The 2020 AOF Rocovich Research Grant has been awarded to Matthew J. Hadfield, DO. A 2018 graduate of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), Dr. Hadfield is currently completing an internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut with an interest in hematology and oncology.

Dr. Hadfield’s research has attracted many accolades, including his school’s Biomedical Researcher of the Year Award in 2018, Paper of the Year Award from Osteopathic Family Physician, and top abstract at the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) 2017 annual meeting. In addition, he has served as lead author on many published abstracts and peer-reviewed papers.

The study that earned him this award examines whether and how OMT could reduce chronic pain in oncology patients. It aims to contribute to the current understanding of the impact of OMT treatment on cancer-related pain and associated symptoms by using fMRI as a biomarker.

“Dr. Hadfield’s project answers the call for exploration of new and innovative ways to treat pain and has the potential to significantly impact the fields of hematology/oncology and palliative care,” says Jaclyn Cox, DO, Director of Dr. Hadfield’s residency program. “He [is] a hardworking and efficient intern and continues to develop excellent clinical acumen as he continues in our program while still devoting time to advancing the field of internal medicine through research.”

Prior to medical school, Dr. Hadfield oversaw clinical trials as Clinical Research Coordinator at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. He is also working on several ongoing research projects related to cancer treatment, pain prevention and outcomes.