Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) hosted its first DO Research Day simultaneously at both the Harrogate and Knoxville campuses. Presentations were simulcast live between the two locations and brought together students, faculty and medical professionals for a day of research discussions. Around 150 people attended, showcasing the strong interest in research and academic collaboration within the LMU-DCOM community.
A total of 36 research submissions were presented across three categories: Oral Presentations, Flash Talks, and Poster Presentations. The research topics spanned from basic science to clinical studies. The following winners were recognized in each category for their outstanding contributions:
Dr. Natalie Freeman, assistant dean of research, expressed her excitement about the event’s success and its significance for LMU-DCOM's future research efforts.
"The Inaugural DO Research Day represents a transformative step in empowering our students with a platform to present their research and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and mentors," she said. "By showcasing their innovative projects alongside faculty, we hope to shape the next generation of medical leaders who are equipped with the skills to drive meaningful relationships and potential discoveries in healthcare."
Another highlight of the day was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Monica Crane, a nationally recognized expert in multidisciplinary dementia care and geriatric medicine. Crane is a fellowship-trained physician and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine. Her distinguished career has focused on the clinical care, treatment, and support of patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. She is the founder and Medical Director of the Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation and Clinic, where she has provided care for more than 7,500 patients and led many clinical and research trials. Her ongoing research aims to advance potential treatments and interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
The event underscored LMU-DCOM’s commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.
"This milestone event serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire academic community, from students and faculty to our research faculty/staff and external partners,” Freeman said.
As LMU-DCOM looks ahead, plans are already underway to make DO Research Day an annual event, with the goal of expanding its reach and impact.
“As we reflect on the success of this inaugural event, we are filled with pride and optimism for the future. The diverse range of projects presented – from basic science to clinical studies, medical education, and case reports – demonstrates the breadth and depth of our research endeavors,” Freeman said. “This platform will not only showcase our achievements but also inspire collaboration, spark new ideas, and ultimately the goal is to contribute to the advancement of science, healthcare and patient outcomes.”
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
