From national student awards to research recognition and leadership appointments, the 2026 Annual Clinical Conference of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) became a showcase for VCOM’s growing influence in osteopathic sports medicine — culminating in the election of VCOM-Virginia discipline chair Mark Rogers, DO, CAQSM, FAAFP, FAOASM, as AOASM president.
One of the driving forces behind the conference was Christina Wong, DO, FAOASM, a 2017 VCOM-Virginia sports medicine fellowship alumna, who played a significant role on the meeting planning committee. Her contributions reflected the growing leadership presence of VCOM-trained physicians within the AOASM organization.
The conference also highlighted the achievements of the VCOM-Virginia Sports Medicine Club as they earned the Student Altruistic Chapter of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.
Research excellence stood at the forefront throughout the meeting, with multiple current fellows, alumni, and faculty members presenting research.
Current VCOM-Virginia sports medicine fellow Andrew Krueger, DO, ATC, presented the poster, “Curveball at L5-S1: Rapid Lumbar Discal Cystogenesis in a Collegiate Baseball Player,” which earned First Place in the Best Case Report Poster competition. The project included contributions from VCOM medical student Dom Riccione ’28; Jon Carmouche, MD, of Carilion Clinic Orthopedics; and Dr. Rogers.
in addition to another 6 posters presented by VCOM Virginia students and fellows, current fellow Kyle Hopkins, DO, delivered a podium case presentation, “Elbowing the Way to the Front of the Face: A Case Report Involving a Rare Presentation of Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid Fracture,” co-authored with Maddie Dobscha, ATC; Jennifer Nelson, MD; Matt Chung, DO; and Mary Mitchell, DO, all of whom support the VCOM-Virginia sports medicine program.
Another podium presentation was delivered by Jash Patel ‘29, who presented “A Peculiar Case of Persistent Left Foot Pain in a Division I Collegiate Sprinter.” Additional authors included Brett Brodsky, DO; J. Randy Clements, DPM; Dr. Rogers; Destini Cruse, ATC; Jen Walker, ATC; and Dr. Mitchell.
VCOM-Virginia fellowship alumni also contributed as featured speakers. Kevin Valvano, DO, FAOASM, a 2017 VCOM-Virginia fellowship graduate, presented “The Industrial Athlete: Understanding the Game,” while Jen Trpkovski, DO, FAOASM, a 2014 VCOM-Virginia fellowship alumna, discussed “Genicular Artery Embolization and Other Non-Op Procedures for Knee Osteoarthritis.”
The conference also featured educational sessions led by VCOM-Virginia faculty. Del Bolin, MD, PhD, professor of family medicine, osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, and sports medicine participated in the prestigious ACSM Exchange Lecture program and delivered the Allen Jacobs Memorial Lecture titled, “The Agony of ‘De Feet’: Biomechanical Contributions of the Foot to Lower Extremity Dysfunctions and Running Injuries.”
Preconference workshops also showcased the expertise of the VCOM-Virginia faculty. Dr. Rogers led the “Sports Medicine Osteopathic CAQ Board Review” course, while Al Kozar, DO, FAOASM, RMSK, and Dr. Chung, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMS conducted the musculoskeletal ultrasound workshop, “Ultrasonography of Fasciae and Common Pathologies: The Game Changer.” Dr. Kozar also presented a breakout session titled “Functional Biotensegrity: Clinical Assessment of Fascial Regions that Will Change Your Diagnostic & Therapeutic Paradigms.”
Beyond presentations showcasing VCOM’s research and academic excellence, members of the VCOM sports medicine community were recognized in other ways as well. VCOM-Virginia fellowship alumni Bode Agaja, DO; Dave Leslie, DO; and Lauren Leslie, DO, were each honored with the prestigious FAOASM Award of Fellow distinction. The designation recognizes exceptional experience, service, leadership, and contributions to the advancement of sports medicine.
The most significant moment for the program came with the election of Dr. Rogers as president of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. His appointment represents a milestone for the VCOM sports medicine program, whose national influence and leadership continue to expand within the osteopathic sports medicine community.
Throughout the conference, Catherine Spennachio, program coordinator for the Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, joined current and former fellows at the Fellowship Fair to recruit future sports medicine physicians and share the program’s mission with prospective applicants.
By the end of the conference, one message was unmistakably clear: the VCOM-Virginia Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is shaping the future of osteopathic sports medicine through excellence in education, research, mentorship, and national leadership. The 2026 AOASM Annual Clinical Conference served not only as a celebration of accomplishments, but also as a powerful reflection of the program’s growing influence on the profession.
Further conference notes: Stephanie Aldret, DO, current discipline chair and associate professor for family medicine, Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, and Sports Medicine at VCOM-Louisiana, was named secretary/treasurer of the AOASM Board of Directors Executive Committee and the VCOM-Louisiana Sports Medicine Club captured its first National Chapter of the Year honor.