Touro California COM Represents at OMED 2023

Students and Alumni from the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine were supported by staff from Student Services and University Advancement during the conference.

A gala the night of Oct. 6 during OMED featured national recognition for Touro University California faculty member and Touro University System alumna Dr. Nicole Peña as the American Osteopathic Foundation's (AOF) National Emerging Leader award recipient.

Peña was previously named AOF's Emerging Leader for California. Touro University California alumna Dr. Shauna Raboteau, DO, MPH Class of 2015, was named AOF's Emerging Leader for Hawaii.

A pair of current TUC Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine candidates were also recognized: Student Doctor Jennifer S. Addleman received the AOF Golden Ticket Scholarship while Student Doctor Amrit S. Banga received the Sterling Welch, DO, Scholars Grant.

Touro DO Presents at Annual Conference

Dr. Robyn S. Young, DO Class of 2012, presented on behalf of the American Academy of Osteopathy. The topic of her two-hour presentation was "Promoting Resiliency Through Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine."

"I was asked by the American Academy of Osteopathy via the Florida Academy of Osteopathy to present my unique approach to patient care. Since I graduated from FP/NMM residency at Advent East Orlando in 2016, I have developed an approach based in osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine that allows me to impact patients meaningfully in short time increments," Young said. "My OMED lecture gave attendees a glimpse at the theory behind the approach and allowed time for demonstration and hands-on practice."

Young describes OMED as "an excellent medium for osteopathic physicians to share expertise and connect with each other."

"Perhaps one of the most useful aspects about OMED is that you can attend any of the many osteopathic college's lectures throughout the conference and earn valuable CME for this time," Young said.

Young, who lives in Orlando and practices in the area, visited the Touro University System's booth after her presentation and reflected on her time at Touro University California. She expressed her appreciation to her professors, particularly Dr. Walter Hartwig.

She will present her approach next on Jan. 12 at the Florida Academy of Osteopathy study group at Advent East Orlando.

The Significance of OMED

Dr. Joshua Lenchus, DO and OMED 2023 Program Chair, describes the conference as AOA's "premiere educational event," one that "showcases osteopathic medicine across multiple specialties" and is planned in conjunction with AOA specialty college affiliates.

"OMED is a high-profile national event and an osteopathic tradition that highlights our profession as part of the solution to today's health care challenges," Lenchus said in his invitation to those who planned to attend the conference.

Lenchus is a past president of both the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and of the Florida Medical Association, for which he is currently the immediate past president.

"One of the greatest benefits at the annual conference is the opportunity to connect with alumni, students, and colleagues," said Dr. Tami Hendriksz, DO Class of 2006, Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Touro University California, and Interim Chief Academic Officer for the University.

"It's a chance to foster meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and build a strong professional network," Hendriksz said. "Seeing familiar faces and meeting new people in the profession can be incredibly motivating and inspiring, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that is essential for the advancement of osteopathic medicine."

Dr. Joe "Hawkeye&" O'Saben, DO Class of 2003, said he regularly attends OMED as a way to attain required Continuing Medical Education credits and as a way to connect with colleagues across multiple specialties.

"It's convenient for me because I'm not locked into a specialty, so I can get to other groups that have something of interest," O'Saben said of OMED.

Touro Offers Booth at Professional Exhibit Hall

A large exhibit hall at the Disney World Dolphin Resort featured row upon row of booths from various pharmaceutical and health-related companies, as well as booths representing the growing number of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine across the country.

The Touro University System booth represented the system's five Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: one each in California and Nevada; two in New York, Middletown and Harlem; and the newest college in Great Falls, Montana, which this year is hosting its first class of students.

The True Purpose of OMED

Above all, OMED is an education conference for physicians. Continuing Medical Education sessions were scheduled throughout each day, to include pre-conference sessions. Specialized student tracks were also available.

These sessions are beneficial to both working osteopathic physicians and to students who are poised to enter the profession.

"The exchange of ideas and experiences among individuals at different stages of their careers can provide valuable insights and guidance, nurturing a vibrant and supportive ecosystem within the field," Hendriksz said.

All CME content remains available through Dec. 31 to those who registered for the conference. It's offered through the AOA conference's virtual platform.