March 11, 2026

Title: COVID-19 and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Presenter: Raymond J. Hruby, DO, MS, FAAO (Dist)

Topic:

This presentation explores research on whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can enhance the immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. It reviews the scientific reasoning behind lymphatic pump techniques and how improving lymphatic circulation may support immune function and antibody production. The talk also presents findings from a randomized clinical trial examining the effects of OMT on antibody levels, symptom severity, and medication use following vaccination.

Learn more about Dr. Hruby:

Raymond J. Hruby, DO, MS FAAO (Dist), graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. He interned at the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine in Portland, Maine. He was professor and Chair of the Department of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (NMM/OMM) at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California from 1999 to 2009. He “retired” from this position but continues his work at Western University as a professor and consultant to the Department of NMM/OMM. In this capacity he is involved with teaching, research, curriculum analysis and development, and mentoring of new faculty and Predoctoral OMM Fellows. He is also involved with Western University’s Interprofessional Education program.

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Past Sessions

Dr. Sathish Babu MD, MRCP, CCST (London) is currently a Professor of Medicine and the Director for Academics & Quality at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in Muddenahalli. He also serves as the Lead Coordinator for Sai Swasthya and the Divine Mother & Child Health Program, a primary health care initiative of SMSIMSR.

Dr. Achoru further advanced his academic credentials by obtaining a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in Clinical Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Dr. Achoru actively conducts and collaborates on research in various fields, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders, and HIV medicine. In addition to his clinical and research work, he is involved in the training of medical students and resident doctors in North-Central Nigeria.

Pharm Dr. Timipre is a staff of the Department of Pharmacy, in patient unit, Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa. She is a Consultant Clinical Pharmacist and a Fellow of the West Africa Post Graduate College of Pharmacist. Her research expertise is in Critical Care and Nutrition Pharmacy, a field that requires precision and dedication. She is active in Global Health Care Education and Research.

Dr. Shahzmah Suleman is a Tanzanian emergency medicine specialist and academic leader. She serves as the Head of the Emergency Department at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, one of Tanzania’s key referral and teaching hospitals. In addition to her clinical leadership, she holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), where she plays a crucial role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her contributions to both clinical practice and medical education continue to have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in Tanzania.

Clinical Psychiatrist and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Western University of Health Sciences

With over 35 years of experience in various healthcare settings, including dispensaries, health centers, and hospitals, Dr. Ntagenki provides treatment in both communicable and non-communicable diseases, handling surgical and emergency cases, and providing counseling. 

My name is Otto David. I hold a Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery from Kabale University. Currently I am completing a Masters of Medicine in Orthopedic Surgery from Kampala International University, Ishaka campus.  I am also a retractor who is fellowshipping with Rotaract club of KIU Ishaka and also with Rotaract club of Global Alumni. Fun fact: I love playing guitar, listening to music and reading novels. I also love touring places; especially places I have never been to before. My favorite television programs are Aljazeera and BBC world news.

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