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01/28/2015
AT THE COLLEGES
Scholl Faculty Publishes Study on Custom Balance AFOs
Older adults may be able to avoid falls due to balance instability by wearing custom-made ankle foot orthoses, according to a study conducted at the Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL, home to the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. The study, published December 2014 in the journal Clinical Biomechanics and reported this month by O&P Business News, saw improved balance and stabilization in subjects, age 65 and older, who were provided custom-made AFOs (Moore Balance Brace, Arizona AFO) developed by podiatric physician Jonathan Moore, DPM, MS.
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(L-R) Adam Fleischer, DPM, MPH; Ryan Crews, MS; Jacquelyn Ortiz, CCRP; and Sai Yalla, PhD. |
“This was an initial evaluation at initial presentation of the device,” said Ryan Crews, MS, CCRP who, along with fellow CLEAR researcher and assistant professor Sai Vikas Yalla, PhD, led the study. “We definitely saw improvements in balance and stability, which ultimately could lead to a reduction in falls due to [participants] being more stable,” Crews said. The study showed improvement in all balance-related assessments. Adam Fleischer, DPM, MPH, associate professor in Scholl College’s Department of Podiatric Medicine and Radiology, co-authored the journal publication.
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06/11/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM Students Team up with Yale-New Haven Residency Program at Fit Feet
This past weekend, New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University (NYCPM) students Nabeal Nassar, Jasmine Shakih and Chris Richter teamed up with Yale New Haven's Podiatric Surgery Residency program to volunteer at the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes – Fit Feet program, where they conducted podiatric screenings for athletes, including evaluation of the ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and proper footwear.
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(L-R) Nabeal Nassar, Jasmine Shakih, Dr. Will Stallings, and Chris Richter |
Will Stallings, DPM, NYCPM Alum and a podiatry resident at Yale-New Haven said, "Events like Fit Feet with the Special Olympics provide an opportunity to promote foot health, injury prevention, and overall wellness while giving back to the community. This collaboration between the Yale Podiatric Surgery Residency, NYCPM at Touro, and the Special Olympics highlights the impact that can be made when institutions work together in service of others." Peter Blume, DPM, Yale-New Haven's podiatric residency director and Kurt Rode, DPM from Hartford, CT also participated with the team.
06/10/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 1
Manhattan Borough President Visits NYCPM Touro
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal recently toured the Foot Clinic of New York (FCNY) at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University (NYCPM), gaining a firsthand look at the clinic's essential role in delivering foot and ankle care to some of Manhattan's most medically underserved communities.
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(L-R) Drs. Loretta Logan and Alan Kadish; Arthur Goldstein, Dr. Mike Trepal, and Brad Hollyhman-Sigal |
The tour was led by Touro University President Alan Kadish, MD, and NYCPM Dean Michael Trepal, DPM, alongside other senior Touro and NYCPM leadership. The visit was part of the clinic's effort to secure a grant from the Manhattan Borough President's office to acquire needed clinical equipment – an investment that would expand the FCNY's capacity to serve patients while strengthening the training experience for the next generation of podiatric physicians.
06/01/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
WesternU CPM Holds 2026 Commencement
Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) celebrated 34 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 20, 2026, in Pomona, California. Each graduate received a diploma from WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, and CPM Acting Dean Jacqueline Truong, DPM, MPH, and then shared the stage with loved ones, who placed the academic hood on their shoulders.
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The WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2026 (Jeff Malet, WesternU) |
CPM graduate Jeremy Andrus Skelton, DPM ’26, was selected by his classmates to speak at the ceremony. He thanked the CPM and College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific faculty for their guidance, mentorship, and patience. He also thanked the parents, spouses, friends and family who supported them throughout this journey.
Source: Rodney Tanaka, WesternU News [5/28/26]
05/20/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM/Touro Student Researchers Win Prizes in Two Poster Competitions
To kick off Senior Skills Week, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University (NYCPM) held its annual research day poster competition. Scott Malay, DPM and his team were on hand to listen to the students' presentations and to judge their posters. This year's first place winner was for the poster entitled the "Prevalence of Superstructural Deformities in Pediatric Pes Planovalgus". The students of the winning team will share the $1,500 award, and it will be applied as a tuition credit to their accounts, provided by the Queens Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association.
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Top (L-R) Dr. R, Scott Malay, Marijana Spralija, Dr. Russell Volpe, and Jun Seok Cha, Bottom (L-R) Xiaoriya De and Michelle Yang |
According to Russell Volpe, DPM, NYCPM faculty sponsor for the winning team,"This annual event is a culmination in the research activities and education that NYCPM students receive during their first three years. These students worked very hard on important research on the prevalence of torsional deformities in pediatric acquired flat foot." This group then went to the Kaiser Permanente Student Poster Challenge in San Francisco this past weekend and won second place with the same poster.
05/19/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
Mock Malpractice Trial Held at NYCPM/Touro
As part of its Senior Week programming for the Class of 2026, NYCPM/Touro University, PICA ProAssurance, and Feldman-Kieffer organized a full-day mock podiatric medical malpractice trial. The trial was based on a real malpractice lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleged that a routine bunion surgery resulted in overcorrection and hallux varus. Subsequent surgeries followed, with the ultimately devastating outcome of a hallux amputation.
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Dr. Anthony Jabra |
The roles were played by:
Judge: Professor Joan Foley from Touro University Law School
Defendant Doctor: Anthony Jabra, DPM
Plaintiff: Professional Standardized Patient Actress Melissa Canady
Defense Expert: Michael Trepal, DPM
Plaintiff’s Expert: Kevin Jules, DPM
Defense Attorney: Al Anthony Mercado, Esq.
Plaintiff’s Attorney: Neil Kornfeld, Esq.
Source: NYSPMA President's News & Update [5/14/26]
05/18/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 2
FL Podiatrist Delivers BUSPM Commencement Address
Chet Evans, DPM recently delivered the Commencement Address to the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine's graduating Class of 2026. Dr. Evans said, "I spent nearly a third of my life at Barry University; it was a thrill and an honor to be invited to address this graduating class. It was a true homecoming for me."
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Dr. Chet Evans |
Dr. Evans was the Dean and VP for Medical Affairs at Barry University for nearly 23 years.
05/18/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 1
NYCPM Holds Senior Life Skills Symposium for Graduating Students
The New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University (NYCPM) wrapped up its Senior Week of activities including community service, senior skills day, and holding a mock trial based on a podiatry malpractice suit. The agenda for the Life Skills Symposium was lectures on important topics that residents will need to know and become familiar with including the current health care environment, medical malpractice, medical staff credentialing, HIPAA, regulatory and ethical issues for residents, state licensing boards/applying for your license, mental health/burnout, health insurance, and board certification. The event was sponsored by PICA, Kerecis, and the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA).
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Dr. Michael Trepal |
According to Mike Trepal, DPM, VP of Academic Affairs and Dean of NYCPM who presided over the Symposium, "Graduating students will face all of these issues and more during their residencies and podiatry careers so the Senior Week activities, including the Skills Symposium, is timed just prior to them entering their residencies. Other podiatric speakers included Luke Cicchinelli, DPM, Scott Malay, DPM, Scott Gawlik, DPM, Khurram Khan, DPM, Allen Jacobs, DPM, and Charles Lombardi, DPM. Other speakers included Matt Feldman, JD, Esq from Feldman Kieffer, Melanie Love, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, John Pellicone, MD, Arthur Klein, MD. and Stephanie Maes, Executive Secretary of the New York State Board for Podiatry.
05/14/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
DMU and UNE Announce Partnership to Expand Pathways to Podiatric Medicine
Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences and the University of New England (UNE), a private university in Maine, have entered into a new partnership that expands pathways for UNE students pursuing careers in health sciences. Through this agreement, students enrolled in UNE's College of Professional Studies Online Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health and Master of Biomedical Science programs will have the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at DMU.
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Dr. Kevin Smith |
As of April 1, eligible UNE students who meet established academic benchmarks will receive a guaranteed interview opportunity with the DPM program at DMU." This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing clear, supportive pathways for students who aspire to become healthcare leaders," says Kevin Smith DPM, dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at DMU.
Source: Denise Lamphier, River City Reader [5/11/26]
05/08/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM Students Participate in Special Olympics Long Island Spring Games
On May 2nd, the Special Olympics Long Island Spring Games were held in Massapequa. Third-year students from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University, guided by NYCPM alumni Craig Herman, DPM, Clinical Director of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Fit Feet screening program, and member of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association participated in a series of foot screening tasks.
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(L-R) NYCPM Class of '27 students Akshdeep Singh, Ritu Patel, Steven Cofresi, Dr. Craig Herman , Daniel Shamas, Jesus Fernandez, and Joseph Palladino). |
As volunteers, the students performed lower extremity physicals, biomechanical exams, gait exams, and shoe/sock evaluations for Special Olympics athletes. According to Dr Herman, "The screenings provide a great opportunity for students to evaluate and communicate with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and I couldn't do these types of events without their help and assistance which we do about three times per year."
04/30/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
UTRGV Podiatric Clinic Combats Diabetic Foot Complications
Doctors at the UTRGV Podiatric Clinic in Harlingen say the goal is simple: keep patients healthy and active and out of the operating room. The podiatric clinic in Harlingen opened about three years ago and treats patients from across the Rio Grande Valley. "We are constantly educating them in their office visits about how to better take care of their feet, how to keep them walking longer, and how to keep them healthy," podiatrist Tyreen Heybeck, DPM said.
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Dr. Tyreen Heybeck |
"Diabetes is one of the main reasons why the school was founded in the Valley and why the clinic was opened," Dr. Heybeck said. One common condition treated at the clinic is peripheral neuropathy, which is when patients lose sensation in their feet because of damaged nerves caused by high glucose levels. Heybeck says daily habits can help prevent complications. She recommends using a mirror to check your feet, wearing white socks to spot bleeding, and avoiding walking barefoot.
Source: Lauren Lucero, KRGV News [4/27/26]
04/29/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 2
NYCPM Students Participate on Boston Marathon Medical Team
On Monday 4/20/26, nine junior students from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) at Touro University participated as part of the medical team at the 2026 Boston Marathon. Overseen by Jonathan Kaplan, DPM (Boston Marathon Chief Podiatrist), the students treated muscle cramps, subungual hematomas, a plantar fascial rupture, exertional fatigue, exertional heat stroke, and other conditions.
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Back (L-R): Abdul Shehata, Omar Hajjar, Charise Culver Front (L-R) Andrew Mikhail, Daniel Kramer, Miranda Bogdanowicz, Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, Christopher Ritcher, and Bahgat Hanna |
Loretta Logan, DPM (Chair of Orthopedics & Pediatrics) stated, "The students enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from Dr. Kaplan and the rest of the podiatry crew at the marathon."
04/29/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 1
UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine to Graduate Inaugural Class
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine (SOPM) will graduate its first class. The school is the first in Texas and one of only 11 in the nation. Eighteen students will receive their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degrees on May 2 at the UTRGV campus in Brownsville.
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UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine to Graduate Inaugural Class |
"With their degrees in hand, and about to head off for residency, these outstanding students are one step closer to being able to practice as podiatrists," SOPM Dean Javier La Fontaine, DPM said. After completing four years of training, graduates will move on to three years of residency before qualifying for licensure as podiatrists. Students were matched to residency programs this past March during SOPM Match Day.
Source: Claudia Garcia, KRGV [4/27/26]
04/15/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
SMUCPM Presents 2026 Health Impact Awards
Samuel Merritt University’s 2026 Health Impact Awards celebrated SMU College of Podiatric Medicine (SMUCPM) graduate Jeffrey R. DeSantis, DPM ’90, with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and current student Madeleine Nagle, ’28, with a Spirit of SMU Award. The awards gala took place on April 2, 2026 in downtown Oakland near SMU’s new Oakland City Center headquarters campus.
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(L-R) Dr. Jeffrey DeSantis and Madeleine Nagle |
Dr. DeSantis, past president of both the American Podiatric Medical Association and the California Podiatric Medical Association, was honored for decades of service, including his work influencing policy at statewide and national levels. Nagle was recognized for founding and serving as president of the Medical Languages club at SMU and co-directing SMU’s Suitcase Clinic.
04/06/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM Class of 2026 Holds Match Day in Times Square
The New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) Class of 2026 held Match Day at Touro University’s flagship location at 3 Times Square, the first time the ceremony took place outside the school’s Harlem campus. Eighty students participated in the Match, and all 80 secured residency positions, including placements at Yale New Haven Hospital, St. Mary’s, and Penn Presbyterian. Students sat with classmates and family members, envelopes sealed until they were opened together at noon. Each one contained the name of the hospital where the next three years will be spent.
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(L-R) Dean Sam Rubinstein, Kristen Perez, Drs. Michael Trepal and Ron Soave |
Before that, Dean Michael Trepal, DPM spoke about how training moves in stages, each one defined by the next goal. “When you’re in college, the prize is getting into medical school. When you’re in medical school, the prize is getting into residency,” he said. “And then when you’re in residency, the prize is ultimately where you’re going to be in practice. Sometimes we just focus on the destination, on the prize at the end, and don’t enjoy the trip. I hope you enjoyed your trip, as a medical student, to this moment.”
03/27/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
DMU-CPMS Celebrates 24 Straight Years of 100% Residency Placement
For the 24th consecutive year, Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery students achieved a 100% residency placement rate on national Match Day. This perfect match rate reflects DMU's reputation as one of the nation's leading podiatric medical schools and highlights the exceptional preparation of the CPMS Class of 2026.
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DMU-CPMS Celebrates 24 Straight Years of 100% Residency Placement |
"Having a 100% match rate over the past 24 years, which included some years in which there were more graduates than residency positions, is one of our most important outcomes because it demonstrates sustained success," says DMU-CPMS Dean Kevin Smith, DPM, PhD.
Source: Demise Lamphier, River City Reader [3/25/26]
03/26/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
WesternU CPM Achieves 100% Residency Placement for 13 Consecutive Years
Western University of Health Sciences’ (WesternU) College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) held its annual Match Day celebration at Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, Calif. on Friday, March 20, 2026. For the 13th consecutive year, CPM achieved a 100% residency placement rate.
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Kirakos Tomas |
CPM student Kirakos Tomas is excited for his future at Kaiser Permanente Northern California-Santa Clara (CA). He took a moment to reflect on those that helped him achieve his dream. “All day, the emotions were mixed into one from happiness to overwhelming excitement,” Tomas said. “I am grateful for all the support I have had from my family, my wife, the school, the faculty. Just having that support, pushing us through to do great things in our life is what made us stand here today to get the choices we wanted.”
Source: Stephen Quintero, WesternU News [3/23/26]
03/24/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 1
UTRGV’s School of Podiatric Medicine Holds First Match Day
The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine (SOPM), the only school of podiatric medicine in Texas, held its very first Match Day for 18 medical students in a room full of their family and friends. SOPM inaugural Dean Javier La Fontaine, DPM called the Match Day a special occasion while highlighting that four years ago the school held its first white coat ceremony.
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Dr. Javier La Fontaine |
“You get the students from college and they’re barely learning about the bones of the foot and then four years later, they’re landing the programs of their choice,” Dr. La Fontaine said. “A lot of them are in Texas but some of them are expanding to other areas in the United States and obviously we’re hoping for them to come back and just bring a lot of new innovation when they return to Texas.”
Source: Omar Zapata, The Brownsville Herald [3/20/26]
03/24/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 2
WesternU CPM Introduces High School Students to Sports Medicine
Podiatric physicians and surgeons take on many roles, from the everyday care of athletes to life and death situations. High school students visiting Western University of Health Sciences learned about these different roles during a hands-on demonstration from the College of Podiatric Medicine. About 30 11th grade students from Bravo Medical Magnet High School visited WesternU’s California campus March 6, 2026. The students are on the patient care track and have interest in the health professions. WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Associate Professor Arman Kirakosian, DPM, demonstrated sports taping techniques.
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Dr. Arman Kirakosian |
Dr. Kirakosian, who serves as the president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, has extensive sports medicine experience, serving as the Team Podiatrist for the Sacramento Republic FC (USL) and the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS). Taping is a wonderful, basic tool that can save somebody from further injury like ankle sprains and turf toe, Kirakosian said. He demonstrated taping techniques for the knee, ankle, and foot and provided guidance to students as they taped each other’s legs and feet.
Source: Rodney Tanaka, WesternU News
03/20/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
WesternU CPM's Extremitas Symposium Emphasizes Importance of Student Research
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine showcased student research at its annual Extremitas Research Symposium March 4, 2026, on the WesternU California campus. CPM publishes the Extremitas Journal of Lower Limb Medicine each year, with CPM students serving as editors.
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(L-R) CPM students Jessy Singh, Eeman Syed, and Ellie Lee with their research poster. (Photo: Jeff Malet) |
Second-year CPM student Jessy Singh presented a poster and served as assistant editor of Extremitas. He will serve as editor-in-chief for the 2027 edition. Extremitas gives students the opportunity to go through the publication process in a positive environment, completing revisions and networking with faculty.
Source: WesternU News [3/26/26]
03/19/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
ModMed Provides Real-World Education to BUSPM Students
John Guiliana, DPM, Medical Director of ModMed Podiatry, along with others from the ModMed team, went on site to Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM) to educate students, residents, and faculty.
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(L-R) Drs. Edgar Sy and John Guiliana; Emily Weisberg and Elizabeth Dunker of ModMed |
Topics included fundamentals of podiatry billing along with key factors to building patient rapport.
03/05/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM Students Conduct Foot Screenings for Homeless New Yorkers
New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University (NYCPM) participated recently in the Salvation Army's (SA) Don't Walk By annual event in which the SA opens up their doors for a day inviting in homeless New Yorkers to provide them with a hot meal, access to an array of NYC and NY state's array of safety net services as well as various health screenings. NYCPM had five screening stations set up for the duration of the event. Joann Li, DPM and Dan Kline, MSPH/MBA, NYCPM Faculty members provided oversight to nine students. Stan Chen, DPM, NYCPM Alum also participated in the event, helping to provide clinical oversight.
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(L-R) Sara Basser, Arisha Leekha, Dan Kline, Dr. Joann Li, Daniel Kramer, Chris Richter, Akshdeep Singh, and Abigail Shafer. |
"This annual event provides a unique opportunity for our students to demonstrate their empathy and communication skills, seeing first-hand how NYC's most vulnerable can benefit from podiatric care," said Dr. Li. NYCPM third-year students are required to participate in at least one health screening coordinated through the Department of Community Medicine.
02/13/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 2
Central State University and DMU Announce Partnership
Central State University (CSU), a historically Black college and university in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Des Moines University Medicine (DMU) and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa, announced a partnership that expands access and priority pathways for CSU students into DMU's graduate medical and health-science programs.
Qualified CSU students are also eligible for guaranteed interviews in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. CSU students must meet rigorous academic benchmarks, including specific GPA and standardized test score requirements, and undergo DMU's standard background and medical screenings to be eligible.
Source: River City Reader [2/11/26]
02/13/2026
AT THE COLLEGES - PART 1
NYCPM Touro University Faculty Receives International Aurora Award in Iceland
New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) at Touro University has announced that Anthony Jabra, DPM, NYCPM faculty member recently received the U.S. Top Scoring Case Aurora Award at the Northern Lights Wound Workshop in Iceland for presenting a complex limb salvage case performed in conjunction with the Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery Surgical Services at Harlem Hospital in New York City. The case involved the use of Kerecis®, a regenerative tissue substitute derived from sustainably sourced Atlantic cod fish skin, to treat a severe traumatic foot wound. This required multiple operative procedures to reconstruct the patient’s foot.
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(L- R) Fertram Sigurjonsson (founder and CEO of Kerecis), Dr. Anthony Jabra, and Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland |
The Northern Lights Wound Workshop is an international scientific meeting focused on advancing innovation in wound healing and tissue repair. The Aurora Award recognizes outstanding cases selected by a blinded panel of experts based on scientific merit, novelty, completeness, and clinical relevance. Michael Trepal, DPM, Academic Dean stated, "NYCPM is proud of Dr Jabra receiving this prestigious award, reaffirming our commitment to bringing state-of-the-art care to our surrounding community."
02/12/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
WesternU Research Showcases Student Innovation
The third annual WesternU Research Symposium brought together a diverse array of disciplines and research topics in a showcase of students’ scientific exploration. Third-year College of Podiatric Medicine student Jun Heo said he is thankful for the opportunity to learn what research is about and to hone his research skills.
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Jun Heo |
It’s one thing to read an article and learn about facts, but it’s also another to gather your own facts and then see how they’re significant to your daily practice,” Heo said. “I want to have direction in how I should practice, and that’s why I’m driven to learn more about how to do research. As I’m learning it more and more, I realize that there are different ways of approaching research. When I was presenting, my mind was on the provider side of it, but someone commented, ‘What about the patient side?’ You can approach the same topic from a different view.”
Source: Rodney Tanaka, Western U News [2/9/26]
02/11/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
Chadron State College and DMU Announce Strategic Educational Partnership
Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa, have announced a new partnership designed to create streamlined pathways for students pursuing advanced degrees in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Effective Jan. 1, this collaboration establishes formal interview guarantees and dual-degree programs across a wide range of medical disciplines. Under the new agreement, CSC students who meet specific academic benchmarks — including GPA and standardized test requirements — are guaranteed interviews for several of DMU’s competitive graduate programs. This includes opportunities to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.
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