Students and alumni from across VCOM’s four campuses earned national recognition at OMED 2026, the American Osteopathic Association's annual conference, receiving prestigious scholarships, leadership honors, and awards recognizing their commitment to service and the osteopathic medical profession.
Four VCOM students received the William G. Anderson Minority Scholarship, a $10,000 award recognizing students pursuing careers in osteopathic medicine. Robin Lewis, VCOM-Auburn ’28, and Ebube Okpechukwu, VCOM-Auburn ’28, joined Oyindamola Esther Adebayo, VCOM-Virginia ’28, and Elijah Akinade, VCOM-Virginia ’29, among the 25 national recipients.
Two other students earned scholarships awarded to only one recipient nationally each year: Creed Mainz, VCOM-Virginia ’28, received the $10,000 AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Scholarship, while Lane Methvin, VCOM-Carolinas ’30, received the $5,000 First Generation Student Scholarship, which supports an osteopathic medical student who is the first in their immediate family to graduate from a postsecondary institution.
Cara Satoskar, VCOM-Virginia ’28, was also selected as one of six finalists for the Golden Ticket award, earning a $5,000 award. According to the AOF, “Golden Ticket Scholarships recognize those who, despite financial obstacles, have achieved academic excellence, display exemplary leadership, give of themselves through volunteer/community activities, and embody Osteopathic tenets and philosophy.”
Unsurprisingly, given the College’s commitment to international outreach, VCOM students were particularly well represented among recipients of the Rossnick International Outreach Travel Grant, receiving more than one-fifth of the awards. The grants provide up to $1,500 to support international outreach experiences.
Three VCOM alumni received recognition for their professional achievements and leadership in osteopathic medicine. Evan Bischoff, VCOM-Virginia ’24, who is completing his family medicine residency at Henry Ford Health, received the Outstanding Resident of the Year award in family medicine. Two additional alumni were recognized as State Emerging Leaders: Nigel Jagoo, VCOM-Auburn ’21, an internal medicine physician affiliated with CHI St. Anthony Hospital, and Michaela Miller, VCOM-Virginia ’21, a family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment physician affiliated with UVA Community Health.
All four VCOM campuses were also represented among recipients of the Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award, which recognizes the contributions and support of spouses and partners of osteopathic medical students.
The VCOM-Carolinas chapter of Inclusive Healthcare at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine was honored with 2026 MOSAIC Award presented by the American Osteopathic Association. The MOSAIC Award is given to an organization that "has proven exemplary leadership and a sustained commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful and collaborative osteopathic community, while expanding opportunities for engagement, professional growth and service across the profession."
Together, the honors received at OMED 2026 reflect the dedication of VCOM students and alumni to leadership, service and excellence in osteopathic medicine.