Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Third-year MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine D.O. student Aidan Davis and third-year Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine D.O. student Alyssa Paquette have received a $5,000 American Osteopathic Association Osteopathic Medical Student Research Grant to explore how osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) can improve driver health, performance and recovery in professional motorsports.

Working alongside faculty in MSU's Spartan Motorsport Performance Lab and MSUCOM's Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Clinical Research, the team will study race car drivers at major International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) events, including the 24 Hours of Daytona, the Detroit Grand Prix and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Read more: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/news_overview/news/2026/august/msucom-and-lecom-earn-aoa-grant-drive-racing-research

As future doctors and PAs, there will be a lot of seriousness ahead, so you may have to inject some playfulness along the way. Making time to play has been shown to reduce stress, support cognitive flexibility and problem-solving, strengthen social connection and give your brain a chance to engage in something simply because you enjoy it.

And play does not have to mean hours of free time. Dance to a song. Doodle. Toss a ball. Play a game. Try something new. Plan an adventure. Find what feels like play to YOU and make room for it. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is something with no productive purpose at all.

Source: ScienceInsights. “Why Is Play Important for Adults? What Science Shows.” 2026.

Join fellow Spartan D.O. and PA alumni and students for golf at Forest Akers East on Oct. 9 during Alumni Weekend at the MSU Homecoming Weekend for a day of friendly competition, networking and connection.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for an opportunity to reconnect with the community, the golf outing is a great way to spend time with classmates, colleagues and future health care professionals.

After the outing, continue the celebration at the Alumni Reunion Reception.

Register today: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/alumni-friends/alumni-weekend

Congratulations to Andrea Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D., Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, on his reappointment to the State of Michigan Newborn Screening (NBS) Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (QAAC).

Dr. Amalfitano will continue to serve as the Michigan Osteopathic Association representative on the advisory committee, which conducts an annual review of Michigan’s Newborn Screening Program and makes recommendations on which disorders should be included on the state-mandated screening panel.

His new three-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2028. The committee’s work helps ensure Michigan’s newborn screening program remains innovative, up-to-date and cost-effective.

On Aug. 14, the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine proudly celebrated our newest class of D.O. students at the White Coat Ceremony. This meaningful tradition marks an important step in their journey toward becoming osteopathic physicians and serves as a reminder of the responsibility, compassion and commitment that come with caring for patients.

Congratulations, Class of 2030! We can't wait to see the impact you'll make in medicine and beyond.

Read more about the Class of 2030 at https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/news_overview/news/2026/august/do-class-2030-white-coat-ceremony

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role vaccines play in protecting children, families and communities.

In a news feature, infectious disease expert Peter Gulick, D.O., professor of Medicine at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, separates fact from fiction surrounding childhood vaccines and addresses common myths about vaccine safety, effectiveness and immunity.

From protecting against diseases like measles, polio and hepatitis B to helping safeguard vulnerable members of our communities, childhood immunizations remain one of the most effective tools in public health.

Read more: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/news_overview/news/2026/august/childhood-vaccines-separating-fact-fiction

Meet your Academic and Career Advising team!

From preclerkship to graduation, they’re here to help you navigate the road ahead with guidance, encouragement and resources to keep you moving toward your goals. Because feeling supported academically and professionally is an important part of your overall wellness at MSUCOM. Your advising team is always in your corner, rooting for success!

Invest in your professional growth while reconnecting with the Spartan D.O. community.

As part of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Weekend, join us on Oct. 9 for an 8-hour virtual Continuing Medical Education (CME) event. Participants can earn AOA Category 1-A Credit and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ while engaging in a full day of educational programming.

Attendees also have the option to join an in-person Lunch and Learn networking session at East Fee Hall, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow Spartan D.O. alumni and MSUCOM faculty.

After the CME program, continue the day with the Reunion Reception, then return on Oct. 10 for the Homecoming Tailgate.

Register here: https://osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/alumni-friends/alumni-weekend

Featuring Department of Orthopedics Associate Professor Nathan Fitton, D.O.

Mark your calendars and make appointments fast, because the deadline for Michigan sports physicals is Aug. 15.

Dr. Nathan Fitton with MSU Healthcare joins WILX Taylor Gattoni on this Mid-Michigan Matters to discuss why sports physicals are so important.

Take a look: