Dean's Update 2025-1
Research Spotlight: Innovations Shaping the Future of Medicine
Across our college, researchers are tackling complex medical challenges, driving innovation, and making discoveries that improve healthcare.
In this update, I highlight some of the groundbreaking work shaping the future of health. From advancing osteopathic treatments to expanding student research opportunities and building key partnerships, MSUCOM is leading the way.
This is your opportunity to get involved, collaborate, and celebrate the extraordinary research happening across our college. Join us in shaping the future of health!
Showcasing Our Research Impact
MSUCOM researchers are making waves, locally and globally. From Brian Schutte, Ph.D., and his groundbreaking work on cleft lip and palate to our One Health research addressing the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, our faculty’s impact extends well beyond Michigan.
As our research footprint expands, so does our national recognition. John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D., associate dean for Research, recently became the first osteopathic physician appointed to the American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) Board of Directors—a testament to MSUCOM’s leadership in physician-scientist training.
Further strengthening our national influence, Drs. Schutte and Goudreau are founding members of the Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network (OPEN), a national initiative bringing together D.O.-Ph.D. programs to enhance research partnerships and visibility. “This collaboration ensures our physician-scientists are recognized for residency opportunities, grant reviews, and research funding,” says Dr. Schutte.
These efforts are solidifying MSUCOM’s role as a leader in transformative research and medical education.
Validating OMM for Chronic Low Back Pain
The full potential of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) has yet to be fully realized, in part due to limited research, but MSUCOM is changing that! A new study led by Clarence L. Nicodemus, D.O., Ph.D., aims to validate OMM as an effective intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP). “Our goal is to examine the validity of osteopathic diagnosis and treatment for sacrum and innominate asymmetry, a common somatic dysfunction in CLBP patients,” says Dr. Nicodemus.
Expanding this research further, Dr. Nicodemus and his team are collaborating with Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital to explore the feasibility of integrating OMM into standard care for Veterans with CLBP. This work, supported by a Department of Defense grant, has the potential to redefine chronic pain treatment in both military and civilian healthcare.
By addressing these critical research gaps, MSUCOM is leading the charge in bringing OMM into the national spotlight as a validated and effective therapy.
Igniting Student-Led Research
MSUCOM is fueling student-led research through the Foundry for Innovative Research and Education (FIRE), an initiative led by Carol Restini, Ph.D., Pharm.D.. FIRE integrates medical education, research, and community service, giving students the opportunity to serve while they learn—transforming real-world experiences into meaningful research.
“We designed FIRE so students could understand community needs, serve those communities, and build research skills,” says Dr. Restini. The program allows students to engage in community outreach, collect data on issues like health literacy and social determinants of health, and translate their experiences into research findings that contribute to lasting change. Faculty and staff clinicians mentor students throughout the process, from identifying research questions to publishing their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
FIRE has already secured five grant-funded projects and 15+ community partnerships, collaborating with public schools, senior centers, and MSU faculty from multiple disciplines. By fostering compassionate, human-centered relationships, FIRE equips students with the skills to implement similar initiatives throughout their careers.
Complementing FIRE, MSUCOM launched the Biomedical Research Structure and Methods (BRSM) course, led by Furqan Irfan, MBBS (MD), Ph.D., MBA. “With 30+ faculty from MSU and partner institutions, we guide students through research design, ethics, data collection, and manuscript writing,” says Dr. Irfan.
Through FIRE, BRSM, and dedicated faculty mentorship, MSUCOM is shaping the next generation of physician-researchers—ensuring they advance medicine and serve communities.
Expanding Research Through Our Henry Ford Health Partnership
Beyond campus, MSUCOM is expanding research opportunities through key partnerships. Our collaboration with Henry Ford Health is creating new opportunities for students, starting with a pilot program placing five third-year medical students at Henry Ford’s main hospital in Detroit. Here, students will engage in clinical or translational research alongside their core rotations.
“We’re really excited about the energy our students bring to this clerkship, combining rotations with hands-on research,” says Susan M. Enright, D.O., associate dean for Clerkship Education. “This partnership opens the door to incredible opportunities.”
Beyond this pilot, many MSUCOM students are already working on significant research projects with faculty and residents across our base hospitals, further expanding their learning and contributions to the field.
As we continue to strengthen our clinical and research partnerships, we look forward to the discoveries and advancements that will emerge from these collaborations!
The Future of Research at MSUCOM
From faculty-led studies to student-driven initiatives and external partnerships, MSUCOM is advancing innovative research that shapes the future of health.
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or research collaborator, I encourage you to explore, engage, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our college. Together, we are strengthening MSUCOM’s research legacy and making a lasting impact on healthcare.
Take the next step!
- Visit our website’s news section
- Check out the latest edition of SpartanDO Journeys magazine
- Connect with faculty to explore research opportunities
Go Green!
