The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is establishing a Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute to integrate ethical, innovative and patient-centered AI into medical education, research and clinical practice with support of a $4.99 million grant from the Department of Education. "The development of the Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute represents an exciting next step in SHSU-COM's growth as a leader in biomedical research and applied sciences," said Thomas J. Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM.

A ranking of the medical schools in the US and Canada whose research output grew the fastest from 2000 to 2024 includes nine colleges of osteopathic medicine in the top 50. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine was No. 2 on the list. Also in the top 50 were the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University.

The Texas Rural Health Association at the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine brought together students, educators and health care leaders to focus on practical ways to support and maintain health care for residents in rural areas. "This is an opportunity to bring people together who are doing important work for rural communities across the state," said Courtney West, PhD, senior associate dean at SHSU-COM and TRHA board president. Read more.

The Student National Medical Association hosted a Medical Student for a Day program at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine's Athens campus, giving about 25 pre-med students an introduction to osteopathic medicine and the philosophy behind it. Students participated in hands-on labs and a mock interview.

Physical activity is crucial for health, with sedentary lifestyles increasing risks of death and disease, writes Shane Speights, DO, dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University. Studies show sitting six to eight hours daily raises the risk of death by 16% and the risk of cardiovascular disease by 34%. Speights recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, with 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily.

This year's Educating Leaders 2026, the AACOM Annual Conference, will culminate with "All In! The Vegas Pitch Showdown," a competitive session of four innovative pitches from our community in front of a panel of judges, the "High Rollers." All four finalists will receive prize money to bring their idea to life, and the winning pitch will receive up to $30,000 to support its implementation! To participate, pitch your next big idea to us by December 15, 2025.

AACOM, in partnership with the University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, recently welcomed the second cohort of the AACOM Graduate Medical Education Development Fellowship. "The continued growth of the osteopathic profession depends on our ability to expand GME opportunities across the country," said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO.

You'll also read about PCOM's national teaching award, UNT Health-TCOM's WHO collaboration and WVSOM's new board appointment. Read more.