Join us for the 11th Annual VCOM Research Retreat!
The VCOM Research Department is thrilled to host the 11th Annual Research Retreat at the Louisiana campus in Monroe, LA, from November 14–16, 2025. This year’s retreat builds on our tradition of showcasing VCOM’s vibrant research community while strengthening collaborations across campuses and with our surrounding region.
The retreat offers a unique platform for faculty to:
- Explore Resources: Learn about the extensive research support available at VCOM.
- Forge Connections: Network with colleagues across VCOM campuses and disciplines, sparking exciting collaborative opportunities.
- Showcase Expertise: Share your ongoing research through presentation sessions designed to spark stimulating discussions with fellow researchers and clinicians.
This retreat is a prime opportunity for all VCOM faculty to contribute to VCOM’s flourishing research landscape and play a vital role in shaping our collective scientific impact.
📍 Accommodations: All attendees will stay at The Hotel Monroe.
📌 Mark Your Calendars and Stay Tuned!
We look forward to welcoming you to Monroe in November for an energizing exchange of ideas and collaboration. More details, including agenda and registration information, will follow soon.
NOTE: CME Credit will be provided for Physicians
Complimentary shuttle service will be provided by JPS Executive Transportation throughout the weekend between the hotels and event venues.
Friday, November 14 – Reception at Hotel Monroe
- Shuttle service will run 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Continuous loop between Hampton Inn & Suites and Hotel Monroe
Saturday, November 15 – Research Retreat at VCOM Louisiana
- Morning shuttle pick-up from Hotel Monroe → VCOM: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
- Morning shuttle pick-up from Hampton Inn & Suites → VCOM: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
- Afternoon return from VCOM → Hotel Monroe: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Return from VCOM → Hampton Inn & Suites: 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm (for those not attending the poster reception)
- Poster Reception shuttle loop: VCOM ↔ Hotel Monroe ↔ Hampton Inn & Suites, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday, November 16 – Research Retreat at VCOM Louisiana
- Morning shuttle pick-up from Hotel Monroe → VCOM: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
- Morning shuttle pick-up from Hampton Inn & Suites → VCOM: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
Should you need additional assistance, please contact Jason at 318-732-4945.
Please review the details below to help us coordinate travel and airport transfers as smoothly as possible. For any flight-related questions, please contact Collegiate Travel Partners (CTP) using the information below:
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, please call CTP as soon as possible:
- During business hours call 888-862-3120 and identify yourself with the meeting name (VCOM Research Retreat), your name, and your airline information.
CTP business hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Central and 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern
You may also contact CTP via email: groups@ctptravelservices.com (note email is not monitored after business hours) - If assistance is needed after business hours, please call CTP’s after-hours assistance line at 833-997-1935.
CTP personnel assigned to VCOM will be available to assist with any booking issues during after-hours operations.
If you need to make changes to your flight:
- If you need to modify your travel, please contact CTP directly to make those changes.
- Do not make changes through the airline on your own, as CTP will not receive notice of your updated itinerary and may not be able to coordinate your shuttle pickup.
- If you have already changed your itinerary, please contact CTP as soon as possible during business hours see phone number and email address above.
During CTP business hours, you can also contact our CTP representatives: Shirley Rodriguez-Morales, Shirley.Rodriguez@ctptravelservices.com, and Kathy Ward, kathy.ward@ctptravelservices.com. Please also consider downloading the Delta or American Airlines apps, sign up for text updates if available, and allow extra time for your travel if needed.
Note that all flight arrangements and changes must be handled directly through Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP). The VCOM Research staff does not have access to the booking system and is unable to view, modify, or coordinate individual flight itineraries.
Shuttle service has been arranged for those flying into Monroe Regional Airport (MLU). iShuttle will transport attendees from the airport to their hotel upon arrival and will provide return transportation from VCOM Louisiana to the airport following the retreat on Sunday, November 16.
The shuttle will be waiting just outside the airport main doors. Once you have collected any checked bags, please proceed to the exit. The bus will be black and marked “iShuttle” on the side. The airport is small, so there will be no issues with locating the shuttle. The driver will also have a list of passengers.
Please plan to check out of your hotel before departing for sessions on Sunday. A secure space will be available at VCOM Louisiana for luggage storage during the day.
No advance sign-up is required; service will be coordinated based on flight arrival and departure times shared through Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP). Please note that iShuttle will monitor flight times and will be aware of any delays. However, they will only be notified if CTP is aware of any changes or cancellations to your flight or if you contact iShuttle directly.
For assistance during travel, please contact iShuttle’s 24-hour dispatch at 318-603-9100.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME(TM)) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Hours:
9.25 credit hours are available.
Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Resolution:
All conflicts of interest of any individual(s) in a position to control the content of this CME activity will be identified and resolved prior to this educational activity being provided. Disclosure about provider and faculty relationships, or the lack thereof, will be provided to learners.
Attestation Information:
For those earning CME credits, please visit the links below to complete your attestation and evaluation of the CME-accredited activities.
CME presenter evaluation form: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVBnOZ7fFf
AOA form for DO credit: https://form.jotform.com/253154780804054
ACCME form for MD, PharmD, and other healthcare professionals: https://form.jotform.com/253154914921154
Note: The CME Attestation Form must be completed by December 16, 2025.