Student Updates

The OOA works with many Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) students, particularly Student Government Association (SGA) leadership. SGA presidents from each campus—Athens, Cleveland, and Dublin—are invited to OOA Board meetings and are allotted time on the agenda to report on campus activities. These students also represent the OOA at the AOA House of Delegates meeting.

ATHENS
2024-2025 SGA President
Athens Campus
AMISHA SAINI

As I reflect on the 2024-2025 academic year on our Athens campus, it’s incredible to see how much our students, faculty, and staff have accomplished in just over half a year. I am deeply grateful to lead and represent such hardworking and dedicated students who embody the holistic pillars of health and wellness every day. Their commitment to these values elevates not only their personal growth but also their contributions to the community. This year has been filled with remarkable growth and resilience, both on campus and within the Athens community. 

A standout initiative has been the partnership between Ohio Women in Medicine (OWIM) and a local elementary school. Over the past two years, OWIM has engaged youth groups in important conversations about body image, STEM careers, and other key topics. This program has sparked curiosity and excitement about science and medicine, motivating young minds to explore these fields and pursue their futures with confidence. Another impactful effort is Operation Health Literacy, which continues to educate incarcerated populations on health topics like depression, anxiety, addiction, and diabetes. The program has been exceptionally well-received, with many participants eager to deepen their knowledge in preparation for reintegration into society. This initiative emphasizes the importance of health education for all, regardless of background, and helps break down barriers to healthcare access.

In addition to these community outreach efforts, we celebrated the success of the OU-HCOM Golf Charity, organized by OMS-IIs Grant Johnson and Andrew Devine. This event raised funds for both Dean Schriner and the American Cancer Society, bringing together students and faculty for a day of fun and philanthropy. It was a shining example of our students’ leadership and commitment to causes that benefit both our immediate and broader community.

I’d like to also highlight the collaboration between the Association of Women Surgeons and the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association in co-hosting the National Marrow Donor Program Cheek Swab Event back in November. This event provided an opportunity for students and community members to join the national registry and potentially save lives.

We also celebrate the achievement of Sumedha Kappagantula, OMS-II, who presented her research at the 2024 American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) conference. Her project, 3D Bioprinting of a Microphysiological Model of Breast Cancer, earned her second place in the student original research competition. Sumedha’s success highlights the innovative work being done by our students in osteopathic medicine, and I look forward to more student-driven innovation with the completion of our new translational research building.

On a lighter note, we’ve seen the rise of our first-ever interest group, the Running Club, started by OMS-II Alexis Neri, which brings together first- and second-year medical students for regular runs. This group fosters connections, promotes physical wellness, and provides a fun way for students to de-stress. Executive Dean Johnson has even joined the students for a run or two, reinforcing the importance of balance and wellness in our busy lives.

Finally, our student-led Care Clinic continues to provide free primary care to those in need, advancing both student education and community service. We’ve already logged 7,623.9 volunteer hours on the Athens campus, surpassing this time last year, which reflects our students’ growing engagement in community service. This year has been a true reflection of the passion, resilience, and leadership of our OU-HCOM community. As I look ahead, I am excited about the upcoming DO Day of Service and the start of clinical rotations. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

CLEVELAND
2024-2025 SGA President
Cleveland Campus
MURATHAN KAHYAOGLU

The 2024-2025 academic year at OU-HCOM Cleveland campus was marked by achievements in student advocacy, community outreach, and advancing the osteopathic profession. As Student Government Association President, I am proud to report on the tireless efforts of our student leaders in enhancing the medical school experience and serving the greater Cleveland area.

The Cleveland SGA advocated for our student body at multiple levels. We collaborated with campus administration to address concerns, from clarifying insurance coverage to enhancing mentorship opportunities. I represented the Ohio Osteopathic Association at the AOA House of Delegates, co-authoring and helping pass a resolution on the safety of healthcare workers in conflict areas.

OU-HCOM Cleveland students demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our local community. Doctors on the Streets (DOTS) provided free healthcare to unhoused individuals. The Lifestyle Medicine Club expanded their community garden with Cleveland Clinic South Pointe, supplying fresh produce to the hospital’s food pantry. Our Pediatrics Club held their annual Trunk or Treat event, engaging over 800 children and bringing the Warrensville Heights community together.

The SGA Director of Community Outreach provided students with engagement opportunities through the TOUCH Newsletter. They are organizing Cleveland’s DO Day of Service and a school supply drive with the Pediatrics Club. The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and SGA Inclusion Officer led efforts to promote diversity through the Aspiring D.O.ctors program, outreach of our Early Assurance Program to all high schools, a pre-exam study hall, a scholarship fundraiser, and student interview panels.

Our SGA Director of Wellness organized events to support mental health and foster community. Students raised over $3,000 for Doctors Without Borders. The Cleveland Academy of Osteopathic Medicine hosted its annual “A Conversation with Women in Medicine” to connect with mentors and celebrated its 60th anniversary with a conference featuring student research presentations.

A $70 million gift from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation to OU-HCOM will expand scholarships and fund research. This partnership launches Vision 2035 to minimize student debt and expand translational research.

As we get ready to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the OU-HCOM Cleveland campus, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication of our SGA officers and the entire Cleveland student body. Their commitment to serving our community, advocating for change, and shaping the future of healthcare has been truly inspirational. This milestone year has provided an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a campus and the immeasurable impact our students and alumni have had on the communities we serve. As we look ahead, I am confident that the groundwork laid this year and the transformative partnerships forged will have a lasting positive impact on our campus, our profession, and the patients we serve.

To my fellow student leaders and the Cleveland student body, thank you for your hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Together, we have accomplished so much, and I know that the future of osteopathic medicine in Northeast Ohio is brighter than ever. As we continue to advocate and innovate, let us never lose sight of our goal: to improve the lives and health of the communities we serve.

DUBLIN
2024-2025 SGA President
Dublin Campus
JIMMY APPLEGATE

It is awe-inspiring to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (OU-HCOM) Dublin campus! We kicked off this milestone year in August with a celebratory campus picnic attended by university, college, and local partners, as well as the Class of 2028 Dublin cohort. The evening culminated in the dedication of three rose bushes honoring our only campus dean, Dr. Bill Burke, DO ’88. The rose bushes symbolize “380 blooms,” representing the 380 graduates of the Dublin campus since its inaugural class of 2018.

Another decade-long achievement is the Dublin Medical Academy, a weeklong program for rising high school seniors that immerses participants in “a day in the life” of a medical student. Over its 10 years, the program has hosted 500 students from 106 Ohio high schools, with eight alumni matriculating to OU-HCOM. Best of all, this life-changing experience is offered free of charge to all participants.

This year, we were proud to launch BeCOMe U, a groundbreaking pathway program created by our admissions team. BeCOMe U engages middle school students from underrepresented populations in grades 7 and 8 through regular Saturday sessions held on Dublin’s campus and at OhioHealth’s Doctors Hospital.

Our Emergency Medicine Club is also preparing for one of our largest student-led events—its 9th annual “Disaster Day.” This hands-on event trains students in disaster preparedness by teaching them how to approach, manage, and coordinate mass casualty triage through a combination of lectures and active simulations.

The Student Government Association (SGA) has been hard at work completing initiatives and advocating for the Dublin student body. Notable projects include assisting with the development of a new clinic in the Hilltop area, establishing a calming “Reboot Room” on campus, and laying the groundwork for a mentorship program within HCOM, which we hope to launch for future classes. On the advocacy front, our SGA Vice President and I virtually attended AACOM Advocacy Day, uniting with other campuses to ensure a strong, unified presence for HCOM. Our SGA VP also plans to represent HCOM at DO Day on the Hill in March.

Lastly, I want to express immense pride in our students and deep appreciation for our administration. The 2024-2025 academic year brought curriculum changes aimed at reducing stress and decompressing schedules. Students have embraced these changes, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide feedback, and we commend our administration, faculty, and staff for advocating on our behalf and actively collaborating with student leaders to resolve challenges, big or small.

As I reflect on all that we’ve accomplished this year, I am excited for the future of OU-HCOM, its students, and the Dublin campus. Here’s to the next decade of growth and achievement!