With the fall semester in full swing and campus bustling with students, we reflect on the moments that made this August unforgettable at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
August Celebrations
We kicked off the month with a joyous occasion: the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2028 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine on Aug. 16. The excitement in the air was palpable as we welcomed Kamran Khan (aka Lazarus), D.O., one of our own alums, as the keynote speaker. Not only did he inspire with his words, but he also entertained us with a rap performance—yes, you heard that right! And in case you missed it, I debuted my first rap on stage (though I’ll be sticking to my day job). It was a vibrant day filled with celebration, laughter and the camaraderie of our students, their families and our faculty.
Just a week later, on Aug. 23, we celebrated another milestone: the first-ever commencement of our PA Medicine Program. It was an honor to have Andrea Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D., our former dean who helped launch the program, speak to this inaugural class. We radiated with pride as these talented individuals embarked on their journey to care for patients across the state and beyond.
This month also took me back to Traverse City for the Malawi Reunion hosted by the remarkable Terrie Taylor, D.O. The event brought together supporters and collaborators of her incredible work in Malawi, and we shared updates and connected with students preparing for their upcoming rotations. It was especially wonderful to spend time with Bryan Vonasek, M.D., FAAP, and his family. Dr. Vonasek will be taking on Dr. Taylor’s role in Malawi, continuing the vital work of patient care, student training and research. His expertise and passion ensure that our efforts there will continue to flourish.
Alumni and Faculty Recognition
I am thrilled to recognize our outstanding alumni and faculty members for their recent achievements. First, congratulations to Robert G. Piccinini, D.O., D.FACN, for being elected president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for 2024-25. Not only is he the first MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus to hold this prestigious position, but he’s also the first psychiatrist to do so. Next summer, Dr. Piccinini will step into his role as the 129th AOA president.
We also celebrate Farha Abbasi, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, for receiving the Global Goals-Local Leaders Award from the Greater Lansing United Nations Association. Dr. Abbasi has long been a beacon of excellence, recently earning a spot among Crain’s Detroit Business Health Care Heroes of 2024 and being appointed to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Partnering and Leading
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of our college. One area of particular promise is our expertise in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and how it can contribute to healing within cancer care.
This month, I’ve invited Catherine Donahue, D.O., chair of our Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, to shed light on how OMM can support cancer patients. Her insights remind us of the holistic care osteopathic physicians offer, touching lives beyond the diagnosis.
OMM and OMT Overview
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is the application of osteopathic philosophy and structural diagnosis, utilizing hands-on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to diagnose and manage patient conditions. OMT involves a set of techniques used by osteopathic physicians to treat structural and functional issues, promoting self-healing and restoring balance to the body. When applied appropriately, OMT can complement — and in some cases, even replace — medications, surgery and other treatments.
OMM is used by osteopathic physicians across various specialties, including family medicine, pediatrics, sports medicine, pain management and even oncology. Some physicians choose to specialize in OMM, a board-certified field known as Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM). At the Michigan State University OMM Specialty Clinic, physicians board certified in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and ONMM primarily use OMM to treat patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
OMM and OMT in Cancer Care
A common misconception is that OMT is not suitable for cancer patients. While certain techniques may have relative contraindications, overall, people with cancer can greatly benefit from the healing touch of an osteopathic physician. The core philosophy of osteopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, not just the disease. Cancer patients experience the same musculoskeletal issues — if not more — than those without cancer. Guided by osteopathic principles, OMT has likely been used to treat cancer patients since the early days of the profession under Dr. Andrew Taylor Still.
OMT is particularly effective in addressing musculoskeletal pain related to muscle, fascia, soft tissue and joint restrictions. In cancer patients, these issues are often exacerbated by weakened musculoskeletal systems, immobility and the added psychosocial stress of cancer therapies. OMT can also aid in post-surgical recovery by addressing pain, constipation, atelectasis and post-surgical lymphedema. Additionally, OMT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects due to the release of cytokines after treatment. For cancer survivors, OMM helps patients regain confidence in their bodies, fostering a sense of well-being.
Ultimately, osteopathic tenets remind us that cancer patients are not just defined by their disease — they are individuals with hopes and dreams, deeply loved by those around them. OMM empowers them with care that honors this holistic view.
We have so much to be proud of as we continue building on the work that makes this college great. Thank you for your dedication and contributions to our shared success. I look forward to hearing from you all in the months ahead.
Go Green!
With warmest regards,
Joyce deJong, D.O.
Dean, MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
Catherine Donahue, D.O.
Chair, Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
