WCUCOM students and faculty members participate in research and scholarly activity within a broad research portfolio. This includes clinical, community and public health, medical education, biomedical, and, of course, research on the facets of the osteopathic approach to medicine. Numerous clinical preceptors and associated residents involve the WCUCOM rotating students in research experiences, as well. Our faculty also have ongoing collaborations with the nearby University of Southern Mississippi faculty in the areas of biomechanics, nutrition, and public health. Interprofessional collaborations and research are also ongoing with the WCU Schools of Pharmacy and Physical Therapy.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
The seeking of new knowledge and its dissemination are integral parts of the practice of medicine and the training of its practitioners. Both population-based and personalized medicine require a high level of understanding which requires a foundation of research-derived knowledge. The COM Office of Research and Sponsored Programs exists to support the scholarship of COM faculty, students, and other associated researchers in order to advance medical practice and train the next generation of physicians in evidence-based medicine.
We envision a College of Osteopathic Medicine where every student has an opportunity to engage in scholarly activities resulting in public dissemination of their new knowledge, and all students graduate with a basic understanding of the research process as well as the ability to read and understand the medical literature.
The dual name reflects the dual mission of the office, i.e. to promote and support research and scholarly activities by COM faculty and students, and to support the acquisition of external funding necessary for growth in all areas of the COM including research, teaching innovation, community outreach, residency development, preceptor programs, and student scholarships.
The Research Curriculum
Research and scholarly activity are important components of the educational experience at WCUCOM. Medical students in good academic standing are encouraged to become involved in research throughout their medical education to strengthen their research skills, collaborate with faculty and other investigators, explore areas of professional interest, and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. These experiences may also lead to opportunities for presentations, publications, and other scholarly accomplishments that support students as they prepare for residency.
Scholarly activity at WCUCOM encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including biomedical, clinical, population health, and medical education research. Students may join faculty-led projects, collaborate with clinical preceptors and other investigators, or develop their own research questions and projects individually or as part of a student team. Scholarly activity may also extend beyond traditional research projects and include clinical case reports, quality improvement initiatives, and other forms of clinical and academic scholarship.
The WCUCOM Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) supports students throughout the research process—from identifying research opportunities and connecting students with mentors, to developing research questions, navigating study design, data collection, data analysis, and preparing scholarly work for dissemination. Students who make meaningful progress on a project are encouraged to work with their faculty mentors to identify appropriate opportunities to share their work through poster or oral presentations, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Local, state, regional, and national venues all provide valuable opportunities for students to develop their skills and contribute to the scholarly community.
Research opportunities are integrated throughout the four-year medical school experience, with different opportunities available as students progress from the foundational sciences into their clinical years. Students are encouraged to explore the ORSP website to learn more about research during each stage of the WCUCOM curriculum.
Students must remain in good academic standing to participate in WCUCOM-related research activities. Funding for student research and scholarly dissemination may be available depending on the project and funding source. Students should work with the WCUCOM ORSP and their faculty research mentor to determine available support and any institutional approvals required for research-related presentations or travel.
Students interested in research opportunities or seeking research guidance should contact the appropriate member of the WCUCOM ORSP Team:
OMS-I and OMS-II students: Kelsey Keel, PhD, Director of Student Research (KKeel@wmcarey.edu)
OMS-III and OMS-IV students: Danielle Fastring, PhD, Associate Dean of Research (DFastring@wmcarey.edu)
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Team
Danielle Fastring, PhD, MS, MPH
Associate Dean of Research
Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Kelsey Keel, PhD, MPH
Director of Student Research
Assistant Professor of
Preclinical Sciences
Robert Bateman Jr, PhD
Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Brianna Triplett, MHA
Administrative Assistant to
ORSP and Population Health
The WCUCOM Research Committee
Kamal Abouzaid, MD, PhD
Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Chair of Anatomy
Robert Bateman Jr, PhD
Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Richard Calderone DO, MPH, FAAP, FACP
Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences
Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education
Chair of Internal Medicine
Danielle Fastring, PhD, MS, MPH (Chair)
Associate Dean of Research
Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Ed Friedlander, MD
Professor of Clinical Anatomy
Eng Huu, DO
Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences
Kelsey Keel, PhD, MPH
Director of Student Research
Assistant Professor of Preclinical Sciences
Heba Labib, MD, MSc, PhD
Associate Professor of
Preclinical Sciences, Pathology & Anatomy
Brianna Triplett, MHA
Administrative Assistant to
Research and Population Health