew Mueller University of South Alabama Hospitals

David Christopher Muscat Jr. Ochsner Clinic Foundation New Orleans, Louisiana Anesthesiology

Amber Nicole Neal University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, Kentucky Obstetrics-Gynecology

Mobile, Alabama Internal Medicine

Kristopher Andrew Nelson Floyd Medical Center Rome, Georgia Family Medicine

Brenda D. Nguyen South Baldwin Regional Medical Center

Johnny Lee Nguyen University of Central Florida/ Graduate Medical Education Consortium

Kyle Arthur Nielsen Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education

Andrew Patrick Nolin University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Knoxville, Tennessee Internal Medicine

Foley, Alabama Family Medicine

Port St. Lucie, Florida Emergency Medicine

Gainesville, Florida Emergency Medicine

Ibrahim Zoebali Noorbhai Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas Neurology

Marc Joseph Oropilla University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Knoxville, Tennessee Internal Medicine

Benjamin Pardue Baylor University Medical Center Dallas, Texas General Surgery

Jayme Erin Parker Texas Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research (TIGMER) San Antonio, Texas Family Medicine

Nimrah Javaid Patail Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston, Texas Family Medicine

Chirag Dipakbhai Patel University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Knoxville, Tennessee Internal Medicine

Krupa Rohit-Chirag Patel University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine Knoxville, Tennessee Internal Medicine

Hannah Elizabeth Patterson Pursuing a career in Pediatrics

Mary Denise Peeples Rowan School of Medicine Jefferson Health Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Stratford, New Jersey Transitional

Victoria Lynn Persampiere Abington Memorial Hospital Abington, Pennsylvania Family Medicine

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