BUCOM Strengthens Its Presence at OMED 2025

BUCOM exhibit booth at OMED 2025 featuring Memphis-themed design, BUCOM logo, and “The future of osteopathic medicine” slogan.

Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) made another strong showing at this year’s Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED) held in Nashville, Tennessee. 

OMED is the largest annual gathering of osteopathic physicians, medical students, and health care professionals, hosted by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Faculty Leadership and Recognition

Among BUCOM’s distinguished representatives was Dr. Ryan Costello, DO, MBA, FACP, FACOI, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Core Faculty. Dr. Costello presented his capstone project as part of the AOA Leadership Academy, a prestigious nine-month program designed to develop leadership skills for service within the AOA and the broader health care community. The program culminated with a graduation ceremony attended by the AOA Board of Trustees, the AOA CEO, and the AOA President which marked an exciting milestone in Dr. Costello’s professional journey. Dr. Ryan Costello presents his AOA Leadership Academy Capstone Project at OMED 2025 in a conference room setting.

Dr. John Biery, Chair and Associate Professor of OPP, also showcased BUCOM’s dedication to hands-on education through live osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) demonstrations and teaching sessions, engaging attendees and fostering collaboration across institutions.

Student Engagement and Hands-On Learning

For the first time, BUCOM students joined faculty at OMED giving them an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and deepen their connection to the osteopathic profession. Macia Outlaw (OMS-II) shared her reflection on the experience:

“The conference was such an amazing and reassuring experience for me personally as an osteopathic medical student, and Nashville will always hold a special place in my heart. I saw my professors like Dr. Biery, Dr. Halma, Dr. Flemming, and others in their element talking about osteopathic philosophy, and seeing their passion honestly reminded me that I am being trained by some of the best in this field.”

Macia also recalled a resident-led session where students practiced clinical reasoning and OMT skills by drawing cards with assigned body regions and treatments.  BUCOM student poses in front of the OMED 2025 conference sign in Nashville, smiling with arms open in excitement.

“My classmates and I honestly did it with ease, and it showed me how prepared we are in applying osteopathic principles. It was also enlightening to speak with physicians who had once been in our shoes and hear their advice about taking advantage of away rotations. Everyone was so kind and genuinely wanted to teach us about their rotation sites,” she said.

Representation and Celebration

BUCOM’s presence extended beyond the classroom and exhibit hall. Elly Riley, President-Elect of the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA), participated in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Exhibit Hall. 

Faculty, staff, and students also attended the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) Honors Gala, where more than $1.3 million was raised to support osteopathic professionals at every stage of their careers.

Continuing the Momentum

OMED 2025 was a milestone year for BUCOM with the opportunity to highlight the university’s growing impact, the strength of its faculty, and the enthusiasm of its students. As BUCOM continues to expand its presence in osteopathic medicine, the connections made in Nashville reflect the shared commitment to excellence, compassion, and lifelong learning.