Research

Research in Action: �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Recognized at Via Research Recognition Day

ebailey — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:12:12 +0000

Research in Action: �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Recognized at Via Research Recognition Day ebailey Mon, 04/06/2026 - 11:12

Research in Action: �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Recognized at Via Research Recognition Day

1775476800

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas brought together students, faculty, and guests on Feb. 20, 2026, for its annual Via Research Recognition Day, highlighting the depth, range, and real-world impact of student scholarship across campus.

The event featured a full day of poster presentations, oral sessions, and discussion, reflecting both the rigor of the curriculum and the collaborative culture that defines the �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas campus. Students presented work spanning biomedical science, clinical research, public health, and case-based inquiry—demonstrating how research at �鶹ԭ�� connects directly to patient care and community impact.

A keynote address from physician-scientist Yusuf A. Hannun, MD, offered a perspective on translational research and the future of biomedical discovery, reinforcing the College’s focus on connecting students with leaders at the forefront of medicine.

Among the highlights of the day were student poster awards across multiple categories:

Biomedical Research

First Place: Diti Patel ‘28, Potential Protective Role of Polycytosine-Binding Proteins in Melanoma-Associated UV Damage
Second Place: Rachael Baker ‘29 and Randi Dias ‘29, Thermally Activated Irreversible Homogenization of G-Quadruplexes in ALS/FTD-Associated Gene
Third Place: Samuel Leiszler ‘28, Mechanisms of Action of G-Quadruplex on Transcription

Clinical and Educational Research

First Place: Sree Gayathri Annamraju ‘28, Outcomes of Implementing Oral Health Screenings in an Underserved Primary Care Setting
Second Place: Hannah Elford ‘26, Comparing Childhood and Adult Trauma in Addiction Recovery
Third Place: Cesar Prugue ‘26, Changes in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Pass Rate Among MD and DO Students After Pass/Fail Transition

Case Reports

First Place: Elena Gaston ‘27, A Rare Case of Sequential Contralateral Tubal Pregnancies
Second Place: Jenny Park Curtis ‘26 and Danielle Pierson �鶹ԭ��-Auburn ‘26, From Deficiency to Recovery: Resolution of Idiopathic CD4+ T-Cell Lymphocytopenia Following AML Treatment
Third Place: Bryson Rose ‘27, Medical Management of Hemiballismus Secondary to Nonketotic Hyperglycemia in a Rehabilitation Unit: A Case Report

Via Research Recognition Day continues to be a cornerstone of the academic year at �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas, reinforcing the importance of research in medical education and preparing students to think critically, contribute to scholarship, and lead in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Research

Carolinas

By James Nichols -

�鶹ԭ��-Louisiana’s Justin Nguyen Named Student Researcher of the Year

ebailey — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:14:41 +0000

�鶹ԭ��-Louisiana’s Justin Nguyen Named Student Researcher of the Year ebailey Fri, 02/27/2026 - 13:14

�鶹ԭ��-Louisiana’s Justin Nguyen Named Student Researcher of the Year

1772193600

For Justin Nguyen ’26, being named �鶹ԭ��-Louisiana’s Student Researcher of the Year is both an honor and a reflection of years spent asking thoughtful questions, embracing persistence, and pursuing research that can advance patient care. His journey into medicine and research is deeply personal, shaped by family, curiosity, and a commitment to improving others' quality of life.

Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nguyen says his younger sister, Joelle, who has Down syndrome, has been one of the most influential forces in his life. Growing up alongside her shaped his view of patience, empathy, and individualized care. Watching his family work to optimize her health and life experiences sparked his early interest in medicine and planted the seeds for his research mindset.

Nguyen’s interest in research began well before medical school. As an undergraduate, he conducted research at LSU’s Veterinary School, focusing on diabetes and sperm cell motility. He later worked in engineering and research roles for biotech and biopharmaceutical companies, with a focus on gene therapies. While that work highlighted the large-scale impact science can have, Nguyen found himself wanting a more direct human connection.

That desire ultimately reinforced his decision to pursue medicine, where research could inform care at both the individual and population levels. During medical school, his research interests continued to evolve. He gained experience in laboratory settings, worked with unique databases, and developed a strong interest in statistics and data analysis. Throughout his clinical years, Nguyen actively contributed to case reports, sharpening his clinical reasoning and his ability to discern patterns that guide evidence-based care.

When he arrived at �鶹ԭ��, Nguyen already knew that research would be central to his medical education. Encouraged by mentors and driven by curiosity, he sought out faculty connections and research opportunities early on. He credits �鶹ԭ��’s faculty for being approachable and supportive, whether helping students get started in a lab or guiding them toward topics aligned with their interests.

Nguyen points to several faculty mentors who played key roles in his development, including Randy Aldret, EdD; Michael Rommen, DO; and Matthew Overturf, PhD. Each provided guidance while allowing him the autonomy to lead projects and learn through experience. That balance helped him grow not only as a researcher but also as a future physician.

Nguyen’s research focuses on analyzing health and injury patterns using publicly available databases and clinical case studies. By identifying trends, his work aims to improve patient care, safety, recovery, and overall quality of life. Drawn to research with practical impact, he is expanding his focus towards physical medicine, seeking to advance outcomes for patients suffering injuries or functional impairments.

Among his most memorable research experiences at �鶹ԭ�� was an early project examining whether intima-media thickness in peripheral arteries, a measure of blood vessel wall thickness, was associated with coronary artery plaque burden, or the amount of fatty buildup present in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The project required long hours in the lab tediously working with cadaver blood vessels, which had to be preserved and embedded in paraffin wax for careful slicing and examination under a microscope. Nguyen recalls the process with humor. It produced plenty of wax shavings and messes along the way, creating what he called a “Louisiana snowstorm.” More meaningful to him, however, was leading and publishing a study on monkey bar injuries in the Journal of Osteopathic Pediatrics. The project was both challenging and rewarding, requiring adaptability, teamwork, and persistence in the face of unexpected obstacles.

Pursuing the DO with Research Distinction at �鶹ԭ��

Nguyen is pursuing the DO degree with Research Distinction, a pathway designed for students who want to integrate research into their medical education. The program allows students to develop skills in evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and scholarly writing while working closely with �鶹ԭ��’s clinical or biomedical faculty mentors. Through sustained research involvement, students gain comprehensive experience that prepares them for future roles in academic medicine, clinical practice, or research-focused careers.

For Nguyen, the program aligns perfectly with his goals. It provides a structured framework for pursuing meaningful research while reinforcing the principles of osteopathic medicine and patient-centered care.

Nguyen does not take lightly the honor of being named Student Researcher of the Year. He sees it as recognition not only of outcomes but also of persistence through the setbacks, revisions, and rejections that are part of the research process. The honor has strengthened his motivation to continue asking better questions and producing work that can make a difference.

Looking ahead, Nguyen hopes to incorporate research into a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation, focusing on clinical and outcomes-based projects that blend

osteopathic principles, movement, and individualized care. His advice to fellow students interested in research is straightforward: stay academically grounded, start early, collaborate, seek mentorship, and share your work through presentations and conferences.

Through curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to meaningful impact, Justin Nguyen exemplifies the spirit of research at �鶹ԭ��-Louisiana and the promise of physician-scientists in osteopathic medicine.

award Research

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Present Research at Keystone Symposia Conference

ebailey — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:13:59 +0000

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Present Research at Keystone Symposia Conference ebailey Thu, 02/12/2026 - 11:13

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Students Present Research at Keystone Symposia Conference

1770897600

Two �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas students are gaining national research experience while representing the College on an international stage.

Camila Pacocha and Shadika Panta, both members of the Class of 2028, recently presented their research at the Keystone Symposia Conference: Spotlight on the Cancer Cell. The prestigious conference brings together leading scientists and researchers to share advances in cancer biology and emerging discoveries shaping the future of treatment and understanding of the disease.

The students are conducting their ongoing research under the mentorship of Bidyut Mohanty, PhD, �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas discipline chair and associate professor for cell biology and physiology. Through his guidance, Camila and Shadika developed and presented their work among experts and innovators in the field.

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas dean Matthew Cannon, DO, praised both the students and their mentor.

“I am extremely proud of Dr. Mohanty’s leadership and his body of work in working with these two students, Camila and Shadika, on this research and the conference presentation,” said Dr. Cannon.

For Camila and Shadika, the conference offered more than just a platform to present—it provided a glimpse into the broader research community and the future of cancer science.

The conference was a fantastic experience for Shadika and me, and we learned so much. The research world is vast, and so many of the people we met and the talks we listened to had such profound ideas and data. We hope that we were good representatives for �鶹ԭ�� in the research world and are excited to see where it will go!

Camila Pacocha , �鶹ԭ��-Carolins Class of 2028

Their participation reflects �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas’ continued commitment to fostering research engagement and mentorship opportunities for students. By working alongside dedicated faculty leaders like Dr. Mohanty, students gain hands-on experience that strengthens their understanding of biomedical science and enhances their preparation for future clinical practice.

Congratulations to Camila, Shadika, and Dr. Mohanty on this outstanding achievement.

Research

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2026

ebailey — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:41:09 +0000

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2026 ebailey Wed, 11/26/2025 - 11:41

Auburn Research Recognition Day 2026

Tags: Research

Location: �鶹ԭ��-Auburn, 910 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832

VRRD is a significant event for �鶹ԭ�� 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

Registration begins at 8:00 AM, and the keynote speaker will begin at 9:00 AM CST. Lunch will be provided for attendees. The event will conclude by 3:00pm.

Keynote Speaker

Gary Piazza, PhD

Endowed Professor, W.W. Walker Professor
Department of Drug Discovery and Development
Director of Cancer Research Center at Harrison College of Pharmacy
Auburn University

Student Presentations

A limited number of students will be chosen by the Via Research Recognition Day Committee to deliver oral poster presentations highlighting exceptional research. These presentations will be featured as part of the afternoon agenda.

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

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form linked above by Friday, December 5th, 2025, 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 Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Posters will be due by January 15th, 2026, at 5pm CST.

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

All projects presented for Research Day must be approved by an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB), reviewed and determined to be exempt, or determined not to meet the regulatory definition of human subjects research.

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the �鶹ԭ�� 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 conflicts of interest related to the content of their presentations.

Campus: Auburn

When: February 6, 2026 8:00am to 3:00pm CST

Louisiana Research Day 2026

ebailey — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:06:25 +0000

Louisiana Research Day 2026 ebailey Tue, 10/28/2025 - 15:06

Louisiana Research Day 2026

Tags: Research

Location: �鶹ԭ��-Louisiana, 4408 Bon Aire Dr, Monroe, LA 71203

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (�鶹ԭ��) – Louisiana Campus will hold its Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 27, 2026. Research Day is a significant event for �鶹ԭ�� 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 12, 2026.

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

Via Research Day Agenda (PDF)

Program

Via Research Day Program (interactive publication)

Speaker

TBA

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 can be in the following categories: Biomedical Research, Clinical Research, Clinical Case Reports, Educational Research and Simulation Research.

Guidelines for Writing Research Abstracts for Posters (DOC)

Submit Your Abstract

Abstracts must be submitted electronically using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is Monday, January 12, 2026, 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.

�鶹ԭ�� 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-�鶹ԭ��-RD26)

Poster Submissions are due by Friday, February 6th, 2026, 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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

It is the policy of the �鶹ԭ�� 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: Louisiana

When: February 27, 2026 All day

Virginia Via Research Recognition Day 2026

ebailey — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:25:50 +0000

Virginia Via Research Recognition Day 2026 ebailey Fri, 10/17/2025 - 11:25

Virginia Via Research Recognition Day 2026

Tags: Research

Virginia Via Research Recognition Day: February 13, 2026

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Campus Building 2 (�鶹ԭ�� 2), 2280 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Location: �鶹ԭ�� 2 8:00am to 10:30am EST

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Main Campus Building, 2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Location: �鶹ԭ�� Main Building 11:00am to 2:00pm EST

Registration

Registration is FREE, but required. Registration opens on October 20, 2025, and the deadline to register is Friday, January 23, 2026.

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
Breakfast and lunch during the event

Registration is now closed

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

Agenda

Research Day Agenda (PDF)

Program

Via Research Day Program (Interactive Publication)

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 abstract submission form and a guide for writing research abstracts for posters are linked below. All posters will be on display during the event. In addition, the �鶹ԭ�� Research Recognition Day features an optional poster competition with distinct categories: Research by faculty members, residents and fellows, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the research disciplines of biomedical, clinical, education and simulation, and community and public health. In addition, there are two case report categories for residents and fellows, and medical students.

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 Monday, November 24, 2025, by 5 pm.

Abstract Form (PDF)

Guidelines for Writing Research Abstracts for Posters (PDF)

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 Monday, December 8, 2025.

�鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� Poster Printing Deadline (if in-person conference) is January 23, 2026, 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 13, 2026 8:00am to 2:00pm EST

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

ebailey — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:47:17 +0000

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities ebailey Tue, 10/14/2025 - 10:47

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

1760443200

�鶹ԭ��-Virginia Symposium Highlights Collaboration in Tackling Regional Health Disparities

On Sept.24, the �鶹ԭ��–Virginia hosted the inaugural event in its Community Outreach Research and Education (CORE) symposium series, “Expanding Holistic Health with Community Partnerships.” The symposium brought together healthcare providers, public officials, law enforcement, social service professionals, and community leaders to explore collaborative approaches to improving health outcomes across rural and underserved communities in Southwest Virginia.

The key to the symposium is osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on treating the whole patient. Health is impacted by a host of factors, including socioeconomic status, access to community support and transportation, stability of housing, food insecurity, and more. The work of the community partners who participated in the symposium is focused on many of these issues.

The event opened with remarks from Noelle Bissell, MD, director of the New River Valley Health District, whose presentation, “Our NRV Home and Community Impact,” set the tone for the day. Dr. Bissell emphasized that effective healthcare requires partnerships that extend beyond traditional medical settings. Physicians and community groups must meet people where they are—physically, culturally, and emotionally. She highlighted the importance of understanding how everyday circumstances affect health, investing in prevention, and creating lasting systems of support that help people make healthy decisions.

The keynote address was delivered by Michael R. Kramer, PhD, professor of social epidemiology and director of the Center for Rural Health at Mercer University School of Medicine. His work employs data visualization and spatial analysis tools to identify regions of greatest need and inform targeted interventions that reduce chronic and complex health conditions. In his address, Dr. Kramer discussed the importance of understanding how early life experiences and community conditions shape long-term health outcomes. The heart of the symposium, however, was the student research showcase. Second-year �鶹ԭ�� medical students presented findings from their period of service and group research projects conducted through the CORE Program, which connected students with 18 community-based organizations (CBOs) across Southwest Virginia. The student posters highlighted innovative, evidence-based approaches to pressing local challenges such as food insecurity, homelessness, trauma and addiction recovery, maternal and child health, fundraising, and access to care.

These projects not only provided valuable insights for community partners, but also fostered opportunities for collaboration among organizations working toward shared goals. As one student reflected, “Serving in the community has changed the way I see medicine—it’s not just about treating illness, it’s about being present and understanding people’s lives.”

The CORE Program—co-directed by Bernard Kadio, MD, PhD, MPH, �鶹ԭ��-Virginia’s chair of preventive medicine, and Jess Nicholson, MAT, MPH(c), �鶹ԭ��’s director of community outreach and public health—is part of �鶹ԭ��’s commitment to community-engaged learning. Each CORE team of students partners with a local organization to co-develop research questions, collect and analyze data, and translate findings into actionable solutions that will directly benefit the community.

This was the first year of the CORE model, part of �鶹ԭ��’s preventative medicine curriculum. In future years, new cohorts of student doctors will continue and expand upon the work of previous teams—creating sustained partnerships and long-term impact with the CBOs.

Reflecting on the day’s success, Nicholson shared, “Opportunities like this matter because they shape our students into the kind of physicians we all hope for: compassionate, community-minded, and aware of the bigger picture of health.”

Blacksburg councilman Liam Watson echoed the sentiment: “The symposium was fantastic—I only wish more people could have experienced it. I’m excited to share the incredible work being done by [�鶹ԭ��] students and these organizations.”

Through CORE, �鶹ԭ�� continues to strengthen its role as both an educational institution and a community partner—building bridges between medicine, public health, and local organizations to create healthier, more resilient communities.

View the students’ research

If you would like more information on the program, please visit /core.

outreach Research

Virginia

By Caroline Bennett -

Reimagining Chronic Pain Care: A Compassionate Approach to Healing

ebailey — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:48:12 +0000

Reimagining Chronic Pain Care: A Compassionate Approach to Healing ebailey Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:48

Reimagining Chronic Pain Care: A Compassionate Approach to Healing

1759147200

Chronic pain affects one in three people worldwide, disrupting work, sleep, relationships and mental well-being. For many individuals, traditional treatments fail to fully address such pain. To respond to this need, a group of researchers and clinicians at Auburn campus of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (�鶹ԭ��), known as the Pain Free Research Collaborative, are leading an innovative effort to rethink how chronic pain is understood and treated. The collaborative is led by William G. Pearson, Jr., PhD, discipline chair, and associate professor of anatomical sciences at �鶹ԭ��-Auburn. Their approach draws upon osteopathic principles and emerging neuroscience.

Beyond Pills and Protocols

Historically, chronic pain treatment has relied heavily on medications, including opioids, with varying levels of success and significant associated risks. While medications can provide short-term relief, they are not designed to address the complex interaction between mind, body, and lived experience that shapes how individuals cope with pain. Osteopathic philosophy emphasizes the body’s capacity for self-healing and the importance of treating the whole person. This framework may provide new ways of thinking about patient care in the context of chronic pain.

Researchers at �鶹ԭ�� are exploring a treatment path that integrates neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and lifestyle medicine. This approach, termed Compassionate Integration, brings together multiple specialties to address not only symptoms but also the root causes of pain. Instead of applying one-size-fits-all treatments, patients receive individualized support from a team that may include osteopathic physicians, psychologists, lifestyle coaches and neurologically informed practitioners.

A Pilot Study in Compassionate Integration

The Pain Free Research Collaborative is currently conducting a pilot longitudinal observational study. This preliminary research is an important first step toward larger clinical trials. The study follows patients over time to evaluate how the Compassionate Integration model influences pain, functional ability and overall well-being.

Participants are introduced to a range of non-pharmacological interventions. Some individuals receive osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and dry needling, which are hands-on therapies that address physical tension and structural imbalances. Others participate in autonomic recalibration, a neuroscience-based technique designed to calm the nervous system and reduce sympathetic overdrive. Counseling and pain education are also provided to help participants reframe maladaptive thoughts, process trauma and build resilience. Nutrition guidance and personalized lifestyle coaching further support long-term healing.

Each participant determines which interventions to engage in, and many choose multiple options. This flexibility mirrors real-world healing, where various approaches often interact to produce lasting outcomes.

The research team is particularly interested in how factors such as early-life trauma or pain-related beliefs affect an individual’s response to treatment. By examining these variables alongside clinical outcomes, the investigators aim to better understand why certain interventions are more effective for some patients than for others.

Looking Inside the Brain

A subset of participants in the pilot will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how chronic pain, and its treatment affects neural networks shaped by trauma and autonomic drivers of pain. Researchers are evaluating whether interventions such as autonomic recalibration can restore healthier patterns of brain connectivity and whether these neural changes correspond with meaningful reductions in pain. This work is conducted in collaboration with MRI specialists at Auburn University, under the guidance of Dr. Pearson.

Building Toward the Future

At the center of this research is a student–participant partnership model. Each participant is paired with a dedicated �鶹ԭ��-Auburn student who accompanies them throughout their care journey. Students provide a consistent point of contact, facilitate communication across disciplines, coordinate clinical visits and support participants in reflecting on their progress. For the students, this experience is formative in developing the habits and skills required to become compassionate physicians.

The pilot study is also laying the foundation for a larger, externally funded clinical trial utilizing an advanced research design known as a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART). Even at this early stage, the research is focused not merely on data collection but on producing meaningful improvements in participants’ lives.

Research

Auburn

By Brittany Lilla -

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2026

ebailey — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:32:40 +0000

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2026 ebailey Mon, 08/18/2025 - 09:32

Carolinas Via Research Recognition Day 2026

Tags: Research

Location: �鶹ԭ��-Carolinas, 350 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (�鶹ԭ��) – Carolinas Campus will hold its Twelfth Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 20, 2026. Research Day is a significant event for �鶹ԭ�� 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 but required for all participants, including students and poster presenters. Registration opens on November 10, 2025, and the deadline to register is February 2, 2026.

Hotel Accommodations

With registration for this event, you get:

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

Registration is now closed.

For any problems with registration, please email researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.

Agenda

Via Research Day Agenda (PDF)

Program

Via Research Day Program (interactive publication)

How do I participate?

Attendees are invited to submit their research abstract via the email below and, if accepted, will be invited to share their research during the poster session that will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026. Submission categories will include Biomedical Research, Clinical/Educational Research, and Case Reports.

Research Day Abstract Submission Form (PDF)

Research Day Abstract Guidelines (PDF)

Abstracts must follow all guidelines outlined in the link above to be considered for acceptance. Abstracts must be submitted electronically to researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is 12:00 noon on Monday, November 24. Please adhere to any additional deadlines set by your mentor.

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-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.

When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email. Three presentations from each category will be considered for a cash prize.

�鶹ԭ�� provides free poster printing for any participant with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.

Free �鶹ԭ�� Poster Printing Deadline is 5:00 PM, Monday, January 26, 2026.

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. Participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at �鶹ԭ�� and partner institutions will have an opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.

Who should attend?

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

Disclosure Statement

It is the policy of the �鶹ԭ�� 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: Carolinas

When: February 20, 2026 All day

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

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

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

�鶹ԭ��-Carolinas Celebrates Innovation and Discovery at Research Recognition Day 2025

1744200000

�鶹ԭ��-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 �鶹ԭ��’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 �鶹ԭ�� 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 �鶹ԭ��’s mission, fostering innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of better healthcare.

Research

Carolinas

By Lily Collins -