Research

VCOM-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:51:18 +0000

VCOM-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:51

VCOM-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

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VCOM-Carolinas recently hosted its annual Via Research Recognition Day, an event that highlights the groundbreaking research conducted by students, faculty, and collaborators. This year’s gathering featured a diverse range of studies spanning clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, and more, reinforcing VCOM’s commitment to advancing medical knowledge for the benefit of patients and communities.

A highlight of the event was the keynote presentation by David Koerner, co-founder and owner of US PerformanceCenter(USPC). Koerner, a former Division I quarterback turned innovator in exercise science, shared insights from his journey bridging the gap between academic research and athletic performance. His work at USPC has redefined human performance, creating a space where science directly informs rehabilitation, sports training, and beyond. His address underscored the critical role of research in pushing the boundaries of healthcare, sports medicine, and patient outcomes.

The day also featured poster and podium presentations, showcasing the impressive research efforts of VCOM students and faculty. These projects not only contribute to scientific advancements but also prepare future physicians to incorporate evidence-based practices into their medical careers. On each campus, Via Research Recognition Day continues to be a cornerstone of VCOM’s mission, fostering innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of better healthcare.

Research

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Tanya Kumar: VCOM-Louisiana’s 2025 Student Researcher of the Year

ebailey — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:23:09 +0000

Tanya Kumar: VCOM-Louisiana’s 2025 Student Researcher of the Year ebailey Fri, 03/14/2025 - 09:23

Tanya Kumar: VCOM-Louisiana’s 2025 Student Researcher of the Year

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Tanya Kumar, a member of the Class of 2025 at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana, is a standout student and a passionate advocate for research, mentorship, and community service. Hailing from the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Tanya’s path to becoming the 2025 Student Researcher of the Year is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the invaluable mentorship she has received throughout her academic journey.

A Journey Rooted in Passion for Science

Tanya’s passion for research started long before she entered medical school. A graduate of the University of Houston, Tanya majored in honors biomedical sciences while minoring in chemistry, public health, and medicine and society. She also earned a certification in corporate entrepreneurship. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for her current role in research at VCOM.

Inspiration from Family and Early Mentorship

Tanya credits her parents, both organic chemists turned biomedical scientists, as her primary sources of inspiration. Growing up, she admired how they balanced their rigorous scientific work with a deep passion for research and discovery. Her parents’ influence, both at home and in the lab, helped instill in her the values of resilience, discipline, and continuous growth.

“They held me to the same high standards as other interns in the lab,” Tanya shared. “At home, they were my biggest supporters, helping me navigate challenges and teaching me concepts I struggled with. Their impact on my journey was immense, and they’ve always encouraged me to stand on my own.”

The DO with Research Distinction Pathway

When Tanya arrived at VCOM-Louisiana, she knew she wanted to integrate research into her medical career, though she wasn’t initially aware of the DO with Research Distinction program which allows students to engage in meaningful research projects while earning their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. It wasn’t until her second year that a friend introduced her to the program. After researching the opportunity, Tanya contacted Zakaria Abd Elmageed, MS, PhD, discipline chair and assistant professor for pharmacology, who became a key mentor in helping her pursue the path.

Earning my DO with Research Distinction has helped me refine my critical thinking skills and deepened my commitment to evidence-based medicine. It has also given me the tools to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, ultimately improving patient care.

Tanya Kumar , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2025

A Journey of Hard Work and Achievement

Tanya’s most memorable research experience at VCOM has been studying anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its role in ovarian reserve—which refers to a woman's reproductive potential based on the quantity and quality of her remaining eggs—as well as its connection to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and granulosa cell tumors. Her interest in AMH began in high school and has since come full circle, becoming a central focus of her medical research.

Her dedication to research has resulted in eight peer-reviewed publications in journals including Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Reviews, Cancer Research, Fertility and Sterility, Journal of Clinical Medicine, and Cureus. She has also presented her findings at major academic conferences, such as the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in Boston in 2024 and the American Association for Cancer Research annual meetings in Houston in 2020 and 2021.

Recognizing her outstanding contributions, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents named her Student Researcher of the Year. Tanya has seamlessly integrated her passion for research with her medical training, equipping her for the next phase of her career—residency and beyond.

The Rewarding Side of Research at VCOM

Balancing research with clinical rotations in her third and fourth years was no easy feat. Still, Tanya credits her colleagues' and faculty's unwavering support and mentorship for making it possible. Whether it meant long hours in the lab or traveling between clinical sites, Tanya could dedicate herself to her research while preparing for her future in medicine.

“The most rewarding part of my research journey has been the support I’ve received from my team,” Tanya reflected. “We worked together to troubleshoot experiments, collaborate on new ideas, and support each other through every challenge. These experiences and the opportunity to present at conferences have shaped me into the researcher and physician I am today.”

Advice for Future Research Students at VCOM

Tanya's advice is simple for students interested in pursuing research at VCOM: Start early. “Get involved in the lab as soon as possible, familiarize yourself with the environment and the techniques, and dedicate time to refining your skills as you progress through the years. The more you invest, the more you gain from the experience.”

Tanya’s commitment to research, mentorship, and community service has earned her the well-deserved Student Researcher of the Year title. As she prepares to graduate this May, Tanya is poised to make a significant impact in medicine and is committed to helping others realize their potential in research and healthcare.

award Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates Research Excellence at 3rd Annual Via Research Recognition Day – DiGiuseppe and Kumar Earn Top Honors

ebailey — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:42:02 +0000

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates Research Excellence at 3rd Annual Via Research Recognition Day – DiGiuseppe and Kumar Earn Top Honors ebailey Thu, 03/06/2025 - 08:42

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates Research Excellence at 3rd Annual Via Research Recognition Day – DiGiuseppe and Kumar Earn Top Honors

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The VCOM-Louisiana campus hosted its 3rd Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Feb. 28, 2025, bringing together health professionals, scientists, and students to celebrate and advance medical research. This annual event underscores VCOM’s commitment to preparing globally minded, community-focused physicians while fostering research that improves health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

Via Research Recognition Day provided a dynamic forum for researchers from academic institutions, teaching hospitals, and clinical practice sites to present groundbreaking work. Through keynote presentations and interactive sessions, attendees explored the latest findings in osteopathic manipulative therapy, emerging trends in physician-based research networks, and strategies for developing high-impact research projects. The event also featured a robust poster session, offering insight into biomedical, clinical, and education-simulation research conducted at VCOM-Louisiana and its partner institutions.

The event expanded dramatically, with the number of presentations doubling from around 60 last year to nearly 120 this year. The vast majority featured student-led research, which was both unexpected and exciting.

Pawel Michalak, PhD , VCOM-Louisiana Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research

A key milestone this year was the division of the biomedical research category into two sections—one showcasing research from VCOM-affiliated presenters and another dedicated to contributions from partner institutions. This expansion underscored the event’s growing impact and the increasing enthusiasm for collaborative research within the VCOM community. Michalak elaborated, “We are excited to introduce a new category for residents, including some of our graduates returning to participate. The students are energized, and it has been great to see!”

The event featured a keynote speaker, a plenary speaker, and a poster competition. The keynote address came from James Weger-Lucarelli, PhD, assistant professor at Virginia Tech. His presentation on “Host Metabolic Status as a Key Determinant of Viral Disease Progression and Transmission” illuminated his lab’s finding that identified a causal link between metabolic disease and more severe disease outcomes upon viral infection.

P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, vice provost for research at VCOM, gave his plenary address on “The State of Research at VCOM” where he shared insight into current research projects across the four campuses and future research initiatives. One aspect Dr. Brolinson shared is the success of our Research Eureka Accelerator Program (REAP), which is an internal seed grant initiative established by VCOM in 2016. Its primary objective is to foster synergy within specific research focus areas by providing substantial internal funding. REAP and other research seed funding programs encourage the development of multi-investigator teams, which may include collaborations across VCOM campuses and with external partners. The programs support both basic and translational research across various disciplines.

Our internal funding gives our investigators, both biomedical and clinical, the opportunity to collect pilot data. That pilot data is what major funding institutions — National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Science Foundation (NSF) —love to see. It strengthens our proposals and ultimately makes us more successful than the average institution.

Gunnar Brolinson, DO , Vice President for Research

Beyond securing external funding, the seed funding opportunities also enhance student involvement in research. “This type of intramural funding allows our faculty to engage students in their projects,” Dr. Brolinson noted. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Brolinson emphasized how research opportunities have expanded at VCOM. “When I was a first-year osteopathic medical student, I didn’t see physician-scientist careers as a real possibility. Students at all VCOM campuses can envision that path because they see it firsthand.” He also highlighted the long-term impact of VCOM’s research initiatives, particularly at the founding and longest-established Virginia campus. “We’ve had alumni return to Research Day as physician-scientists, presenting their work as former VCOM students.”

In 2024, approximately $1.5 million in REAP grant funding was distributed across VCOM’s four campuses, fueling innovative research and student-driven projects. This year, VCOM-Louisiana was also proud to welcome back several of its graduates—now residents—who returned to participate in Research Recognition Day, showcasing the lasting influence of VCOM’s research culture on their medical careers.

Two prestigious research awards were presented. The Faculty Researcher of the Year award honors a faculty member actively engaged in an externally funded research program that involves student training, has led to significant publications, and has earned national recognition. The 2025 Faculty Researcher of the Year award recipient was Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD, assistant professor for immunology and microbiology.

The Student Researcher of the Year award recognizes a VCOM-Louisiana student who demonstrates a strong commitment to research, contributes to published work during their time at VCOM, participates in the DO with Research Distinction program, and presents their research at conferences. Tanya Kumar, Class of 2025, was the 2025 Student Researcher of the Year award recipient.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Dr. Brolinson highlighted its remarkable growth, attributing it to the dedication of VCOM-Louisiana’s faculty and their commitment to student mentorship. “The explosive growth of Research Recognition Day speaks to the quality of our faculty and the mentoring they provide to students—because at VCOM, we are all about students. The number of students engaging in research here is incredible! Even if they don’t pursue careers as physician-scientists, participating in research during medical school lays the foundation for critical thinking that will serve them throughout their medical careers, no matter the specialty.”

With each passing year, Via Research Recognition Day further cements its role as a cornerstone of VCOM-Louisiana’s research mission, fostering a culture of discovery and academic excellence.

Biomedical Research: Section 1

3rd place: EXPLORING THE ANTICANCER EFFECTS OF CAMBINOL ON CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Malvina Kartamyshev, OMS-III; Tanya Kumar, OMS-IV; Dalal Dawud, B, Pharm; Zakaria Abd Elmageed, PhD

2nd place: PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA TOXIN ExoY INHIBITS SIRT1-MEDIATED AUTOPHAGY TO PROMOTE PULMONOGENIC TAUOPATHY

Zachary Dickey, OMS-IV; Annie Pham, OMS-III; Krishna Patel, BS; Melissa Lipsmeyer, PhD; Kasia Michalak, MSc; Troy Stevens, PhD; Rebekah Morrow, PhD; K. Adam Morrow, PhD; Sarah Voth, PhD

1st place: CRISPR-LIKE PROPERTIES OF EUKARYOTIC 45S RIBOSOMAL 45S RNA GENE CLUSTERS

Sabeen Wazir, OMS-II; Anne B. Remorca, OMS-II; Trevor Morris, OMS-II; Erin Vasquez, OMS-II; Ariana Faraji, DO; Kasia Michalak, MSc; Lin Kang, PhD; Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD; Pawel Michalak, PhD

Biomedical Research: Section 2

3rd place: INHIBITION OF GLUCOSYLCERAMIDE SYNTHASE REACTIVATES P53-SUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS ON CANCER STEM CELLS THROUGH M6A MODIFICATION AT P53 R273 MUTANT CODON

Md Saqline Mostaq, MS; Md Nurul Amin, MS; Amanda Raphael, P4; Davorka Sekulić, MD; Lin Kang, PhD; Pawel Michalak, PhD; Yong-Yu Liu, PhD

2nd place: THE OLIVE OIL PHENOLIC S-(-)-OLEOCANTHAL SUPPRESSES COLORECTAL CANCER PROGRESSION AND RECURRENCE BY MODULATING SMYD2-EZH2 AND C-MET ACTIVATION

Md Towhidul Islam Tarun, MS1; Heba E. Elsayed, PhD1; Hassan Y. Ebrahim, PhD1,2; Khalid A. El Sayed, PhD1*

1st place: THE MARINE-DERIVED FURANOCEMBRANOID DITERPENE SARCOPHINE SUPPRESSES METASTATIC CASTRATION RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER PROGRESSION AND RECURRENCE VIA DOWNREGULATION OF CADHERIN-12

Abdullah Alhowiriny1; Ethar Mudhish1; Hassan Y. Ebrahim, PhD1,2; Khalid A. El Sayed, PhD1

Clinical Research

3rd place: INCIDENCE OF SACRAL SOMATIC DYSFUNCTION IN VAGINAL DELIVERY AFTER SPONTANEOUS LABOR

Gwenn Jackson, MD1; Anne Marie Ogden, OMS-III2; Jony Munholland, OMS-III3

2nd place: DRIED BLOOD SPOT ELISAS: A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR AMH, LH, AND FSH ANALYSIS IN IVF PATIENTS

Tanya Kumar, OMS-IV1,2; Rahul Chauhan, MS-III2; Subodhsingh Chauhan, MD2; Bhanu Kalra, PhD1

1st place: HAND HYGIENE IN ICUS: ARE WE MISSING VITAL GROUPS?

Rabab Z. Jafry1; Kaukab I. Jafry, MD, MBBS2; Annum Faisal, CPPS3; Maryam Babar, OMS-I4; Iqbal Ratnani, MD, EdD, FCCP, FCCM5

Anatomy and Epidemiology

3rd place: GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN PRESERVATION IS WORTHWHILE - A CADAVERIC STUDY

Marci Peck, OMS-II1; Michael Peck, MD2; Jenna Dittmar, PhD1; Cara Hanks, OMS-II1; Grace Pick, OMS-II1; Kenny-Khai Vo, OMS-II1

2nd place: ASSOCIATION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AND INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIES TO CORONARY ARTERIES

Paxton Holder, OMS-IV; Tyson Hillock, OMS-IV; Annabel O’Conner, OMS-III; Brady Levron, OMS-III; Samantha Valaitis, OMS-III; Justin Nguyen, OMS-III; Savanna Gonzalez, OMS-III; Erick Barnard, OMS-III; Savannah Newell, PhD

1st place: A CASE STUDY OF RETROAORTIC LEFT RENAL VEIN IN AN ELDERLY DONOR WITH COMORBIDITIES

Berony Geneste, OMS-II1; Dylan Compton, OMS-II1; Emily Gregory, OMS-II1; Jimmy Nguyen, OMS-II1; Ross Carroll, OMS-II1; Viktoriya Salgalova, OMS-II1; Matthew D. Overturf, PhDD1; Uzochukwu Adabanya MD1

Case Studies: Section 1

3rd place: FUNDOPLICATION REVISION OF A RECURRENT LARGE PARA-ESOPHAGEAL HIATAL HERNIA IN A 63-YEAR-OLD FEMALE

Tristan Moseley, OMS-III1; Walter Sartor, MD2

2nd place: CHEMO AND SALIVARY SURPRISES: LOW-GRADE MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA IN A PEDIATRIC HODGKIN’S SURVIVOR

Kyra Salinkas, OMS-II; Sabeen Wazir, OMS-II; Berony Geneste, OMS-II; John Lipka, MD

1st place: IDENTIFYING ASPIRIN AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO PERSISTENT GOUT: A CASE REPORT

Justin Nguyen, OMS-III1; Matthew Overturf, PhD1; Venu Kakarala, MD2

Case Studies: Section 2

3rd place: MARANTIC ENDOCARDITIS: A RARE COMPLICATION OF ENDOMETRIAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Nisheem Pokharel, MD1; Deekshitha Manney, MD1; Mary Youssief2; Harikrishna Bandla, MD1

2nd place: PARADOXICAL EMBOLISM TO THE CORONARY ARTERY: AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFRACTION

Swesha Shrestha, MD1; Shekhar Gurung, MD2; Nisheem Pokharel, MD; Thomas R Smith, MD4

1st place: UTERINE FIBROIDS WITH IVC COMPRESSION; A RARE CAUSE OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

Rahul Robaish Kumar, MD1; FNU Arti, MD1; Sham Kumar, MD1; Harikrishna Bandla, MD1; Navin Ramlal, MD1

Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025

ebailey — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:44:35 +0000

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025 ebailey Fri, 02/21/2025 - 08:44

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025

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At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), research is a cornerstone of medical education, fostering critical thinking and advancing medical knowledge. Delaney Yu, a member of the VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2025, embodies this commitment through her extensive research endeavors. Her VCOM experiences offer insight into balancing the rigors of medical school with a passion for research.

The Research Experience at VCOM

VCOM-Louisiana offers a dynamic research environment, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate with dedicated faculty mentors. “I love the myriad opportunities available,” Delaney notes. “Many faculty members are extremely passionate about research and are dedicated to helping student doctors become quality researchers.”

One such mentor is Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD, assistant professor of immunology and microbiology, who has played a key role in Delaney’s research journey. “Dr. DiGiuseppe has been amazing in helping me find presentations and supporting publications. He has been vital to my success as a student researcher,” she shares.

Delaney’s dedication to research has led her to present at multiple conferences, earning recognition along the way. Among her many accomplishments, she received an award at the annual American Society of Microbiology conference—an impressive feat given she was competing alongside PhD students who devote nearly all their time to research. She is also a co-author on a high-impact publication in Nature Partner Journals (npj) Viruses, where a collaborative team from VCOM and Virginia Tech identified key SARS-CoV-2 mutations that enhanced viral fitness in humans.

DiGiuseppe describes Delaney as a driven and curious researcher, qualities that have made her a valuable member of the lab.

"Delaney has a strong intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn—both essential traits that will no doubt contribute to her becoming an excellent physician."

Stephen DiGiuseppe, PhD , Assistant Professor for Immunology and Microbiology

Balancing Research and Medical School

Balancing research with the rigorous demands of medical school requires careful time management. "Finding the balance is hard," Delaney admits. "Schoolwork is always the priority, but with the flexibility offered by lab schedules—especially with different projects from both students and faculty—it’s possible to find time for research."

Adam Morrow, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology and physiology at VCOM-Louisiana, mentors research students and highlights how research prepares medical students for real-world clinical experiences, making it a valuable investment of their time. “It really takes a special person to participate in biomedical research,” he says. “There’s a lot of failure involved, but it’s not failure in the traditional sense—it’s more about not yet having optimized the approach. You might come in for just a couple of hours a week and get a sense of what research is like, but you're not truly immersed in it until things don’t go as planned. Patients don’t always present with textbook symptoms, so the ability to pivot and think of alternative ways to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment plan is a skill that research really hones.”

Looking Ahead: Aspirations for a Career in Academic Medicine

As graduation approaches, Delaney is eager to embark on her medical career. She aspires to specialize in pediatric pathology within an academic institution where she can continue her research pursuits. “Research will always be a part of my career in academic medicine,” she affirms.

"I have an immense mixture of excitement and wonder. At this time, I do not know my residency location, so there is a lot still up in the air with future planning. Everything is very exciting, and I greatly look forward to furthering my medical training."

Delaney Yu , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2025

The DO with Research Distinction Program at VCOM

For students interested in integrating research into their medical education, VCOM offers the DO with Research Distinction program. This program allows students to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and scholarly writing, all under the mentorship of VCOM's clinical or biomedical faculty. The goal is to offer a comprehensive research experience, preparing students for future roles in academic or clinical practice. Kasia Michalak, MSc, supervisor for biomedical laboratories at VCOM-Louisiana, explained, “Although participation in research is voluntary, for those interested in pursuing research, we offer a special track. Students can graduate with a DO with Research Distinction. To date, 177 students have completed the program, 145 are currently enrolled, and 16 students are from our campus. I cannot stress enough that research for publications will greatly improve your residency match.”

Advice for Aspiring Student Researchers

Delaney encourages fellow students to seize research opportunities at VCOM. “DO IT! Research is a wonderful opportunity for learning and networking, and it is SO MUCH FUN!” she says. “Get involved and be excited about what can be accomplished. VCOM really promotes research, and only the students can help make it happen!”

Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons

aostroth@vt.vcom.edu — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:47:43 +0000

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons aostroth@vt.vcom.edu Mon, 01/27/2025 - 11:47

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons

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Images of rolling highlands, ancient castles, and colorful kilts may come to mind when you think of Scotland. Yet, buried deep in its history lies a darker chapter—the final deadly encounter with the plague during the mid-17th century. Thanks to extensive research by an interdisciplinary team, which included Jenna Dittmar, PhD, assistant professor for anatomical science at ��TV (VCOM-Louisiana), we now have a clearer understanding of how this pandemic shaped the lives of Scottish people.

The research, recently published in PLOS One, represents a significant milestone. The interdisciplinary study, titled "The final plague outbreak in Scotland 1644-1649: Historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence," is the first to confirm the presence of the bacterial agent Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) in Scotland using ancient DNA (aDNA) techniques. This discovery sheds new light on how the plague impacted the Scottish population and the factors that led to the spread of the epidemic during one of the most tumultuous periods in its history.

From America's Heartland to Scotland's Lowlands: The Path to Researching Scotland's Plague

Dittmar's path to this research is as fascinating as the study itself. Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, she developed an early interest in history and the stories of everyday people who are often overlooked in historical accounts. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Science in human osteology and palaeopathology at the University of Bradford, and a PhD in biological anthropology at the University of Cambridge.

“Archaeology, specifically osteoarcheology (the scientific study of human and animal remains from archaeological sites), enables us to understand the lives of people who were not typically included in historical accounts — women, children, the poor, and the unfree," Dittmar explains. "Including diverse narratives about people from all walks of life allows us to better understand the past so we can more thoughtfully craft our future."

Her work on the Wellcome Trust-funded project "After the Plague: Health and History in Medieval Cambridge" laid the foundation for her interest and expertise in studying ancient diseases. She subsequently moved to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where she worked with Professor Marc Oxenham on a project funded by the British Academy that explores how communities adapted to various challenges, including infectious diseases, over millennia. Through this work, she was able to continue to study the plague and to go looking for the first genetic evidence of this disease in Scotland.

Jenna Dittmar, PhD, Assistant Professor for Anatomical Science

Unlocking Secrets Through Ancient DNA

This study's heart is ancient DNA (aDNA), which Dittmar describes as genetic material extracted from organisms that lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago. By analyzing aDNA from human remains found in a mass burial site in Aberdeen, Scotland, the team confirmed the presence of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. This discovery marks the first molecular evidence of the plague in Scotland.

"Knowing the disease-causing agent allows us to better contextualize human actions and responses to outbreaks of infectious diseases before the modern understanding of germ theory," shares Dittmar.

The findings reveal that Scotland's geography, transportation networks, and the broader circumstances of civil war, famine, and population displacement influenced the plague's spread and impact. While urban centers like Aberdeen experienced relatively low death tolls, the pandemic's reach and severity varied widely across the country.

Plague Victims Were Often Treated With Compassion

One of the study's most moving findings is the compassionate treatment of plague victims. Many individuals were buried according to contemporary norms in singular graves in churchyards, reflecting a commitment to care for the dead even in the direst circumstances. "Mass burial appears to have been a practical solution for overwhelmed communities, but many of those who died of the plague were buried according to contemporary burial norms," Dittmar explained. Though the individuals analyzed in this study were buried outside the city wall in a mass burial, the documentary records indicate that many others were buried according to contemporary religious norms. The study underscores the resilience and humanity of communities facing extraordinary challenges.

Lessons for Today

Dittmar's research deepens our understanding of the past and offers insights into the present. The parallels between historical and modern pandemics, particularly the measures to control disease spread, are telling. Just as 17th-century Scots implemented quarantines and travel restrictions to combat the plague, societies worldwide adopted similar strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The movement of people was a major contributing factor to the spread of the plague, and communities responded by restricting movement and quarantining the infected," Dittmar explains. "We experienced very similar protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic."

The research also highlights the plague's enduring presence. While it may seem like ancient history, outbreaks still occur in parts of the world today, including Africa, Asia, and South America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a small number of cases are reported annually in the United States.

"The movement of people was a major contributing factor to the spread of the plague, and communities responded by restricting movement and quarantining the infected. We experienced very similar protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Jenna Dittmar

Connecting the Human Experience

Reflecting on her work, Dittmar emphasizes connecting with the broader human experience. "The ability to rebuild, recover, and adapt in the face of devastation has defined human history," she says. "When we reflect on the idea that we, as humans, are part of a long history of perseverance, we realize that our experiences are not isolated but part of a broader narrative spanning centuries."

As she looks to the future, Dittmar remains committed to exploring past pandemics' biological and social aspects. Her contributions to the study of Scotland's final encounter with the plague demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary research. Through her team's work, we gain a deeper understanding of the past, which provides valuable lessons for the future and a renewed appreciation for the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:10:41 +0000

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 11/20/2024 - 09:10

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

Tags: Research

Location: VCOM-Auburn, 910 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832

Research Day is a significant event for VCOM that supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and promote research that prepares globally-minded, community-focused physicians to improve human health.

Who should attend?

Student doctors, student pharmacists, student nurses, and other health professions students; physicians, physician assistants, biomedical researchers, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, and others interested in current medical research.

Agenda

TBA; Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Program

A research day program book will be available at the event.

Speakers

Scott Powers, PhD
UAA Endowed Professor, Distinguished Professor
Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
College of Health & Human Performance
University of Florida

Gaurav Choudhary, MD
Ruth and Paul Levinger Professor of Cardiology
Director of Cardiovascular Research at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute
Associate Chief of Staff (Research) at the Providence VA Medical Center

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to share their research in poster format. Poster abstracts must be accepted for posters to be displayed at the event. The Via Research Recognition Day features an optional student poster competition in the following categories: Biomedical Research, Clinical Research, Clinical Case Reports, Educational Research and Simulation Research.

Guidelines for Writing Poster Abstracts (DOC)

Abstract Submission Form (DOC)

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form linked above by Friday, December 6th, 2024, at 5 PM CST.

Please note: In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email researchday-auburn@vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions for poster submission via email by Friday, December 13th, 2024. Posters will be due by January 17th, 2025, at 5 PM CST.

VCOM provides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the VCOM Medical Education Department to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all its educational programs. All participating faculty are expected to disclose to the participants any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

Campus: Auburn

When: February 7, 2025 8:00am to 3:00pm CST

VCOM Hosts 10th Annual Research Retreat

ebailey — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:45:59 +0000

VCOM Hosts 10th Annual Research Retreat ebailey Tue, 11/19/2024 - 08:45

VCOM Hosts 10th Annual Research Retreat

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Ten years ago, when Gunnar Brolinson, DO, launched VCOM’s first-ever research retreat, he didn’t know that the retreat would continue to grow—just as the College itself has. Yet, with the help of many hands across the last decade, the College recently hosted its 10th retreat, welcoming researchers from all four campuses, plus partners including government agencies, universities, and more.

In the beginning, Dr. Brolinson says he was just trying to get folks together to “foster research partnerships amongst our schools and amongst our partners.” He continues: “The kind of grants that are successful on the national level are multidisciplinary and multi-institutional. Every year, we have several new collaborations that come out of people sitting down at the same table and chatting about their research ideas.”

This year’s retreat had more than 120 participants from all four VCOM campuses and 12 partner organizations, including the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Pfizer; and Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Georgia; among others. The agenda featured a number of workshops and sessions with CME opportunities as well as talks on projects happening across the four campuses.

Matt Gevaert, PhD, VCOM’s new chief innovation officer spoke about the importance of innovating new treatments for cancer, but also the challenges of developing those treatments in terms of cost of high failure rates. Other sessions included how a mobile app is expanding the reach of mental health education, novel treatments for pain, integrating radiomics and musculoskeletal sonography, short “MedX” talks on a variety of topics, and much more. In addition, there was ample time for social interaction and networking, helping to build the strong relationships that are so necessary to successful research collaborations.

Research at VCOM

VCOM’s research department offers a variety of services, including help to identify funding sources and to match faculty and student research ideas to appropriate funding sources. The department also helps develop and manage large-scale, cross-campus project teams; assists with development and content editing; offers statistical consulting; and helps with technology transfer and licensing of intellectual property. The department not only supports faculty, but also students, residents and hospital partners.

VCOM’s commitment—both philosophically and financially—to research has borne a lot of fruit over the years. In fiscal year 2024, there were 61 extramural proposals submitted by 36 different faculty members. The College’s extramural award success rate of 27% is a notable achievement. The national success rate for new grant proposals to the NIH, for example, is just over 21%. VCOM faculty currently have 15 proposals in the review stage at various organizations, with more than $9 million in potential funding.

Notable recent awards include:

Nearly $4 million for a syndromic surveillance project with the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland
Just over $2 million from the NIH to study the effect of cranial OMM on neuroinflammation
A CATCH grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics to engage caregivers and children in a fun learning experience about the topic of anxiety
A USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Grant to enable VCOM to deploy its mobile medical unit in weeklong medical mission experiences in rural Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in South Carolina.

Many of the research projects that receive extramural funding start off as intramural projects. VCOM currently has 25 internally funded research projects and has a dedicated budget of $1.2 million annually to support such research. Seventy-two percent of these projects feature collaborators from partner institutions, and about 20% feature new investigators.

Research

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

VCOM Research Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding

ebailey — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:19:49 +0000

VCOM Research Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding ebailey Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:19

VCOM Research Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding

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Gunnar Brolinson, DO, VCOM’s vice president for research, is the principal investigator on a research project that has recently been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant is $2.17 million over five years and the project is a collaboration with Pamela VandeVord, PhD, who heads up the Traumatic Nerve Technologies (TNT) Lab and Jennifer Munson, PhD, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) at Virginia Tech. As a clinician, Dr. Brolinson is particularly interested in how diseases and conditions affect the human brain and how osteopathic techniques can provide treatments.

About a decade ago, Dr. Brolinson collaborated with Blaise Costa, MPharm, PhD, and Hope Tobey, DO, to develop a model to study the impact of cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine (cOMM) on Alzheimer’s on rats. They discovered that the rats that received cOMM had improved mood, memory and lower anxiety. The internally funded pilot study was so successful that it won a grant from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). It also got Dr. Brolinson thinking if the cOMM techniques would have the same positive impact on brains that had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Like all osteopathic physicians, Dr. Brolinson has seen firsthand the positive result of OMM to serve as a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Cranial OMM has been performed for years, but Dr. Brolinson says that the neurobiological mechanisms of why it works aren’t well understood. Studying those mechanisms could go a long way toward helping people suffering from TBI because it could lead to new treatments.

Traumatic brain injury is a huge problem, not just in this country, but worldwide. And there is no real treatment for it. There isn’t medication for concussion, just rest and gradual resumption of activity. A novel, non-invasive, gentle OMM technique is potentially revolutionary.

Gunnar Brolinson, DO , Vice President for Research

Dr. Brolinson reached out to Pam VandeVord, who studies the complex mechanisms of injury to the brain. Together, they applied for and received intramural funding from VCOM and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), an investment institute that advances Virginia Tech research by connecting researchers with resources that will help them maximize the scope and impact of their work. The intramural funding allowed the team to develop the data that would be needed to get additional funding from other organizations—like the NIH. Their team worked on this preclinical TBI research for about five years and submitted grant proposals to the NIH and other funding agencies a handful of times before being successful.

Cranial OMM has the potential to have a positive impact on TBI patients for which headaches are the most common symptom. The NIH award will help us foster research collaborations between engineers and osteopathic clinicians to develop innovative strategies that promote recovery.

Pamela VandeVord, PhD , Associate Dean, Research and Innovation, Harrison Professor

The NIH grant is particularly noteworthy because it supports osteopathic research, which typically gets less funding than other types of medical research. One reason for that may be that agencies like the NIH have fewer osteopathic physicians on their boards and committees. As a result, there may not always be enough expertise to understand the value of osteopathic techniques when the committees are reviewing research submissions. “It is really important for osteopathic clinicians and scientists to become more involved in the fabric of the NIH,” Dr. Brolinson observes. “When they’re reviewing a grant to study osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), for example, and there is an osteopathic physician or scientist on the review panel, there’s an expert who understands what OMT is.”

Another reason that osteopathic research may get less funding is that osteopathic medical schools have typically focused on educating great clinicians, rather than great researchers. However, with the advent of combined ACGME residencies into a single pathway, osteopathic medical schools like VCOM are giving their students more opportunities to participate in high-level research. “Program directors are looking for students who have done research in their medical school programs,” Dr. Brolinson says. “It helps to differentiate students, particularly since medical education is going increasingly toward pass-fail. Research allows osteopathic students to be as competitive as students from allopathic institutions that have long histories of high-value research.”

As a result, this funding from the NIH is important—not just for VCOM, but for the osteopathic profession. “NIH is widely regarded at the top tier of funding in research, so you can’t underestimate the impact of getting NIH funding has on the impact of your research profile,” Dr. Brolinson says. He’s also grateful for the teamwork that is a key part of this kind of research. “I don’t do this by myself. We have a big team working on this project. Put together great teams of collaborators and great things happen.”

VCOM President Dixie-Tooke Rawlins, DO, FACOFP, and its board chairman John Rocovich, Jr., JD, LLM, have been incredibly supportive of research at VCOM. The College provides more than $1.3 million annually to researchers, and their proposals are reviewed in a competitive process to ensure that the College is engaged in high-value research. This kind of seed funding allows researchers to gather data, which is critical to successfully receiving funding from agencies like the NIH, the American Osteopathic Association, the United States Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control. VCOM has several funding programs across its four campuses, many of which are collaborative with other universities and medical partners.

Research

Virginia

By Amy Ostroth -

Louisiana Research Day 2025

ebailey — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:25:47 +0000

Louisiana Research Day 2025 ebailey Thu, 10/24/2024 - 14:25

Louisiana Research Day 2025

Tags: Research

Location: VCOM-Louisiana, 4408 Bon Aire Dr, Monroe, LA 71203

��TV (VCOM) – Louisiana Campus will hold its Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 28, 2025. Research Day is a significant event for VCOM and supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and research that prepares globally-minded, community-focused physicians and improves the health of those most in need.

Registration

Registration is FREE and is required for all participants, including students and poster presenters. Registration is now open and the deadline to register is Monday, January 13, 2025.

Registration is now closed.

With registration for this event, you get:

Program materials
A meal will be provided during the event
Full access to all event activities

For any problems with registration, please email researchday-lc@ulm.vcom.edu

Agenda

VCOM-Louisiana Research Day Agenda 2025 (PDF)

Program

Research Day Program Book

Speaker

James Weger-Lucarelli, PhD
Assistant Professor - Viral Genetics and Host Interactions
VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech

How do I participate?

Guidelines for Writing Research Abstracts for Posters (DOC)

Abstract Submission Form

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is Monday, January 13, 2025 at 5 PM.

Please note: In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email the Research Day Committee at researchday-lc@ulm.vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email.

VCOM provides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Poster Template (PPT) (Please save poster file name as: lastname,firstname-VCOM-RD25)

Poster Submissions are due by Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 5 PM.

What will this conference offer?

The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the oral presentations and poster sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health. By attending the poster session, participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at VCOM and its partner institutions and will have an opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

Medical and pharmacology students, physicians, physician assistants, biomedical researchers, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, and other health profession students and others interested in primary care issues and research.

Disclosure Statement

Campus: Louisiana

When: February 28, 2025 7:45am to 12:30pm CST

Virginia Research Day 2025

ebailey — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:51:13 +0000

Virginia Research Day 2025 ebailey Wed, 09/25/2024 - 13:51

Virginia Research Day 2025

Tags: Research

Research Day Virginia: February 14, 2025

VCOM-Virginia Campus Building 2 (VCOM 2), 2280 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Location: VCOM 2

Registration

Registration is FREE, but required. Registration opens on October 7, 2024, and the deadline to register is Friday, January 17, 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: OMSII students do NOT need to register using the form. You are already included in this event.

With registration for this event, attendees receive:

Program materials
Full access to all event activities
Boxed lunch during the event

Register Now

For any problems with registration, please email Alyson Farrar or Dr. Jim Mahaney at ResearchDay@vt.vcom.edu.

Program

Research Day Program

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to share their research in poster format. Poster abstracts must be accepted for the event for posters to be displayed. The Via Research Recognition Day features an optional poster competition with distinct categories: Research by a medical resident, biomedical research by a faculty member, biomedical research by a student, clinical research by a faculty member, clinical research by a student, educational research by a faculty member and educational research by a student. For the competition, students are defined broadly as any student in training, including undergraduate, graduate, medical and post-doctoral students. The resident research category is reserved for physicians currently in residency, internship and/or fellowship training.

Abstracts must be submitted electronically to ResearchDay@vt.vcom.edu using the completed Abstract Submission Form linked below. The final deadline for abstract submission is Friday, November 8, 2024, by 5 pm.

Abstract Form (DOC)

Please note due to limitations in space, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email. Abstract acceptance will be communicated by Friday, November 22, 2024.

VCOM provides free poster printing for any meeting attendee with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to the submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Free VCOM Poster Printing Deadline (if in-person conference) is January 24, 2025, at 5 p.m.

For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email Alyson Farrar or Dr. Jim Mahaney at ResearchDay@vcom.vt.edu.

What will this conference offer?

The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the sessions with the speakers, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health. By attending the poster session, participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at VCOM and its partner institutions and will have ample opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, health professions students and others interested in primary care issues and research.

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the VCOM Medical Education Department to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational programs. All participating faculty are expected to disclose to the participants any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.

Campus: Virginia

When: February 14, 2025 8:00am to 3:00pm EST

Research

VCOM-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

Tanya Kumar: VCOM-Louisiana’s 2025 Student Researcher of the Year

A Journey Rooted in Passion for Science

Inspiration from Family and Early Mentorship

The DO with Research Distinction Pathway

A Journey of Hard Work and Achievement

The Rewarding Side of Research at VCOM

Advice for Future Research Students at VCOM

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates Research Excellence at 3rd Annual Via Research Recognition Day – DiGiuseppe and Kumar Earn Top Honors

Poster competition winners by category:

Biomedical Research: Section 1

Biomedical Research: Section 2

Clinical Research

Anatomy and Epidemiology

Case Studies: Section 1

Case Studies: Section 2

A Passion for Research: VCOM-Louisiana’s Delaney Yu, Class of 2025

The Research Experience at VCOM

Balancing Research and Medical School

Looking Ahead: Aspirations for a Career in Academic Medicine

The DO with Research Distinction Program at VCOM

Advice for Aspiring Student Researchers

Scotland's Last Deadly Encounter with the Plague: Insights into an Ancient Pandemic and Its Modern Lessons

From America's Heartland to Scotland's Lowlands: The Path to Researching Scotland's Plague

Unlocking Secrets Through Ancient DNA

Plague Victims Were Often Treated With Compassion

Lessons for Today

Connecting the Human Experience

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2025

Who should attend?

Agenda

Program

Speakers

How do I participate?

Disclosure Statement

VCOM Hosts 10th Annual Research Retreat

Research at VCOM

VCOM Research Collaboration with Virginia Tech Earns NIH Funding

Louisiana Research Day 2025

Louisiana Research Day 2025

Registration

Agenda

Program

Speaker

How do I participate?

What will this conference offer?

Who should attend?

Disclosure Statement

Virginia Research Day 2025

Virginia Research Day 2025

Research Day Virginia: February 14, 2025

Registration

Program

How do I participate?

What will this conference offer?

Who should attend?

Disclosure Statement