Students take advantage of AOA grants for research

The AOA encourages the osteopathic community to get involved in research as a way to bolster the profession. Last year, the AOA awarded $1.3 million in grant funding for projects that showcase the value of osteopathic medicine to patient care and the health care community at large.

Interested in an AOA grant? Applications are now open for osteopathic medical students, DOs and PhDs for this year’s cycle in five key areas: chronic diseases & conditions, musculoskeletal injuries & prevention, osteopathic manipulative medicine/osteopathic manipulative treatment, the osteopathic philosophy and pain management. The application deadline is Jan. 31. Learn more here.

Research can also give students a competitive advantage when applying to residency programs. Below, three students share how AOA grants helped them pursue scholarly activity.

Kathleen Ackert, OMS III, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Research project: Leveling the Playing Field: Evaluating How Prerequisite Classes Affect Perceived Stress Levels in Medical Students

Elexander Atkinson, OMS III, Edward Via of College of Osteopathic Medicine–Carolinas

Research project: Role of Lymphatic Pump Treatment in Wound Healing of Colitis

Kate Slaymaker, OMS IV, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Virginia

Research project: Inviting Interdisciplinary Input: An Osteopathic Approach to Leveraging Community Support for Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Rural and Appalachian Virginia