Location: VCOM-Carolinas, 350 Howard Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) – Carolinas Campus will hold its Twelfth Annual Via Research Recognition Day on Friday, February 20, 2026. Research Day is a significant event for VCOM and supports the mission of the College to provide medical education and research that prepares globally minded, community-focused physicians and improves the health of those most in need.
Registration is FREE but required for all participants, including students and poster presenters. Registration opens on November 10, 2025, and the deadline to register is February 2, 2026.
With registration for this event, you get:
For any problems with registration, please email researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.
Attendees are invited to submit their research abstract via the email below and, if accepted, will be invited to share their research during the poster session that will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026. Submission categories will include Biomedical Research, Clinical/Educational Research, and Case Reports.
Research Day Abstract Submission Form (PDF)
Research Day Abstract Guidelines (PDF)
Abstracts must follow all guidelines outlined in the link above to be considered for acceptance. Abstracts must be submitted electronically to researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu using the Abstract Submission Form at the link above. The deadline for abstract submission is 12:00 noon on Monday, November 24. Please adhere to any additional deadlines set by your mentor.
In the interest of professionalism and fairness, no extensions for abstract submission will be granted.
For questions about abstract submissions or participation in the poster competition, please email the Research Day Committee at researchday-cc@carolinas.vcom.edu.
When an abstract is accepted, the submitting author will receive further instructions on poster submission via email. Three presentations from each category will be considered for a cash prize.
VCOM provides free poster printing for any participant with an accepted abstract. Details will be sent to submitting authors with the abstract acceptance email.
Free VCOM Poster Printing Deadline is 5:00 PM, Monday, January 26, 2026.
The Via Research Recognition Day is a forum for health professionals and scientists at academic institutions, teaching hospitals, and practice sites to present or benefit from new research innovations and programs intended to improve the health of all humans. By attending the oral presentations and poster sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge information in the physiological bases of osteopathic manipulative therapy efficacy, new trends in physician-based research networks, and how to develop innovative research projects with high impact for human health. Participants will also learn about the biomedical, clinical and educational research activities at VCOM and partner institutions will have an opportunity to identify new collaborative research opportunities.
Medical students, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, public health professionals, medical residents, other health professional students, and others interested in primary care issues and research.
It is the policy of the VCOM Medical Education Department to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its educational programs. All participating faculty are expected to disclose to the participants any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations.
Location: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Dress: Business casual attire
Graduates, Faculty, Stage Party, and Family Hooders arrive by 9:15
Location: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for first-year osteopathic medical students and signifies a commitment to the osteopathic profession and patient care. Immediate family can coat a student if they are a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and join them to help celebrate. It is a psychological contract that stresses the importance of compassionate care for the patient and professionalism and scientific proficiency. The ceremony symbolizes the trust between physician and patient, compassion, and the purity of the medical profession’s purpose.
Current Practice Location: West Africa
Other: Dr. Porter is currently working in West Africa where she is receiving training in obstetric fistula repair to help in her practice there. She works at a health center that specializes in caring for women with obstetric fistulas and people with leprosy. The center also provides obstetric care, child vaccinations and long term care for complicated wounds and burns. Dr. Porter’s passion is caring for vulnerable people and empowering them with education.
Personal: Dr. Porter enjoys a good run, experimenting in the kitchen, dancing, singing and telling people about the hope they can find in Jesus.
Advice for a student aspiring to study medicine: The road is long but worth it! Don’t forget why you started on the journey. Remind yourself often that it is a privilege to be a doctor and to receive the education necessary to care for people at their most vulnerable moments. Pray often. Laugh often. Don’t give up.
Advice from Dr. Porter
Fellowship: Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC
Advice for a student aspiring to study medicine: “Be enthusiastic and engaged. Be prepared for anything and ask insightful questions. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect. Even if you think something is not possible, better to try and fail than to never try and always wonder ‘what if?’. “
Advice from Dr. Parikh
Advice: To “Always study for the patient, not the examination.”
Personal: Dr. Beckman enjoys spending time with his dog, Maverick, watching Minor League Baseball, cooking, and practicing woodwork in his free time!
Check out the video below for advice from Dr. Beckman!
Find out how we are inspired to make a difference in our communities and beyond.
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