Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) faculty member Dr. Bradley Goldstein, DO, and third-year osteopathic medical student Jackelyn Phillip (OMS-III) put training into action, volunteering at the finish line of the inaugural IRONMAN® Jacksonville in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
The event is a premier endurance triathlon that challenged participants with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. At the finish line medical tent, Goldstein and Phillip worked side by side to assess and treat athletes experiencing dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps and other post-race conditions.
The experience reflects LMU’s emphasis on hands-on training and real-world clinical exposure, with faculty mentorship playing a central role in preparing future physicians. Phillip collaborated with an interprofessional team of nurses, medics and volunteer physicians to gain practical experience in patient care, including IV placement and acute assessment in a high-demand setting.
“The event was a meaningful opportunity to learn from experienced volunteer physicians while giving back to the community,” said Goldstein. “We are proud of the teamwork and dedication shown by everyone involved.”
Goldstein added that supporting athletes at the culmination of such a demanding race offered a powerful reminder of both human endurance and compassionate care. “We also saw athletes in this race taking their bodies to the limits of what it can achieve. It’s awe-inspiring! Finishing an Ironman race has become a remarkable life achievement for many. It brought tears to my eyes seeing some of the competitors cross the finish line to the announcer stating their names, followed by, ‘You are an Ironman!’”
The volunteer effort underscores LMU’s mission-driven approach to medical education: preparing physicians who are ready to serve communities with skill, teamwork and a commitment to patient-centered care.
About LMU-DCOM
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, and at LMU Orange Park in Orange Park, Florida. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
