University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Biddeford, ME
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

UNE COM is located on the seacoast of Southern Maine.
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06/08/2026

It is my distinct privilege to inform the University of New England community that Julia M. Balboni has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 David M. Biondi, DO Award for Excellence in Research.

The David M. Biondi, DO Award for Excellence in Research—formerly the UNE COM Research Excellence Graduation Award—is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing medical science. This honor recognizes students who position themselves at the forefront of their graduating class through distinguished publications, impactful presentations, and sustained engagement in complex biomedical or clinical research. The award is named in honor of Dr. David M. Biondi (UNE COM ’85), currently the Vice President of Clinical Development at Alder Biopharmaceuticals. Dr. Biondi has built an illustrious career in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, leading critical clinical trials in headache and pain disorders. His work is highly regarded for addressing complex clinical issues, from chronic migraine management to the economic burden of patient side effects.

Doctor Balboni has established herself as a prolific and impactful contributor to orthopedic surgery research, with a particular emphasis on foot and ankle sports medicine and surgical outcomes. Her recent work is highlighted by her leadership in international consensus statements and systematic reviews published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, and Arthroscopy. Beyond sports traumatology, Doctor Balboni has contributed significantly to surgical safety and rehabilitation, investigating the neurologic complications of peripheral nerve blocks and the efficacy of blood flow restriction therapy on muscle strength recovery. Her portfolio demonstrates impressive versatility, spanning from technical surgical approaches in lumbar spine access to the psychological impact of scoliosis bracing in adolescents. Based on the impressive body of work Doctor Balboni conducted here at UNE COM, we are certain that she will continue to advance research and patient-centered care throughout her career.

Please join us in commending Doctor Balboni’s dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and her significant contributions to the research community at UNE COM and the broader medical field. Her academic portfolio serves as a testament to the rigorous scientific inquiry we strive to foster within our institution.

06/05/2026

We are happy to announce that the March Student Doctors of the Month are David Everly, OMS 1, and Rose Paadam, OMS 2! Here's what their classmates had to say about them:

David Everly:
He is the most hardworking, consistent, and emotionally intelligent person I have ever encountered. He has overcome incredible obstacles throughout his life and has used the experiences to live a life of compassion and dedication towards his fellow humans.

David is one of those rare people who makes med school feel lighter. Kind, attentive,
and always there when you need him, he has a way of turning tough moments into
something manageable. We—and his future patients—are very lucky to have him
around!

Rose Paadam:
Rose brings her kindness, energy, and compassion to every part of her life at COM- whether at her weekly spin classes at 6 AM, in her role as a campus tour guide and student interviewer, or in the library supporting her classmates. She wears multiple hats on campus and approaches every role she has with enthusiasm and joy. She makes people feel safe and heard and makes campus a brighter place just by being her. I can think of no one more deserving of SDOM for March.

06/03/2026

Recent graduate Ellie Woodworth, D.O. '26, received the 2026 Graduate Student Sustainability Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and lasting impact on sustainability efforts at UNE COM.

She is the founder and original chair of the UNE COM Sustainability Committee, which she successfully brought under the UNE COM Student Government Association to ensure continuity, accountability, and sustained progress from year to year. The committee holds UNE COM and the broader institution accountable to stated sustainability goals, fostering meaningful dialogue and action across the university and nationwide organizations, including Medical Students 4 a Sustainable Future (MS4SF) and the Planetary Health Commission. Her success in advancing sustainability at UNE COM was a direct result of her vision, persistence, and commitment to environmental responsibility.

06/01/2026

Join us in congratulating John Sedrak, OMS 2, and Varun Kota, OMS 1, for being inducted into Omega Beta Iota.

Omega Beta Iota (OBI) recognizes osteopathic medical students and mentors dedicated to political advocacy and leadership. Members of OBI are actively involved in grassroots organizing, policy education, and represent our profession at major advocacy events like the American Osteopathic Association’s annual “DO Day” on Capitol Hill. Through these efforts, we work to amplify the voice of the osteopathic profession, advance meaningful policy reforms, and inspire the next generation of physician-advocates.

Varun stated “Being surrounded by so many peer leaders for the OBI induction was powerful. It highlighted the strength of advocacy and leadership; I am elated to have membership to a phenomenal group of student doctors-advocated empowering the voice of the osteopathic profession."

John stated “Being able to participate in changing the system is a huge proponent of why I chose to be a physician. Through being involved in SOMA both locally and on the National Board and continuing to work with organizations like the American Osteopathic Association and the Maine Osteopathic Association, I have had the privilege to work with leaders and advocates from across the country. It is truly my honor to represent both UNE and my profession.”

05/08/2026

Stethoscopes to Capitol steps! UNE COM students joined physicians and peers in Washington, D.C. for D.O. Day on the Hill, advocating for policies that support patients, physicians, and access to care—especially in rural and underserved communities. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, lead, and raise our voices for the future of health care.

05/06/2026

Stephen Lin, OMS 3, was recently re-elected to the Executive Board of the National APAMSA at last month’s National APAMSA Conference, where he will continue serving as Membership Vice President.

During his previous term, he launched several new initiatives, including the Founders’ Scholarship, which aims to improve the affordability of medical school for individuals who contribute to their local AANHPI communities through leadership, advocacy, and service. He also introduced the Chapter Leader Newsletter to keep APAMSA chapters informed about updates and opportunities from the national organization, including mentorship, advocacy, community service, and research.

Stephen looks forward to continuing and expanding upon the work he began over the past year.

05/04/2026

The COM Ambassador of the Month is Jared Erb, OMS 4! Jared has been an enthusiastic volunteer since he arrived on campus. He has consistently helped out with virtual events, on-campus visits, accepted student events, Orientation, and more! Jared has brought a wealth of event planning experience and a love of medicine to every project. Good luck Jared!

05/01/2026

APAMSA, in collaboration with SASA, was proud to host Spring Festivals Across Asia: Lunar New Year & Holi Celebration at UNE COM! Students across programs came together to celebrate culture, community, and new beginnings through food, crafts, and connection. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and to GAPSA for supporting this special event — we can’t wait to keep this tradition growing!

04/29/2026

Student doctor Kamilla Beisenova, OMS 4, was recognized at the 2026 American College of Osteopathic Surgeons – Medical Student Section (ACOS-MSS) Spring Conference for two award-winning oral podium presentations.

Her study “TEER vs TEER: MitraClip vs PASCAL for the Treatment of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation” was awarded 1st Place in ORIGINs Research. This research evaluated outcomes between two transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) devices.

In addition, her presentation titled “Postoperative Complications Associated With Temporary Epicardial Pacing Leads: A Scoping Review Comparing Removal and Retention” received 3rd Place Overall. This research examined complications of pacing wire removal and retention, while highlighting gaps in current management protocols.

04/22/2026

COM Recruitment's February COM Ambassador of the Month is Vedang Diwanji, OMS 1! Vedang has been extremely engaged in our recruitment events this year and has been a welcoming presence for prospective students. Thanks Vedang!

Address

11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME
04005

Website

https://www.une.edu/com

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