Dean's Update 2025-7
A month of milestones, celebrations and welcomes
Some stories are just too good not to share – and this month, we have more than a few. From national recognition to international impact, July has been filled with moments that reflect the very best of who we are and where we are going.
MSUCOM earns prestigious NIH MSTP designation
Let’s start with a truly historic milestone.
This summer, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) became the first osteopathic medical school in the nation to earn designation as a National Institutes of Health Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This is one of the highest honors in academic medicine – and it places us in the company of the most elite research institutions in the country.
The MSTP designation affirms that our D.O.-Ph.D. Physician-Scientist Training Program meets the NIH’s most rigorous standards for dual-degree training. It validates decades of investment in research, mentorship and student success. Most importantly, it shows that our students don’t have to choose between being brilliant scientists and compassionate physicians – they are both.
President Kevin Guskiewicz reflected: “Osteopathic medicine is a cornerstone of Michigan State University’s commitment to advancing health and healing in Michigan and beyond. The inclusion of our D.O.-Ph.D. students in the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program reflects not only the excellence of their dual training, but also MSU’s leadership in reimagining the future of medical education and biomedical discovery. This achievement underscores the national value of osteopathic medicine — and MSU’s role in shaping it.”
This recognition belongs to our entire community—faculty, mentors, research staff, and especially, our students. You earned this.
National leadership: Robert Piccinini, D.O., becomes AOA president
We also celebrated an extraordinary leadership moment: the inauguration of Dr. Robert Piccinini as President of the American Osteopathic Association.
A proud MSUCOM alumnus and the first psychiatrist ever to serve in this role, Dr. Piccinini brings wisdom, compassion, and a clear voice for osteopathic medicine at the national level. He is also the first AOA president from MSUCOM – a powerful symbol of how far our alumni reach.
“I am incredibly proud to be the first AOA President from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine,” he shared. “As we shape the future of health care, osteopathic physicians play a vital role in building a better physical and mental society.”
We are proud to stand with him in this new chapter of national leadership.
Honoring Dr. Terrie Taylor and strengthening our presence in Malawi
Last month, I had the privilege of traveling to Blantyre, Malawi for a deeply moving celebration of Dr. Terrie Taylor, who is transitioning from her on-site role after nearly 40 years of groundbreaking research and service.
Dr. Taylor’s legacy in malaria research is internationally renowned, but just as impactful is her mentorship of students and young physicians. She has shaped lives – not only through clinical discoveries, but by immersing others in a model of global health rooted in humility, consistency and compassion.
Our work in Malawi is far from finished – and we are fortunate to have exceptional faculty continuing this legacy.
Dr. Karl Seydel remains a leader in cerebral malaria research, and Dr. Bryan Vonasek, a pediatrician and scientist, is building his research around early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis in low-resource settings.
We also traveled with Dr. Dalen Agnew, chair of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation in the College of Veterinary Medicine, to explore new opportunities for expanding our One Health presence in Malawi. While there, we connected with Dr. Dagmar Mayer, a veterinarian working in-country who is helping us imagine what stronger, more integrated collaborations might look like.
We were especially honored to travel with Dr. Gail Riegle, beloved former faculty member of MSUCOM. Known to many alumni, Dr. Riegle has never stopped investing in students – both with his time and through his generous philanthropic support. In Malawi, he had the rare opportunity to meet several of the students whose global health journeys he has helped make possible. Watching those connections unfold was powerful – a reminder of how one person’s generosity can echo across continents and generations.
His presence on this trip was both a celebration of his legacy and a reflection of the values he continues to embody: curiosity, compassion and an unwavering belief in our students.
From malaria to TB, human health to animal health, we are actively exploring how MSU can maintain and grow a meaningful, long-term presence in Malawi that spans disciplines, colleges and communities.
Welcome, Class of 2029!
Closer to home, we welcomed our newest D.O. students – the Class of 2029 – with open arms and high expectations. This incoming group is thoughtful, curious and deeply committed to making a difference. It was a joy to see them connect with second-year mentors, meet faculty and begin their journey as osteopathic physicians.
Thanks to everyone who made orientation week a success – and to the many hands that will guide these students in the months and years ahead.
Whether we are celebrating national recognition, global partnerships or the simple joy of welcoming new students, these stories reflect the soul of MSUCOM: our people, our purpose and our pursuit of excellence.
We are moving forward with clarity and momentum – and I hope you’ll make plans to join us Oct. 10–11 for Alumni Weekend. There is so much to celebrate, and I’d love to do it with you in person.
If you have questions, ideas, or just want to share a thought, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I always welcome hearing from you: dejongj@msu.edu
With gratitude and pride,
Joyce deJong, DO
Dean, MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
Learn. Heal. Lead.