OCOM Students Win Third Place at FAO Conference for Case Study on OMM and Pregnancy
Exploring the Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in Maternal Health
Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) is proud to recognize student doctors Brianna Veghela, Natalia Samoylova, Marina Botros, and Melanie Kwaschyn for earning Third Place in the case study category at the Florida Association of Osteopathic (FAO) Research Night, held in April 2025. Brianna and her research team were honored for their work on a systematic review examining the role of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in pregnancy—an important and emerging topic in osteopathic research and women’s health.
A Team Formed by Shared Purpose
The research team came together with a shared passion: to explore how osteopathic principles, specifically OMM, can enhance maternal care. Brianna explained, “We were all interested in doing a systematic review on OMM and decided to start on it together.” The group’s unified interest in both osteopathic techniques and obstetrics laid the foundation for a project that blends scientific inquiry with compassion for the unique challenges of pregnancy.
From Classroom Curiosity to Clinical Curiosity
The idea for the project began in Dr. Ganti’s research class, where the integration of OMM into broader medical practice was discussed. For Brianna, the class sparked a deeper question: How can OMM support women during one of the most physically demanding experiences—pregnancy?
“As someone who is passionate about women’s health,” she said, “I was interested in seeing how OMM was involved during pregnancy. OMM being a non-invasive technique has provided an opportunity for the pregnant population to receive some aid during pregnancy.”
Melanie, a fellow team member, echoed this commitment: “Our research team was formed out of a shared passion for both OMM and the field of obstetrics and gynecology... This project represents our effort to explore how these fields can work together to improve outcomes for pregnant patients.”
Research Grounded in Empathy and Experience
Brianna’s personal experiences further strengthened the team’s perspective. As a volunteer doula and an undergraduate researcher on perinatal mental health, she brought practical knowledge to the project: “I have a lot of experience on the challenges faced during one’s pregnancy journey and possible resources that could be utilized.”
Together, the team worked collaboratively to review existing literature, analyze data, and begin writing a systematic review that may contribute to a greater understanding of how OMM can benefit pregnant patients throughout gestation and beyond.
FAO Recognition: A Milestone in Advocacy and Impact
The opportunity to present at the FAO Research Night came through an email shared by Dr. April Smith Gonzalez. The team submitted their poster and earned Third Place—an exciting validation of their hard work and the growing relevance of OMM in obstetric care.
Their presentation underscored the need for continued research and stronger clinical guidelines. “We hope to gain a deeper understanding of the current role and utilization of OMM during pregnancy,” said Melanie. “Ultimately, we aim to support the integration of OMM into maternal healthcare.”
Looking Ahead
For Brianna, this research is just the beginning. She hopes to explore how OMM applied earlier in pregnancy could impact issues in later trimesters and even postpartum recovery. “I want to be an advocate for DOs,” she said, “and allow them to be informed on the outcomes OMM has on pregnancy, in hopes they can implement these techniques for their patients.”
As this team continues their systematic review and looks toward publication, they exemplify the heart of osteopathic medicine—compassion, whole-person care, and a dedication to advancing evidence-based practices.
Congratulations to Brianna Veghela and her team on this outstanding achievement. OCOM is proud to support student doctors who are driving research, improving patient care, and shaping the future of osteopathic medicine.
