Table of Contents - Student Osteopathic Medical Association

Transcription

SOMA Spring National
Convention 2012
Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, March 7th- Sunday, March 11th
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements …………………………………………………………………………. 3
President‟s Welcome ………………………………………………………………………... 4
Convention Coordinator‟s Welcome ………………………………………………………... 5
Agenda …………………………………………………………………………………….…6
Speaker Biographies ………………………………………………………………………... 9
Workshop & Activity Details ……………………………………………………………… 11
Board of Trustees Reports ……………………………………………………………..….. 12
National Board Reports …………………………………………………………….…..…. 26
Region I Chapter Reports ………………………………………………………………...... 50
Region II Chapter Reports ……………………………………………………………….…61
..
Region III Chapter Reports …………………………………………………………………75
Region IV Chapter Reports …………………………………………………………………84
Scholarship Winners ……………………………………………………………………..…93
Robert Rules of Order ………………………………………………………………………94
Resolutions ………………………………………………………………………….…....…96
Night Out Details ……………………………………………………………………….…..113
Special Acknowledgments
CONVENTION SPONSORS
GL Advisor
Mass Marketing Consultants
EXHIBITORS
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Osteopathic Association
Boards Boot Camp (new)
COMBANK Medical, Inc
Falcon Physician Reviews
GEICO
GL Advisor
Kaplan Medical
Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc.
Thieme Medical Publishers
MSOPTI/WVSOM
RAFFLE SPONSORS
COMBANK Medical
COMQUEST Medical
Falcon Physician Reviews
GEICO
Kaplan Medical
SCHOLARSHIPS
Andrew Taylor Still Scholarships - Physician Loans
Pre-SOMA Awards - GEICO
Marvin & Kathleen Teget Scholarships
SOMA Minority Leadership Award - Raul Mirza, DO
International Health Program Scholarship – SOMA Foundation
International Medical Relief/Medical Missions Scholarship – SOMA Foundation
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President’s Welcome
Dan Nolan
Greetings SOMA Leaders,
Welcome to Washington, D.C.! It is certainly an exciting time in our nation‟s capital and we‟ll be
meeting just blocks from Capitol Hill. We certainly made some great strides this year as an organization and
our future looks stronger than ever. Thanks to the AOA, the Netter‟s Anatomy Atlas incentive is back and our
membership numbers are close to where they should be. I am confident our leadership heading into the 20122013 will continue the trend of growing SOMA larger than ever!
It is my fervent belief that SOMA has reestablished itself as the premier osteopathic student organization
this year. Our membership numbers are back up, we have a new logo and website, our benefits are better than
ever, and our conventions are beginning to shape up as we had envisioned. There were over 3,500 new
members this year across the country. As new schools open up, classes enlarge, and SOMA picks up steam I
hope to see this number grow each year. Thanks to the wonderful work of our National Board members, we
have a new, modern logo and sharp-looking website. We have placed an additional emphasis on resolutions
during our conventions and thanks to my close friend and National VP/Speaker of the House, Lisa Marie
Piwoszkin; I think our House of Delegates is better than ever.
I would also like to thank all of the chapter and national leaders for their effective communication with
me and each other year-round. Our SOMA email system has had its difficulties in the past but I think everyone
is finally on the right track. My contact with partner organizations; including the AOA, COSGP, AACOM and
AMSA; has been improved from years past as well. In particular, there has been some strong collaboration on
many political issues, including the proposed ACGME common rule changes. I will be glad to update everyone
on this topic during our convention.
Ultimately, my overarching goal this year was to improve SOMA and secure its long-term stability.
With the hard work of the entire national leadership team, I think we have set some foundations for SOMA to
continue work with for years to come. The strength in any organization, though, is at the local level and our
chapters have done some outstanding work this year. Every campus worked incredibly hard to sell SOMA to
their new students and I am excited to hear about all of the new projects and events each chapter did this year.
It will be a tough competition for some of the end-of-the-year awards!
Sadly, this will be my last year as a SOMA member. Next year will bring new challenges and new
friends, but SOMA has been, and always will be, my professional home away from home. These last four years
have been some of the best of my life and I have all of my SOMA friends and colleagues to thank for that. It
has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your National President this year and I wish you all the best in the
future.
Always Yours,
Daniel Nolan, OMS-IV
SOMA National President
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Convention Coordinator
Tracey Bastiaans
Welcome SOMA Leaders and Pre-SOMA Leaders!
Welcome to the Nation‟s Capitol! This has truly been one of my most favorite convention sites! I‟m so
glad to be joining all of you in D.C., whether it is your first trip to Washington D.C. or your fourth and final trip
with SOMA! I hope you take this opportunity to participate in D.O. Day on Capitol Hill, as this your time to
speak to some of the most influential political leaders that may already be, or with your help, will become our
advocates. Get lost in the excitement around you as a sea of white coats floods the capitol.
After an adventurous day advocating for our future, the SOMA House of Delegates will commence on
Friday morning. Not only will be discussing important issues at hand throughout the day, but it is that time of
year again where we interview for the new National Board! I hope all of you have considered applying for a
position and took this amazing opportunity to get involved with SOMA on the national level. I look forward to
meeting all the future board members.
While we will get down to business during the daylight hours we will also be having some time to let
loose and relax as we will be attending FUR night club on Friday evening; the premier night life experience in
Washington D.C. We will have our own private VIP room and entrance is free until midnight. Come
experience FUR, with its multiple places to mingle such as the Mafia Lounge or Vanity Lounge or enjoy
dancing with your friends on their main dance floor. You can also escape for a late night snack or coffee at their
Bistro!
On Saturday make sure you have at least one representative from your school at each workshop, where
you can find many answers to questions you have about your future in the medical field. I hope to see all of you
at our banquet/awards dinner to be held on Saturday evening at the Thunder Grill. Enjoy a great meal with your
friends and show appreciation for each other as all chapters have worked very hard over the past year to make
each SOMA chapter outstanding! After dinner let‟s meet up at the Billy Goat Tavern to end the night; which
first became famous at its first location in Chicago. This down to earth bar/grill is within walking distance of
our convention headquarters.
I sincerely hope everyone enjoys their weekend and makes the most out of their trip! Please don‟t
hesitate to approach me during your trip to Washington D.C. with any questions or concerns!
SOMA Love,
Tracey Bastiaans
Convention Coordinator
[email protected]
(630) 664-2720
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Student Osteopathic Medical Association
Spring Convention Agenda
March 7 – 11, 2012
Washington, D.C.
Daniel Nolan, National President (231) 557-7092
Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, National VP / Speaker of the House (219) 628-1265
Tracey Bastiaans, National Convention Coordinator (630) 664-2720
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 737-1234
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
1:00 – 4:00 PM
SOMA Board of Trustees Meeting – Hyatt Regency – Capital Room A
*BOT Members only (Business Casual)
● (1:00-1:10) Welcome, Presidential Update
● (1:10-3:00) Reports & Updates (10 min. limit each)
● (3:00-3:15) Ed Sterczyk - MMI updates
● (3:15-4:00) New Business/Tying up loose ends
4:00 – 6:30 PM
National Board Meeting – Hyatt Regency – Columbia C
* All BOT & NB Members (Business Casual)
● (4:00 – 4:15) Updates from BOT
● (4:15 – 6:00) Reports & Updates (5 min. each)
● (6:00 – 6:30) New business / Tying up loose ends
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Student Briefing on Advocacy and Lobbying – Hyatt Regency – Columbia B
*All Students Attending DO Day (Business Casual)
Hear from AOA Political Leadership on how to make D.O. Day the best experience for you and
your colleagues. Food will be provided.
9:00 – 10:00 PM
Board of Trustees Transitioning – Hyatt Regency – Columbia C
Thursday, March 8, 2012
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
D.O. Day on Capitol Hill 2012 – Hyatt Regency/Capitol Hill
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Omega Beta Iota Honor Society Induction – Hyatt Regency – Columbia C
Evening
Open – free time to meet with other officers, COM’s, etc.
Friday, March 9, 2012
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
House of Delegates Meeting – Hyatt Regency – Congressional A
*ALL convention attendees (Business / Business Casual)
● (7:00-7:45) Registration and complimentary coffee & bagels
● (7:45-8:10) Call to order / Role Call
○ All voting delegates must be present
● (8:10-8:15) Welcome & Updates from the President
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○
○
○
Recap of the Year
Welcoming new osteopathic campuses: VCOM-SC and WesternU/COMP-OR
National Osteopathic Advocacy Center
● (8:15-11:00) Updates and Guests
○ (8:15) Welcome from AOA Leadership: Martin S. Levine, DO, President;
Raymond E. Stowers, DO, President-Elect; John B. Crosby, JD, Executive Director
○ (8:40) Steve Downey, AOF Executive Director
○ (8:50) NBOME update – Dr. John R. Gimpel, DO, M.Ed., President and CEO
○ (9:20) BOT/NB Updates
○ Robyn Young, OMS-IV, Pre-SOMA Director
○ Yvette Wang, OMS-III, OP&P Director
○ Brittany Grady, OMS-III, Public Health Director
○ Tracey Bastiaans, OMS-III, Convention Coordinator
○ (9:50) MMI Presentation – Ed Sterczyk
○ (10:20) Lizzie Hart, AOA Assistant Director - Division of Student, Intern, Resident
& Member Affairs; SOMA Executive Director
○ (10:30) Diane Burkhart, PhD, AOA Education Department Director
● (11:00-12:00) Keynote Speaker – Major General (Dr.) Douglas J. Robb, DO, MPH
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Exhibitor Mixer / Lunch – Hyatt Regency – Thornton
*ALL convention attendees
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Region Meetings – Hyatt Regency
Region I Meeting – Bryce
Region II Meeting - Yosemite
Michael Favara, OMS-III
Annise Chung, OMS-III
Region III Meeting – Grand Teton
Region IV Meeting – Capital Room B
Sam Rabor, OMS-III
Erin Murphy, OMS-III
3:00 PM – Finished
Interviews for 2012-2013 National Board – Hyatt Regency – Olympic
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Resolutions Reference Committee Meeting – Hyatt Regency – Thornton
OPEN DOOR MEETING
*ALL chapters expected to send at least one representative
Come discuss the resolutions to be debated on the House floor in an open, informal setting.
This meeting will be run by Phil Eskew, OMS-IV, Resolutions Committee Chair. Please come
prepared to represent your chapter members on some important issues!
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Resolutions Reference Committee Meeting – Hyatt Regency –Thornton
CLOSED DOOR MEETING
*Restricted to Committee Members
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Dinner (on your own)
Evening
Night out with Tracey – Fur Night Club
33 Patterson St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Come hang out as a group – we have a VIP room reserved and free admission until midnight!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
7:00 – 11:30 AM
House of Delegates Meeting – Hyatt Regency – Regency C
*ALL convention attendees (Business / Business Casual)
● (7:15-7:45) Complimentary coffee & bagels, open networking time
● (7:45-8:05) Call to order / Role Call
● (8:05-8:15) Announcement of 2012-2013 National Leadership Team
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● (8:15-9:15) Northup Educator of the Year Selection
● (9:15-9:45) Membership Drive/Netter’s Information
● (10:00-11:30) Resolutions
11:30AM – 1:00 PM
National Board Transitioning (over lunch)
11:30 – 1:00 PM
Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 5:00 PM
Workshops – Hyatt Regency
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Pediatrics Workshop - Regency D
OB Ultrasound Workshop - Columbia A
Host: Lisa Marie Piwozskin, OMS-IV
Description: "Surviving the NICU" 101
basics for the newborn resuscitation, TPN
orders, and ventilator settings will be
covered.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Curriculum Vitae Writing - Regency D
Host: Emily Burk, OMS-IV
Description: Work through the steps of
properly formatting a CV; learn how to use
action words, make your CV stand out and
really shine.
3:00 - 5:00 PM
OMT Workshop - Columbia C
Hosts: Joe Prinsen, OMS-VII and Dr. Draion
Burch, DO
Description: Discussion of how ultrasound is
utilized in the field of obstetrics and
gynecology.
Hosts: Yvette Wang, OMS-III and Dr. John
Jones, DO
Description: Practical lessons on Stills
Technique with plenty of time for practice,
guidance, and treatments.
Hosts: Joe Prinsen, OMS-VI and Dr. Joseph
Kozlowski, DO
Description: "Practical and Office-Based
Wound Closure" Hands-on practice of
surgical suturing and knot tying.
Political Affairs Workshop - Columbia A
Host: Phil Eskew, OMS-IV
Description: Discussion of the
constitutionality of the PPACA and how it
pertains to your future career, led by our inhouse lawyer, Phil Eskew.
Suture Workshop - Regency B
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Inaugural Celebration – Thunder Grill
50 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, D.C. 20002
Thunder Grill is located in Union Station, just a short walk from the Hyatt. We will be having a
sit-down dinner and give out several awards and scholarships. At the conclusion of dinner, the
National leaders will pass the torch to the next leadership team.
Evening
Night out with Tracey – Billy Goat Tavern
500 New Jersey Ave NW, #1, Washington, D.C 20001
Billy Goat Tavern is just one block from the hotel. Come and hang out with your SOMA
colleagues during our last night in D.C.!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
6:45 – 9:00 AM
Public Health Project – So Others Might Eat (SOME)
71 ‘O’ Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Come serve a hearty breakfast to those in need at one of Washington. D.C.’s best charities. This
is a great way to serve those around you; and those who attend will receive breakfast after
working. 6:45 am is an early start, but remember, the early bird gets the worm! If you have any
questions, please see Brittany Grady, our Public Health Director.
Morning
Additional BOT/NB Transitioning
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Speaker Biography
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
MAJOR GENERAL DOUGLAS J. ROBB, DO, MPH
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Douglas J. Robb is the Joint Staff Surgeon, Office of the Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He serves as the chief medical adviser to the
Chairman and provides advice to the Chairman, the Joint Staff and combatant commanders. He
coordinates all issues related to operational medicine, force health protection and readiness
among the combatant commands, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the services.
General Robb entered the Air Force in June 1979 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
He is board certified in aerospace medicine. He has spent 20 years in the practice of aerospace
medicine in support of Air Force, joint and coalition aviation forces. Clinically, he has held the
positions of chief of flight medicine, aerospace medicine squadron commander, and hospital
and medical center commander. Additionally, he has held staff positions as the chief flight
surgeon for U.S Air Forces in Europe, and as Command Surgeon, U.S. Central Command and
Air Mobility Command. A chief flight surgeon with more than 1,600 flying hours, he has
maintained additional crewmember status in the A-7, OV-10, F-16, C-9, C-130 and KC-135
aircraft. Prior to his current assignment, General Robb served as the Command Surgeon,
Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
EDUCATION
1979 Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1984 Medical degree, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ill.
1992 Master's degree in public health in occupational medicine, Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, Mass.
1994 Residency training and board certification in aerospace medicine and occupational medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas
2000 National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
2002 Medical Executive Skills Capstone, Washington, D.C.
2003 Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1979 - August 1980, maintenance officer, 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, MacDill AFB, Fla.
2. September 1980 - June 1984, student, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ill.
3. July 1984 - June 1985, family practice resident, Carswell Regional Hospital, Carswell AFB, Texas
4. July 1985 - July 1987, flight surgeon, 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron and 4450th Tactical Group, Nellis AFB, Nev.
5. August 1987 - August 1988, flight surgeon, 19th Tactical Air Squadron, Osan Air Base, South Korea
6. September 1988 - August 1991, flight surgeon, 526th Fighter Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany
7. September 1991 - June 1992, student, Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, Mass.
8. July 1992 - July 1994, medical resident, Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas
9. August 1994 - June 1997, Commander, 347th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga. (June 1996 - July 1996, Commander,
4404th Medical Group (Provisional), Southwest Asia)
10. July 1997- July 1999, Chief, Aerospace Medicine, Office of the Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein
AB, Germany
11. August 1999 - July 2000, student, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
12. June 2000 - July 2002, Commander, 59th Aeromedical-Dental Group, Lackland AFB, Texas
13. July 2002 - June 2004, Commander, 10th Medical Group, and Command Surgeon, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
14. June 2004 - June 2007, Command Surgeon, U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, Fla.
15. July 2007 - July 2008, Commander, 81st Medical Group, Keesler AFB, Miss.
16. July 2008 - August 2010, Command Surgeon, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Ill.
17. September 2010 - present, Joint Staff Surgeon, Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with "V" device two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
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Suture Workshop Speaker Biography
Joseph Kozlowski, DO
Dr. Kozlowski is Board Certified in Family Practice, and has been practicing in Michigan for over thirty-three
years. He is currently Chief of Staff at Ingham Regional Medical Center (IRMC). He has previously served as
the director of the family practice residency at IRMC, Medical Director of the Ingham County Jail, and is a
consultant to the Veterans of America clinic in Lansing, Michigan. He has special interests in sports medicine,
acupuncture, and alternative pain therapy. He is an avid fan of high school athletics. Dr. Kozlowski also enjoys
fishing, skiing and biking.
10
Workshops and Activities
Saturday, March 10th
Pediatrics/NICU Workshop: Making Sense of Numbers in the NICU
Hosted by Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, OMS-IV, National SOMA Vice President
 If you have ever been near a NICU, you know there are lots of sick babies, lots of busy
residents/fellows/neonatologists, and lots of calculations! However, I suspect many of you have NOT rotated in a
NICU and many may not have had any experience with sick children. This workshop is meant to give you some
basic pearls to survive your future rotations in Pediatrics, NICU, and even parts of OB. Although the majority of
the workshop will focus on a patient‟s first day of life, many of the principles discussed will carry over into your
surgical and ICU rotations. Specifically, this workshop will cover the basics of the newborn resuscitation
including APGAR scores, ventilator settings, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) orders (the bread and butter of
neonatology). The NICU is a busy and exciting place! I am giving you your first dose now so that you can grow
up to be rock star medical students!
Curriculum Vitae Writing
 Hosted by Emily Burk, OMS IV, National SOMA Clinical Clerkship Director
 This workshop will briefly cover how to author a superb curriculum vitae. Putting your experiences in the best
light, your CV and ERAS application will be outstanding. I will go over formatting, word choices, and what to
highlight. The workshop will go over many CV examples. A copy of your CV is strongly recommended for
notes and time permitting, individual critique.
The Constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare)
 Hosted by Phil Eskew, OMS IV; National SOMA Political Affairs Director
 This workshop will discuss the Constitutionality of the PPACA. We will discuss the law on an issue by issue
basis covering the same topics that the US Supreme Court will face this summer. Constitutional law is a
notoriously difficult legal subject. It is frequently misinterpreted by the media, and one I have found more likely
to polarize attorneys than any other area of the law. Hopefully our discussion will provide some clarity in this
endlessly gray area of the law.
Suture Workshop
 Hosted by Joseph Prinsen, OMS IV, National SOMA Director of Research and Development
 Surgical knot tying and suturing: a hands‐on tutorial and guided practice session
OMT Workshop: “Still Technique”
 Hosted by Dr. John Jones, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Yvette Wang, OMSIII, Director of Osteopathic Principles and Practice
 Still technique - the mechanism and application in seated and supine positions
Banquet and Awards Dinner: Thunder Grill
 Enjoy dinner hosted by National SOMA at the Thunder Grill located minutes from convention headquarters
 Congratulate your fellow colleagues on several awards including the Golden Femur award for the most
outstanding SOMA Chapter
Sunday, March 11th
Public Health Project – So Others Might Eat (SOME)
 71 „O‟ Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
 Come serve a hearty breakfast to those in need at one of Washington. D.C.‟s best charities. This is a great way to
serve those around you; and those who attend will receive breakfast after working. 6:45am is an early start, but
remember, the early bird gets the worm! If you have any questions, please see Brittany Grady, our Public Health
Director.
11
To obtain information
on the SOMA Health
or Term Life
insurance products,
contact us at:
HEALTH - This is a group plan
which guarantees coverage for
all members. There are two medical
plans with an optional Dental and
Vision program to choose from.
Tel: 800-349-1039
Fax: 877-349-0105
8:00 - 4:30 C.S.T.
MMIC
14616 John Humphrey Dr
Orland Park, IL 60462
TERM LIFE - This is a group plan which offers
benefits from $50,000 up to $250,000. No medical
exam required and $50,000 or $100,000 offered
on a Simplified Issue basis. A special Will
Preparation Service available without charge.
SUPPORTER OF THE
SOMA 2012 SPRING CONVENTION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Board of Trustees
MY
BLUEPRINT
4 years of SOMA memories,
5 major cities… 1 last convention!
AMBITION
SPRING 2009 | Washington, DC
CCOM OMSI Liaison
During my first convention, I knew I had to take part in the
National scene, and I have never looked back! Thankful for
the guidance of my predecessors, I strive to encourage that
same ambition in every SOMA member.
PRIDE
SUMMER 2009 | Chicago, IL
CCOM Vice President
A new team assembled on campus and with the loss of the
Netter’s incentive for our membership drive, we found
creative ways to attract new members and discovered the
true benefits of being a SOMA member!
OPPORTUNITY
FALL 2009 | New Orleans, LA
CCOM Vice President
Halloween in New Orleans! Enough said  However,
attending my first AOF Reception was my very first taste of
the exciting networking opportunities SOMA would provide.
TRANSITION
CCOM Vice President
This convention was all about sharing my SOMA experience
with the up-and-coming CCOM SOMA leaders. I wanted to
stress the importance of national involvement in the success
of our local chapter and to understand their role as an
osteopathic student, leader, and future DO!
CHANGE
National Convention Coordinator
Osteopathic students across the nation united in support of
change and a student focused future! Celebrating the
st
inauguration of the 1 Female AOA President, Dr. Karen
Nichols, was truly an event to remember! I am proud to call
her friend and Dean.
DIFFERENCE
FALL 2010 | San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, a city full of adventure, brought out the
risk-taker in me. Coordinating and planning conventions was
fun and fulfilling, but I wanted to get back to the SOMA
mission. I wanted student leaders to know and utilize their
resources for facilitating change and making a difference.
That is why I ran for National VP/Speaker and vowed to
validate the student voice in the House of Delegates.
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FRIENDSHIP
This convention rooted me in appreciation for my SOMA
Family. Having shared 5 previous conventions with many of
the attendees, I found myself invested in their goals.
TEAMWORK
National Vice President/Speaker
Desperate to not disappoint, Dan and I worked what seemed
endlessly to make our first convention as Prez/VP worthwhile.
We tried to incorporate our favorite things about past
conventions to mix the perfect combination of business and
fun. It proved to be a bigger challenge than we had expected,
but together made it work!
PERSEVERANCE
FALL 2011 | Orlando, FL
Convention #9 proved to be one of the busiest; more
meetings, committees, and invitations. At a time when the
only thing that could possibly be on my mind was whether
preparing for residency interview season, I found myself
engrossed in events and leaving each meeting with fresh
ideas for SOMA!
LEGACY
th
Welcome to DC! Attending my 10 and final SOMA Convention is something bittersweet. I leave having reached
many of my objective goals, including restoring the National Constitution. However, being a part of SOMA was a
more exciting and rewarding experience than I ever expected. It completely and unforgettably enhanced my
medical school career. So many of the memories and opportunities I was granted have guided my personal goals
and professional decisions.
I would like to personally thank the past, present, and future BOTs for their dedication to National SOMA; the
Chapter Leaders who represent their schools at every convention; and each SOMA member for their recognition of
this awesome organization!
Thank you to Dan, my fellow leader and dear friend; I could not have made it through this year without you!
I hope you all continue to voice your opinions and concerns in the SOMA House of Delegates. Do not sit by idle
and unsatisfied. Take control of your profession and see to it that your ideas are put into action. Best of luck to
you all in your endeavors as SOMA Leaders and future Dos!!! It has been my pleasure to serve at your 2011-2012
National SOMA Vice President and Speaker of the House.
SOMA Love,
Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, OMS IV
15
National Treasurer
Welcome to Washington, D.C.!!!
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is extremely proud of the dedication and accomplishments of the SOMA student leaders and chapter members. You all have worked hard representing and spreading the SOMA purpose by providing professional development, networking, academic enrichment, community service, and personal growth programs/events to all its student
members.
It has been a pleasure to have served as your National SOMA Treasurer and work with an inspirational group of student leaders during this Fall 2011- Spring 2012 term. By now everyone has adjusted to his or her leadership roles, use of the SOMA e-mail, and SOMA CAF reimbursement
process. Please be sure to be good mentors and advisors to your rising leadership team. I admire the
tremendous enthusiasm SOMA chapter leaders have had promoting the SOMA spirit to their local
chapter members. From talking to the chapter leaders and reading chapter reports, I have seen many
great fundraising events and charitable purposes that many of the SOMA chapters have accomplished through various Osteoblast events, Cancer walks, and mentoring programs.
SOMA is built upon the dedication and efforts of those who paved the path before us. Best of luck
to the upperclassmen moving on to clinical rotations and residency! Your commitment to SOMA is
vital in shaping the dynamic changes that place the osteopathic profession at the forefront of medicine! Thanks to everyone for making it such a successful and eventful year with SOMA.
Warmest wishes,
Jennifer Luo
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
SOMA Nstional Treasurer
[email protected]
16
Foundation Chairperson
SOMA SPRING CONVENTION 2012 - WASHINGTON D.C.
Northup Educator
the Year
Thanks to all SOMA members who
have submitted nominees for the
upcoming year. The SOMA
Foundation has a tradition of
honoring those educators who make
our osteopathic education a step
above. I am looking forward to the
vote to award our 2012 winner!
MAD HATTER TEA PARTY
Last year‟s winner, Dr. Teitelbaum,
was recognized at the Fall
Convention in Orlando. The
Foundation threw a “Mad Hatter
Tea Party” in his honor, and in the
spirit of Disney and Halloween.
Everyone had a blast wearing hats
and I would like to thank everyone
who came out and showed their
support. We were honored to have
Dr. Karen Nichols and Dr. Levine
attend as well!
ORLANDO 2011
A Big Thanks
Serving as the Foundation
Chairperson this past year has
been a great honor. Thank
you to all our contributors
who help support the
scholarships and projects that
SOMA members enjoy so
much.
THE SOMA FOUNDATION 11/12
17
I am happy to be leaving the
Foundation Chairperson
position to Erin Murphy from
A.T. Still Arizona, who I
know will do an excellent job!
Thanks SOMA!!
ORLANDO 2011
Foundation Director
Crystal E. Scott
Hello SOMA Members,
Welcome to the Spring SOMA House of Delegates meetings in
Washington D.C.! I look forward to a productive meeting with our
student leaders. I hope you all take the opportunity to participate in
the exciting events of D.O. Day on Capitol Hill this year. Please take
advantage of all opportunities to stay involved and participate in the
many workshops we have planned for you.
As the Foundation Director, my role is to stay connected with our gracious donors that provide support for
SOMA‟s many scholarships and projects. I am also here to help our students in any way I can. If at any point
you have any questions about SOMA, student leadership, or how to stay involved please do not hesitate to find
me and ask!
It has been an exciting and productive year for the SOMA Foundation. SOMA is now a founding donor for
DOCare‟s Continuity of Care Clinic in San Andres, Itzapa, Guatemala. For the last few months the clinic has
been taking 4th year student volunteers for accredited 4 week rotations. This year the SOMA Foundation also
worked hard to strengthen our relationship with the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) by working
closely together on a service project in Orlando as well as our Region III Unity Project. I encourage you all to
maintain this relationship and make it a point to meet our AOF leaders.
I look forward to celebrating the end of another great SOMA year at the Inaugural dinner and awards
presentation. Enjoy D.C.!
Sincerely,
Crystal E. Scott, MS IV
A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
National SOMA Foundation Director
18
Region I Trustee
Welcome to Washington, DC!
I hope everyone has been doing well since meeting up at the October convention! This conference is really
important for SOMA – not only does it allow us to reconvene and
talk about everything that we‟ve accomplished since last meeting,
but it also involves DO Day on the Hill! Hopefully everyone that‟s
at the conference was able to go and talk to their legislators about
current healthcare issues – particularly important this time because
of the election year!
Region 1 has been doing phenomenally well since last convention.
The membership drive numbers came in, and Region 1 reported
increases in membership across the board! While some of this was
in part due to the Netter‟s campaign, I just wanted to thank all of
our chapter leaders for doing a great job in spreading the word
about SOMA to their respective schools.
Just a couple updates from our chapters: UMDNJ-SOM has been
holding an ongoing Instrument Donation Drive to benefit our
school‟s Neuromuscular Institute – the event has been going very well! Other events included a global health
seminar and a fundraising event at a local pub to raise money for the Neuromuscular Institute featuring
UMDNJ-SOM students performing. LECOM has been very active in their projects since we last saw them in
October. They‟re continuing their volunteering at senior centers, have had numerous successful fundraisers,
and even hosted an acupuncture clinic! VCOM has also been extremely productive – they continue to be active
with sending their students on multiple medical missions, have been able to provide their students with
scholarships to attend OMED, and are in the process of planning a Winter Gala for the school.
Finally, I just wanted to welcome our newest chapter, VCOM-Carolinas! We‟re very excited to have this
chapter included in our region and look forward to working with them.
I‟ve had a great year serving as Region 1 Trustee, and look forward to taking on my position as Foundation
Director in the upcoming year. Thanks for a great year, SOMA! Enjoy the DC convention and learn a lot (and
see the sites too)!
Best,
Michael Favara, OMS-III
Region 1 Trustee
19
Region II Trustee
Greetings, SOMA!!
What a year it has been! I am extremely proud of all of you,
especially Region II for all of your hard work in promoting
SOMA and osteopathic medicine throughout the year. From
5K races, to creating informational PowerPoints (in Spanish!),
to fundraising, I would have to say that Region II has well
fulfilled the mission and goals of SOMA.
For those of you leaving SOMA leadership, I would like to
say thank you, and good luck in your future endeavors. For
those of you staying in your current leadership position, or
transitioning on to a new SOMA leader role, I hope that each and every one of you an exciting new
year. With change looming ahead regarding health care policy, residency funding, and the match, it‟s
sure to be an exciting year for those willing to grasp these opportunities to make your voices heard.
The osteopathic profession is one of a very tight-knit community, and if we get our messages and our
actions coordinated and united, we are sure to be the one strong voice that cannot be ignored.
Someone once asked me: Are you going to take charge of your future and career, or are you going to
let somebody else make those decisions for you? My hope is that by joining SOMA, you are proudly
declaring that you are more than capable of making your own decisions; that you are building your
future with each decision and vote you cast. And I hope that you all carry this same inspiration with
you as you progress through your medical school career and, hopefully, into the AOA as a professional.
Thank you all for such a successful year! I can‟t wait to see what next year holds for all of us!
Warmest regards,
Annise Chung, OMS III
GA-PCOM
20
Region III Trustee
House of Delegates,
Fall convention in Orlando was a big success for our region. We
had all but one chapter attend the conference. We were all able to
meet with each other and discuss membership drives and our goals
for the year. The general consensus was that the Netter‟s program
was a huge success. Our chapters were also able to bounce ideas
off each other for future chapter projects/events. We talked about
setting up timelines for each chapter to ensure they accomplish all
that they set out to do, as well as completing all of their chapter
obligations.
We appointed Tom Grawey (OMS-II/CCOM) and Sara O‟Meara
(OMS-II/DMU-COM), as our region III resolution committee
representatives and Zac Baker (OMS-II/MSU-COM) as an alternate. Our new incoming Region III Trustee was
elected at the fall convention as well. Jonathan Wong (OMS-II/CCOM) will be taking the reins from me when I
end my term. I will be looking forward to transitioning with him to ensure him success at this position.
The Region III Unity Project this was at the Crittenton Children‟s Center in Kansas City, MO. Members hosted
a “Hollywood Movie Day” where they watched a movie with the children and decorated a “Walk of Fame” star.
Popcorn, snacks, trivia, and prizes were also included.
With the help of the other region trustees, we conducted a survey to evaluate our current anatomy atlas program
and its effect on each individual chapter. With this data, we will be able to see the impact of such a program,
and possible ways on improving it to maximize the benefit to the members, local chapters, and national SOMA.
Overall, it was a very productive several months for region III. We are estimating representation from all of our
chapters at both DO Day and Spring Convention. I look forward to once again talking with all of my chapters as
well as meeting the incoming chapter leaders.
Respectfully,
Sam Rabor Jr., OMS-III
Student Osteopathic Medical Association,
Board of Trustees, Region III Trustee
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Midwestern University
21
Region IV Trustee
Spring 2012
Third Time’s a Charm
I’m glad to be back in Washington, D.C. for my third year in a
row: first as my school’s chapter Secretary, second as my
chapter’s National Liaison Officer, third as Region IV Trustee.
Next year I’m proud to be representing the Student
Osteopathic Medical Association’s Foundation as its
Chairperson. Ian Schlieder, OMS III, at A.T. Still UniversitySchool of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona is the incoming
Region IV Trustee.
Let the Elections Begin
With an early start to our spring convention following March
8th’s D.O. Day on Capitol Hill, our chapters wanted to get a jump on elections for their new executive board. In
order for officer transitions to run smoothly each year, we use the face time conventions afford to assist
chapters with the beginning of membership drive season.
Change We’re a Part Of
The floor of the House of Delegates will be packed full of healthy debate this March when Region IV presents
its resolutions. Our chapters collaborated on resolutions that mean the most to our region, and they want
their national student organization to take a stance. However, we are sad to say goodbye to National SOMA’s
invaluable resource filling the Political Affairs chair—Phil Eskew, OMS IV at WVSOM.
Are You Board
Region IV will be well-represented during this spring’s
National Board interviews. Several positions are
available due to the graduation of our fourth-year
members.
Get ready for a productive 2012 SOMA season,
Erin Murphy, OMS III
Region IV Trustee
A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in
Arizona
22
Membership Coordinator
Jessica Barnes
So much has happened in the world of SOMA since our Fall Convention! First, I would like to announce the
winners of the 2010 SOMA New Member Scholarship: Joanna Aiken (LECOM), Laura Jordan (LECOMBradenton), Leslie Tamura (AZCOM), Samantha Cotler (UMDNJ-SOMA), and Yasmin Leigh (NYCOM), who
were all honored at our Fall Convention in Orlando. Congratulations to each of our winners, who impressed the
graders with their "Vision of Osteopathic Medicine" Essays, as well as their involvement in their school and
community. I encourage all of you to explore and apply for the many scholarships SOMA has to offer!
National SOMA is in its third year of utilizing an all-online membership registration system, a change that has
introduced both benefits and challenges to the registration process. I would like to sincerely thank our
Webmaster, Phillip Gunnell , who has worked tirelessly to help make this transition as easy as possible. For the
most part, chapters and new members did a great job of registering online, but we realize that this system still
has some significant bugs to work out. We appreciate all of your patience as we work to improve the system for
future years!
With that being said, National SOMA is still incredibly impressed with how well our chapters did recruiting
new members to SOMA with our first year reintroducing the Netters Campaign! I am currently working on
finalizing the numbers for our total membership this year. It is without a doubt to say that membership has
increased significantly this year with the Netters Campaign back in place, and we would like to thank Elizabeth
Hart for all of her and her staff‟s hard work on this.
As always, I would like to send a big shout out to our chapters that participate in Automatic Membership:
VCOM, PCSOM, MSUCOM, PNWU!! We appreciate your continued support of SOMA! We will continue
to work on your behalf to educate your administration about the benefits of a SOMA membership, but we also
encourage you, as chapter leaders, to reach out to your administration and ask them to consider signing up for
automatic SOMA membership. If you are interested in more information on this, please contact myself or your
2012-2013 Membership Coordinator, Brittany Grady, at [email protected].
Future goals at the Membership level also include creating a database of membership recruitment ideas to share
among chapters, and most importantly streamlining the online registration system and Netters Campaign.
It has been such a pleasure to serve as your 2011-2012 National SOMA Membership Coordinator! I wish you
all continued success in SOMA, and in your medical careers.
Jessica M Barnes, OMS IV
Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
National SOMA Membership Coordinator
23
Member at Large
Joe Prinsen
Please see Officer of Research and Development under the National Board
section for updates from Joe Prinsen.
24
Helping SOMA Members Lower the Cost
Medical School Debt
of
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issues and make the best decisions regarding their debt. Today’s graduates are burdened with a considerable amount of
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maximum savings and lowest payment available through the use of structured repayment strategies and federal student
loan relief programs such as Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
As a GL Advisor client, SOMA members will receive:
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debt and improve their financial position.
An Assigned Financial Advisor: A personal advisor who provides unbiased support, answers questions,
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National Board
Political Affairs Director
Phil Eskew, OMS-IV, JD, MBA
There has been no shortage of political news this year, even without any notable elections. Finding relevant material
for my monthly political development briefings was rarely difficult. Rather than repeating news topics that I have
covered in prior briefings or website updates, I will highlight some interesting statistics regarding current physician
members of Congress.
How many physicians are members of the 112 Congress?
Nineteen
Up from 16 in the 111th Congress, they now make up 3.5% of the 535 member congress
Consider that around 9% of Declaration of Independence signers were physicians (5/56)
One is a DO
One is a Democrat (four out of sixteen were Democrats in the previous 111th Congress)
One is running for President (Ron Paul – also ran in 2008, Howard Dean ran in 2004)
The most widely represented specialties are family medicine and OB/GYN (4 reps each)
Name
State
Specialty
Party
Rep. Dan Benishek, MD
Rep. Charles Boustany, MD
Rep. Paul Broun, MD
Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD
Rep. Michael Burgess, MD
Rep. Bill Cassidy, MD
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, MD
Rep. John Fleming, MD
Rep. Phil Gingrey, MD
Rep. Andy Harris, MD
Rep. Nan Hayworth, MD
Rep. Joe Heck, DO
Rep. Jim McDermott, MD
Rep. Ron Paul, MD
Rep. Tom Price, MD
Rep. David “Phil” Roe, MD
Sen. John Barrasso, MD
Sen. Tom Coburn, MD
Sen. Rand Paul, MD
(MI-01)
(LA-07)
(GA-10)
(IN-08)
(TX-26)
(LA-06)
(TN-04)
(LA-04)
(GA-11)
(MD-01)
(NY-19)
(NV-03)
(WA-07)
(TX-14)
(GA-06)
(TN-01)
(WY)
(OK)
(KY)
General Surgery
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Family Medicine
Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
OB/GYN
Gastroenterology
Family Medicine
Family Medicine
OB/GYN
Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Emergency Medicine
Psychiatry
OB/GYN
Orthopedic Surgery
OB/GYN
Orthopedic Surgery
Family Medicine
Ophthalmology
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Democrat
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Republican
Food for thought:
 In a D.C. meeting in the summer of 2009, I heard Senator Tom Coburn, MD publicly state that he has a
better relationship with the AOA than the AMA.
 18 out of 19 physician members of Congress are against the recently passed Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (President Obama‟s healthcare law)
 None of the 44 US Presidents have been physicians, while 26 were attorneys, including our current president.
27
Clinical Clerkships Director
National Board
and Board of
Trustees SOMA
2011 -2012
SPRING 2012
Clerkship Database is Growing!
Thanks to the participation of our 3rd
and 4th years, the clerkship database
is growing. It includes informationand contact information- on a myriad
of specialties nationwide. Search it to
schedule a rotation at a program your
interested in, back in your hometown,
or to check out a new specialty.
Database Access
“Success in Clinical Years”
Presentation- local chapters
I have composed a presentation on
what to expect for your third and
forth years. There is life after
COMLEX Level One, and you have
to be prepared. Local chapters should
have a meeting going over the
presentation which will cover many
things. What to bring, what if you
don‟t get along with your preceptor,
travel...
But will also get the ball rolling on
residency planning: when to ask for
letters -and how- , CV writing, when
to start narrowing specialties and
programs down...
www.studentdo.com > Login >
Member Portal > Clerkship
Database > Search
Welcome to Washington DC SOMA!
CV Workshop This
Weekend!
No matter how much of all all-star you are, if
you cannot communicate this, you are an
average Joe. Come for some personal
development and tricks you will use the rest of
your life.
Director of Public Health
Brittany Grady
Hello SOMA members!
This has been an exciting and rewarding year serving as SOMA‟s Public
Health Director. In Orlando, we teamed up with the American Osteopathic
Foundation on one of our biggest service projects to date! Physicians,
students, and friends all gathered at the Orlando Health & Rehabilitation
Center to devote their time to the facilities and its residents. This was a truly
memorable experience and we hope to continue this partnership with the
AOF.
In addition to our work at the service project, SOMA students collected
money and toys for the Give Kids The World organization in Orlando, FL.
Our students alone donated 10 bags full of toys and games amounting to over $700 worth in donations. I had the
privilege of dropping off these gifts personally and the impact was clear. Just last week, I received a letter of
gratitude thanking SOMA members for their contributions.
Currently, I am preparing for our service project during the Spring SOMA conference in Washington, D.C.! A
group of students will get the opportunity to volunteer with SOME (So Others Might Eat). SOME is an
organization that serves the immediate needs of its community by providing food, clothing, and health care
since the early 1970‟s. We will be working at their local soup kitchen helping to prepare and serve breakfast to
the homeless. You can find more information about this organization at www.some.org.
As always, if you have any ideas for service projects or want information on how to incorporate public health
awareness at your school, I can be contacted at [email protected]. I hope to see everyone at our
upcoming conference!
Brittany Grady OMS-III
29
Foundation Associate Director of
Scholarships & Grants
Kobi Hano
This year as scholarship chair has been extremely rewarding. Our
foundation has been really busy since our last convention in Orlando
working on scholarship opportunities for Osteopathic Students. Since
this academic year started we have had many applications pouring in for
our scholarships. We have many wonderful scholarships that include
anywhere from funding for international mission trips, minority
education, medically underserved rotations and leadership.
Recently we awarded one third year osteopathic medical student with the
Ed and Melissa Loniewski Scholarship. This scholarship makes it
possible for students to receive up to $1000 to cover transportation,
room, board and essential expenses while doing an elective rotation in a
medically underserved location. Rotation sites are selected by the student and are completed during the 3rd or 4th
year of medical school. We were overwhelmed by the amount of compassion and dedication to the underserved
population that each of the candidates possessed this year.
Another scholarship that was awarded this year went to Katy Modlin and Maria Swetech, two undergraduate
students who are members of our Pre-SOMA chapters. This scholarships was set up to provide two $500
scholarships to cover the cost of travel to Washington, D.C. for the annual D.O. Day on Capitol Hill event.
Many students applied for the scholarship this year and it was great to see such enthusiasm for osteopathic
medicine in the undergraduate student population.
I would like to again thank all of the SOMA Foundation donors who make our
scholarships possible. Your generosity to the students is appreciated and serves as
another lesson that many of us will carry on. I would also like to thank all the SOMA
members who have applied to our scholarships and encourage you to share your
experiences and accomplishments with your fellow students. It is a privilege serving as
Associate Director of Scholarships and Grants and I look forward to seeing you at our
upcoming Spring convention in D.C.
Sincerely,
Kobi Hano
Foundation Director of Scholarships and Grants
30
SOMA Foundation Associate Liaison
Natalie Wessel
Hi from the SOMA Foundation!
www.somafoundation
.org
This year has been an eventful one with an increased partnership
and cooperation between the SOMA Foundation and the American
Osteopathic Foundation (AOF). Many students participated in the
AOF sponsored Helping Hands Orlando Project at AOA OMED
last October. Students worked side by side with AOA leadership to
conduct many service projects at the Orlando Health and
Rehabilitation Center.
Many students also had the privilege of attending the AOF Honors
Gala at Disney‟s Epcot World ShowPlace. This black-tie event
showcased the shining stars of the osteopathic profession. The
AOF presented their awards to osteopathic physicians, residents and
medical students.
The SOMA Foundation‟s Mad Hatter reception was also one of the
largest in attendance in recent past. Honorary attendees included
several AOA leaders including the incoming president of the AOA
Ray Stowers, DO and past president of the AOF, Teresa Hubka,
DO.
We look forward to an exciting new year and continuing this
excellent partnership. See you in Washington!
- Natalie Wessel
Pre-SOMA Director
Robyn Young
Hi SOMA and Pre-SOMA! Welcome to Spring Convention, 2012 in Washington D.C.! I hope
you‟re all settling in well and getting ready to have a terrific time at convention. I would like to
bring you all up to speed on Pre-SOMA developments since I became director last Spring.
This year, our D.O. Day on the Hill Scholarship winners are: Maria Swetech from Michigan
State University, and Katy Modlin, from Truman State University!
Maria Swetech is a Human Biology Major at Michigan State
University. She has been a Pre-SOMA member since 2008 and has
served on the executive board for two years, during which time she has
promoted osteopathic medicine extensively. She has orchestrated suture
clinics, recruitment events, Pre-SOMA participation in OMM clinic,
and fundraisers. Maria stated in her essay, “I yearn to impact the world
in a positive manner…rather than simply watching progressions around
me. Osteopathic medicine captured my heart at a young age; the care
provided by osteopathic physicians attracted me, as it is patient-centered
and is so genuine.”
Katy Modlin is a Health Science Major at Truman State University.
Katy has been a member of Pre-SOMA since 2008! She has served on
the executive board for three years. She has coordinated mentoring
events with AT Still KCOM and shared her knowledge of osteopathic
medicine with hundreds of students as a leader in the pre-med
community! Katy wants to attend D.O. Day to participate in patient
advocacy. She states that, “…we want to provide the best care possible
and help as many people as we can in the most appropriate way, to do
this we need to have a say in policy.”
Congratulations to the pre-med students at the following schools for starting official pre-SOMA
chapters during this academic year!







Alpha-Sigma: University of Michigan-Dearborn
Alpha-Tau: Skyline College
Alpha-Upsilon: Northeastern University, MA
Alpha Phi: University of Utah
Alpha Chi: Idaho State University
Alpha Psi: UC Santa Cruz
Alpha Omega: William Carey University
We‟re currently working on establishing new Pre-SOMA Chapters:
I have been in contact with several pre-med interest groups who are gearing up to charter PreSOMA chapters!
32




Phillip Atherton from the University of New England
Louis Santiago Jr. from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Val Staples from Columbus University in Columbus, GA
Aaron D Harvey at University of Arizona, Austin Chapin from Indiana
University-Purdue University Indianapolis
These people are all actively leading Pre-Osteopathic Medicine groups and hoping to charter
Pre-SOMA chapters this year!
News from Existing Pre-SOMA Chapters:
Right now there are 30 active SOMA chapters and 48 total, so 62.5% of chapters started
since 2006 remain active as of Spring 2010. This percentage will only become larger as we
advocate for the establishment of more Pre-SOMA chapters!
Thank you SOMA and Pre-SOMA!
From the bottom of my heart, I thank SOMA members for helping to spread the word
about osteopathic medicine to the pre-med community. Without Pre-SOMA, many pre-med
students would never consider osteopathic medicine! If your chapter has been in touch with me
about mentoring pre-med students, I thank you! If your chapter has not yet gotten involved in
such a rewarding endeavor but you would like to, please contact [email protected] for
more information! We would love to see each osteopathic school plan and execute an osteopathic
awareness day for premeds in their community, or start a sustainable mentoring program for premeds at their school. It was a pleasure to be part of the National Board of SOMA this year as the
Director of Pre-SOMA!
Robyn Young
Director of Pre-SOMA
[email protected]
33
Minority Affairs Director
Gloria Lopez
¡Bienvenidos a Washington D.C.!
I would like to start by thanking all the wonderful chapters
that incorporated minority related events into their SOMA programs
for the year. I was very pleased to hear from the chapters that
have minority affair chairs on their e-board that help coordinate
these events.
Some of the magnificent events done this year include
hosting speakers who came to educate medical students about
Hispanic Care. Many chapters also provided their students with
volunteer opportunities in minority communities. Volunteering in
underserved communities is a great way to learn of health
disparities and come up with ways to improve health care. Some
students also took it upon themselves to become educators by
passing out pamphlets with health information in minority
communities and at health fairs. Another popular activity among
chapters this year was promoting and even hosting Medical Spanish
Workshops. Being able to communicate if at least a little with your patients can be the difference
in determining the diagnosis and helping the patient I was so please to see the involvement of so
many of our chapters in minority related events. Please remind to keep up the good work!
It has been a great 3 years serving as Minority Affairs Director! SOMA has allowed me
to meeting some of the most inspirational people in our profession. I take such pride having been
involved with such an amazing organization. I LOVE SOMA and will miss it dearly!
Looking forward to greater tomorrow!
Gloria Lopez, OMS IV
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
[email protected]
34
Yvette Wang
[OPP COORDINATOR]
Hi everyone!
I‟m very excited about the upcoming spring
conference in Washington DC. This is a great time to
meet new friends, broaden your network, and learn some
valuable information about osteopathic medicine and your
future. My goals for the workshops are to bring in
speakers that help students learn how to incorporate OMM
into our future careers, and to also not forget the core
osteopathic principles of our education. I would like to
this through great demonstrations of core techniques and
presentations.
I have been putting together a great workshop for all of you that will enhance your OMT
technique skills and impress your friends and colleagues. Hope you will not miss it!
I have been collecting a list of links of news and publications highlighting the use of
OMT in modern medicine all around the country. The first link is on the studentdo.com website
highlighting OMT use in newborns. Please check back frequently to the page for more news
links and videos!
The AT Still Memorial Scholarship is up on the scholarship webpage. It is a $500
scholarship for third and fourth year who utilize OMM clinical practice. I hope many of you
applied as it‟s a great opportunity to be rewarded for your OMT work.
I would also like to encourage everyone to keep promoting the osteopathic spirit by
promoting OMM at your school. There is an online technique library on www.studentdo.com
where you can learn OMM techniques that is shared by all the different osteopathic schools.
Please check it out and email me any other great videos that you have at [email protected] !
Hope you all have a great convection in Orlando and I look forward to meeting you all
and seeing you at the workshop!
Yvette Wang, OMS III
UMDNJ-SOM
National OPP Coordinator
[email protected]
35
OFFICE of RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Director: Joseph K. Prinsen
2012 Spring Convention – Washington, DC
Credo: Medical research can take many forms. Whether it is designed to study the basic mechanism of disease,
clinical questions, or questions focused on a heightened understanding of osteopathic manipulative medicine, the end
result is knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge through research represents a fundamental principle of osteopathic
medicine – prevention. Research is the ultimate and most fundamental component of preventative health care. The
support of research gives physicians the tools to prevent disease, give evidence based counseling to patients and
ameliorate human pain and suffering.
Mission Statement: The goal of SOMA is to provide support to osteopathic medical students who wish to incorporate
research into their career. Moreover, SOMA will provide support to individual chapters, ensuring that each
osteopathic medical student gains a fundamental education in basic research methodology and opportunities to expand
that knowledge base.
Statement:
SOMA Poster Forum1
The 15th Annual National SOMA Research Symposium and Student Poster Competition were part of the annual AOA
Research Conference and were supported by the AOA and SOMA—both of which, as previously stated, are
committed to increasing student involvement in research. Moreover, both bodies recognize the important and critical
role that research in clinical studies and basic science plays in bridging the gap between the laboratory and the
bedside.
The theme of the 2011 research conference was “The Science Supporting the Impact of OMT [Osteopathic
Manipulative Treatment] on the Human Condition: The Structure-Function Relationship and Mechanisms of Action
for Self-Regulatory and Healing Processes.” Improving the scientific understanding of how OMT impacts health and
disease exemplifies this concept. In particular, osteopathic medical students are uniquely trained to further research in
osteopathic manipulative medicine and thus promote the progression of osteopathic principles and practice.
This year's SOMA abstracts were organized into the following 5 categories:
•
osteopathic manipulative medicine/osteopathic principles and practice
•
clinical studies
•
basic science
•
health policy
•
research
142 East Ontario Street • Chicago, Illinois 60611-2864 • (800) 621-1773 ext 8193 • (312) 202-8193 • (312) 202-8200 fax
The purpose of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, the student affiliate organization of the American Osteopathic Association, is to
promote osteopathic ideals and unity within the profession, to educate future osteopathic physicians, and to establish and to maintain lines of
communication among healthcare professionals in an ongoing effort to improve the quality of healthcare.
www.StudentDO.com
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A total of 86 student abstracts were accepted and presented at OMED. On October 31, 2011, judges met with student
presenters and identified 3 first-place winners and 6 second-place winners, who were as follows:
1st Place
§ Allison L. Macke, OMS II, et al, for their work entitled, “Social, Societal, and Economic Burden of Mal de
Debarquement Syndrome”
§ Timothy Gauntner, OMS IV, et al, for their work entitled, “Evaluation of CCR1 Antagonists in Multiple
Myeloma and Osteolytic Bone Disease”
§ Youssef A. Kousa, OMS VI, and Brian C. Schutte, PhD, for their work entitled, “Intra-amniotic Gene
Delivery of Irf6 to the Periderm Using an Adenoviral Vector”
2nd Place
§ Bryden Considine, OMS II, et al, for their work entitled, “Role of Cathepsin Proteases and Niemann-Pick C1
Protein in Ebola Virus Infection”
§ Tova Appleson, OMS III, and Robert V. Hill, PhD, for their work entitled, “Optimal Vascular Conduits for
Multiple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting”
§ Christopher R. Engdahl, OMS I, et al, for their work entitled, “Increase in Paraoxonase I Activity After
Hemodialysis Is Not Caused by Changes in High-Density Lipoprotein Subclasses”2
§ Izabela B. Robel, OMS II, et al, for their work entitled, “Salivary C-Reactive Protein and Adiponectin in
Metabolic Syndrome”
§ Joseph J. Kosmach, OMS III, and Sean M. Lynch, PhD, for their work entitled, “Thiocyanate Prevents
Myeloperoxidase-Mediated Loss of Paraoxonase Activity From Human High-Density Lipoprotein”3
§ Semah B. Zavareh, OMS III, et al, for their work entitled, “Autoantibodies Are Abundant in Human Sera and
Are Useful for Disease Diagnostics”4
First-place winners received $500 each, and second-place winners were awarded $250 each.
SOMA and BIOMEA Abstract Competition
At OMED 2011, SOMA continued its collaboration with BIOMEA to offer students a venue to present their
international experiences. This year's competition consisted of 2 categories: (1) research projects conducted
internationally and (2) broad outreach experiences. There were 20 abstracts submitted in the outreach category and 7
in the research category. The winners, who were selected by BIOMEA members, were as follows:
Research
1st Place—Erin K. Philpott, OMS II, et al, for their abstract entitled, “Identifying Risk Factors Involved in the Spread
of Dengue Virus in Guyana”
www.StudentDO.com
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2nd Place—Karen Koto, OMS II, et al, for their abstract entitled, “Exposure to DEHP and Its Implications in the
Pediatric Population of Taiwan”
Outreach
1st Place—Kesha Zaveri, OMS II, et al, for their abstract entitled, “Effect of the Continuity of Schistosomiasis
Screenings on Disease Prevalence in Rural Tanzanian Villages”
2nd Place—Amanda Wu S. Liu, OMS II, et al, for their abstract entitled, “Holistic Patient-Centered Care in Taiwan
Correlates With Osteopathy”
These winners were invited to present a summary of their research in Orlando, Florida, during the 13th Annual
International Seminar, “Osteopathic Medicine in the Global Community,” which was held Sunday, November 30, at
OMED 2011.
I congratulate all of the winners and abstract presenters on their achievements. It is my hope that their success will be
a driving force for them and their colleagues to conduct cutting-edge osteopathic medical research throughout their
careers.
SOMA Student Research Fellowship
In 2011, SOMA partnered with the AOA to offer a new student fellowship program. The SOMA Student Research
Fellowship was created to address a need for more high-quality research from osteopathic physicians. The skills
needed to perform research are of a diverse nature and include the necessary technical experimental acumen and
cognitive skills. Identifying clinical or basic science knowledge gaps and formulating questions that lead to testable
hypotheses are two examples of such cognitive skills. Technical and persuasive writing form the foundation of
effective scientific communication and grantsmanship. Starting to develop these skills as a medical student is one way
to accelerate the pace at which osteopathic physicians become efficient as researchers.
Students were selected for the 2011 award, which consisted of $2000 per recipient, based on a proposal application
submitted in spring 2011. In March 2011, the SOMA Student Research Fellowship and the AOA Council on Research
finalized the selection of 5 recipients of the 2011 fellowship award. The winners were as follows:
•
Ivan Alger, OMS I, for his proposal entitled, “Mechanisms of Pressure Inhibition on Mucosal Healing” (Mentor:
Marc D. Basson, MD, PhD)
•
Rung-chi Li, OMS II, for his proposal entitled, “Study of Neuronal Sensitivity to Oxygen Glucose Deprivation
in an Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mouse Model” (Mentor: Gloria J. Klapstein, PhD)
•
Shane Sergent, OMS II, for his proposal entitled, “Growth and Nutritional Status of Peruvian Children”
(Mentor: Joey C. Eisenmann, PhD)
•
Vi Song Tring, OMS IV, for his proposal entitled, “The Variable Influence of Health Care Reform on
Osteopathic Medical Students' Career Specialty Choices” (Mentor: Tyler C. Cymet, DO, MPH)
•
Youssef A. Kousa, OMS V, for his proposal entitled, “Intra-amniotic Gene Delivery to the Periderm Using an
Adenoviral Vector” (Mentor: Brian C. Schutte, PhD)
www.StudentDO.com
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Winners are required to present their work at an AOA fall research meeting. Four of this year's winners presented
posters during the 2011 event in Orlando, Florida, as noted.
The future of medicine relies on scientific developments conducted by physicians skilled in research, and for that
reason it is important for osteopathic medical students to be at the forefront of such scientific progress. The Student
Osteopathic Medical Association and the AOA have clearly identified student research as a priority. As a result, the
osteopathic community is producing DO physicians who are well versed in research methodology and who are
prepared to impact clinical and basic science in the future. I am happy about this commitment by the AOA and the
Osteopathic Heritage Foundations (for their kind financial support) and more broadly for the support of the
osteopathic community, and I look forward to a bright future.
The deadline for applying for the SOMA Student Research Fellowship program is March 1st each year. I encourage
osteopathic medical students and SOMA members to review the program guidelines posted on StudentDO.com and
consider submitting a proposal.
Suture Workshop
Because of the popularity of this topic we again will be having a minor procedure workshop. I encourage
everyone to attend this conference’s minor surgical procedure workshop. This will be a hands-on exercise.
In the future we will be conducting only one minor procedure clinic per year and introducing a new topic for
this fall conference. These workshops are funded in part by a grant from Ethicon.
Echocardiography Workshop
This year we are excited to offer a new workshop devoted to understanding echocardiography. Please
check for details within this conference booklet. This workshop is funded in part by a grant from GE
Medical.
References
Prinsen, JK. Student Research Fellowship, Abstracts, and Poster Competitions: Encouraging Research. J Am
Osteopath Assoc. 2012;112(1):31-33.
Engdahl CR, Caccavello R, Kimura S, Gugliucci A. Increase in paraoxonase I activity after hemodialysis is not caused
by changes in high-density lipoprotein subclasses [abstract C16]. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011;111(8):497.
Kosmach JJ, Lynch SM. Thiocyanate prevents myeloperoxidase-mediated loss of paraoxonase activity from human
high-density lipoprotein [abstract B17]. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011;111(8):506.
Zavareh SB, Nagele EP, DeMarshall C, Nagele RG, Han M. Autoantibodies are abundant in human sera and are
useful for disease diagnostics [abstract B13]. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011;111(8):504.
www.StudentDO.com
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Programs and Benefits Director
William George
Hello SOMA members!
It has been wonderful and humbling experience
being the Programs and Benefits Coordinator this year
and I thank you for this opportunity. I have been emailing with a lot of you regarding discount codes and
I‟m glad to say everything has gone smoothly during the
transition period for multiple contracts. I am very happy
to state that currently all of the contracts appear up to
date.
There was a focus this year to maintain current contracts and pursuit of new
companies. I am proud to announce that we have a partnership with Boards Boot Camp.
Boards Boot Camp is a board preparation course that is geared towards osteopathic
students. The company has had great success in preparing student for COMLEX and I
hope you all will take advantage of this new partnership.
In addition, we are working a partnership with Kaplan. The proposed discount will
be 10% of their board prep program. We are excited to get this partnership, and hope that
you all will take advantage of this new partnership.
Both myself and other national board members spent time sifting thru potential
benefits that would be ideal for our SOMA members and hope that there will possibly be
an exciting new benefit soon!
Finally I want to thank you all for your amazing applications for Chapter and
Officer of the Year awards. It was a hard decision but the winners have been chosen by
our national board and will be announced during the Spring Convention in D.C. so make
sure and attend to find out who won!
I hope everyone has a great time in Washington, D.C.
Thanks!
William George –OMS III
WVSOM
40
Director of Public Relations
Bridget McIlwee
This year has certainly been an exciting one for SOMA – and the Public Relations aspect of the
organization is no different. At the start of this year, I had three goals for National SOMA Public Relations: (1)
Increase our partnership with the AOA to further SOMA‟s goals and what we do. (2) Increase student, AOA,
practicing physician, and public awareness of who SOMA is and what we do. (3) Within SOMA, utilize PR as
a “how to”, not just a list of current events. With the help of several other key members of our organization,
I‟m happy to say all of these goals have been met! All of the work I‟ve done since the beginning of the year
has been focused on attaining these goals.
First and foremost, I‟ve worked with the AOA on several projects this year, including some
collaboration with The DO, the AOA‟s online journal, serving as SOMA‟s Alternate Delegate to the AOA
House of Delegates, and, most notably, our new SOMA logo. The new logo is the project of which I am the
most proud to have completed this year as PR Director. With the AOA‟s support, I was able to use the same
Staff of Aesclepius that resides within the AOA‟s formal logo for the design of our new SOMA logo. This
adds a new dimension of professionalism to our logo while also lending ours a similarity to the AOA‟s logo,
hinting at the relationship between the two organizations. I have distributed this logo to all of our sponsors and
all of our chapters, so that it can be used in place of
the old logo. I am working on ordering new PR
materials (such as table runners and banners) for the
organization to use, and with the help of our
Webmaster, the new logo has been incorporated into
our website and our SOMA email inboxes. It looks
fabulous, if I do say so myself!
I also designed new Pre-SOMA and SOMA Foundation logos which are similar and complimentary to the new
SOMA logo. I updated e-Letterhead for SOMA and the SOMA foundation, as well as invoicing materials.
Thus, when our executive leadership sends out these materials to organizations we work with, we will appear
both more modern and more professional.
SOMA members were also able to work with the AOA through The DO, when many of us were
featured in the online journal after the AOA‟s House of Delegates in Chicago 2011. I hope to increase SOMA
visibility in The DO in the future.
With the goal of furthering awareness of SOMA in the AOA and the public, as well as increasing
awareness of osteopathic medicine in general, this year I updated and created several Public Relations
materials for public use, including a PDF handout on “What is a DO?” and a version of the “American
Osteopathic Association‟s Osteopathic Style Guide”, which explains proper ways to denote osteopathic
training in writing. I also designed a new map of the US showing all of the osteopathic medical campuses and
branch campuses, split into the four SOMA regions which are color-coded to show which regions each school
falls into. This attractive and helpful new addition to our website was recently uploaded and is now publicly
visible, thanks to the help of our skilled Webmaster.
Finally, my last goal was to use internal SOMA PR as a “how to”, not just a list of current events.
Because I‟ve struggled with finding a way to make our SOMA newsletter worthwhile this year, I‟ve written a
Constitutional amendment to be considered at our House of Delegates this spring. This amendment would
remove the requirement for a SOMA newsletter from our Constitution. I believe the SOMA PR Director‟s time
could be spent in a way that much more efficiently benefits our SOMA members, such as posting helpful tips
and current events from different SOMA chapters on our website, or sending out bi-monthly emails to our
chapters. Our organization‟s PR Directors change yearly, and I believe each PR director should have the
creative license to administer SOMA‟s public relations however he or she wants. I believe this amendment will
help further that goal, and improve SOMA‟s public relations overall. If you have any questions about the
Constitutional amendment, please don‟t hesitate to ask me.
Overall, I am thrilled with the progress (some mentioned here, some not!) that has been made this year
in the Public Relations realm of SOMA. I am grateful for your support and excited to see what the coming
years can bring for our organization, with the hard work of our passionate members. Thank you!
41
Director of Unity Campaign Task Force
Alicia Isom
I want to thank all the students who were generous enough to volunteering their time over the holidays
and participated in the 2011 SOMA Unity Project. Special thanks to the SOMA Foundation for
generously providing a grant to fund the project
at Crittenton Children‟s Center. Without the
support of SOMA volunteers and the SOMA
Foundation, these projects would not have been
possible.
On Tuesday, December 27, SOMA volunteered
with Food and Friends in Washington, DC on
Food and Friends prepares, packages, and
delivers meals and groceries and provides
nutritional counseling to more than 2,800 people
living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other lifechallenging illnesses throughout Washington,
DC, Maryland, and Virginia. After a brief
orientation and donning some very stylish red
hairnets, we were quickly put to work by Alex and Joe, two full-time Food and Friends volunteers. We set
out organizing and bagging groceries to be delivered to the clients, paying close attention to nutritional
needs and dietary restrictions. During our time at Food and Friends, we stuffed over 300 bags of
groceries. Lynne Ellison, a second-year student from VCOM, said that it was “really great to unite so
many different schools together for such a great cause.” We all had a great experience and accomplished a
lot.
From December 27-30, SOMA members were able to participate in the AOF Human Touch Student
Leadership Project volunteering with the St. Bernard Project to help rebuild homes in the devastated St.
Bernard Parish in New Orleans, LA. For details of how this project went, stay tuned for new from the
AOF. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project scheduled for Wednesday, December 28 at Three
Square Food Bank in Las Vegas, NV was cancelled. While we are disappointed we look forward to the
possibility of volunteering with Three Square again in the future.
On Thursday, December 29, SOMA volunteered
with Crittenton Children‟s Center in Kansas City,
MO. Crittenton Children‟s Center serves the
mental and behavioral health care needs of
children, adolescents, and their families. We held a
Hollywood Movie Day for approximately 35
adolescent residents, complete with a red carpet
and “Walk of Fame” stars for each resident to
decorate. Though initially skeptical about doing an
“arts and crafts” project, the residents quickly
warmed up to the idea and had fun with it. Some
even decorated multiple stars to give to family and
friends. Next, we watched the movie Finding Nemo. Afterwards, we held “SOMA‟s Movie Mania Game
Show.” Residents formed teams and competed against each other in movie trivia categories featuring
Disney movies, movie music, and movie posters, to name a few. The winning team was awarded with
miniature Oscar awards. The project was quite a success and a wonderful experience.
42
International Health Programs Director
Kristin D. Lynch
Friends,
Welcome to our nation’s capitol, Washington, DC! I hope
that you are able to take advantage of the awesome
opportunity that DO Day 2012 will bring. Safe travels to
DC, and enjoy the 2012 Spring SOMA Convention!!!
In SOMA, we are G.E.M.S.!
“Going Extra Miles to Serve!” This is the International Health Programs theme for this year
which goes along with my goal, as director and as a firm believer that reaching out to the
underserved is of great importance in our profession, to increase the opportunities and
experiences of osteopathic medical students in international medicine.
How can you become a part of missions in medicine?
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) has partnered with DOCARE
International and other founding members to establish a continuity clinic in San Andres
Itzapa, Guatemala. The clinic is, a municipality of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. There are
approximately 32,000 people in the 90-kilometer-square territory, 90% of the population
being indigenous. The population is mostly rural farmers with very low incomes;
malnutrition is at an alarming 65% among children, and 6 out of 10 children with treatable
respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses die. So as you can see, there is a great need for
health care interventions in this area and an even greater need for continuous care.
DOCARE International’s clinic addresses not only the growing need for continuity of care
but offers osteopathic physicians and osteopathic medical students the unique opportunity
of providing medical care to a neglected part of the world. DOCARE International and its
founding partners have created a continuous opportunity for DOs and students to bring
osteopathic medicine to those in the most need and help DOCARE and the osteopathic
profession’s light shine. If you are interested in rotating at the clinic please contact
[email protected]. Additionally, there will be more information about
the rotation and how students can become involved made available at the Spring
Conference.
Tanzania Rotation?!?
There is nothing “set in stone” just yet, but I am working with Dr. Jacqueline Woodrum, D.O.
to establish a rotation site in the United Republic of Tanzania available for osteopathic
students. Dr. Woodrum has traveled there with students several times. We are in the
process of working out the details and logistics of opening this opportunity up to more
students. Be looking out for more information on the horizon!
43
Get Involved! There are SCHOLARSHIPS!!!
International health scholarships are another wonderful incentive for getting involved in
medical missions. Now is the time to begin to express you passion for helping the
underserved internationally. Apply NOW for a Spring 2012 International Medical Relief
Scholarship or International Health
Program Scholarship!!!
The deadline for both scholarships is March 26, 2012. Applications at
http://www.somafoundation.org/scholarships_and_grants.htm#inthealth.
Care and Share
In addition to joining DOCARE, experiencing caring for the health of patients abroad, and
getting financial assistance through SOMA scholarships, I would like for students to share
their experiences with me so that I can share them with all of SOMA!
Please send your written encounters and photographs from medical missions in which you
have participated to [email protected].
Get motivated about awesome health care opportunities that are only miles away. I am
excited about the future involvement of SOMA in global health care, and I cannot wait to
hear about the great things that fellow osteopathic students are doing in international
medicine.
Gratefully,
Kristin D. Lynch, OMS III
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – VA Campus
National SOMA International Health Programs Director
[email protected]
44
Website Coordinator
Phillip Gunnell
A lot of new changes have taken place to the website since I started the position last summer. I
appreciate the emails expressing fondness of the new website design. There were several
revisions made until settling on the current design. Even more recently, SOMA has undergone a
new branding design which was just implemented January 30th. Thanks to Bridget McIlwee for
her expertise and hard work on the new SOMA logo. The purpose of the new site was to not
only make it more professional looking but to also help our members navigate and provide each
chapter with their own website to notify members of happenings, post pictures, and calendar
events. I hope all of you are taking advantage of your chapter website. Let me take this
opportunity to give you four tutorials on how chapter officers can manage their own chapter‟s
website on www.studentdo.com.
To begin, my disclaimer is that my directions may be at times difficult to follow, but you are
welcome to email ([email protected]) me for help. I encourage the chapters to have a
technology information officer in who is versed enough to make these changes. Of course, it also
isn‟t difficult to learn as well. Now to really begin… since I am a student at Midwestern, I will
use their account for demonstration purposes.
1) How do I get there?
You get to your chapter website by first logging into the SOMA website. I am sure everyone
knows how to do that, so I won‟t need to explain that process. Next, you navigate as shown in
the image below. If you have any questions as to which region your chapter belongs, click the
region map link to find out.
45
After you have found your chapter‟s website, click the Manage Chapter Website link, which will
open a new window and present you a login prompt for the site management system, Joomla!®.
Your username and password can be provided if you do not have one by contacting the
webmaster at [email protected] . There are lots of tutorials and documents about
Joomla!® at http://docs.joomla.org/.
2) How do I create an article?
When you visit your chapter website you want to tell your members about your club happenings
through articles, analogous to a word document. And you create the article, just like you would a
word document. However, if you are savvier, you can view the source code and make changes
yourself. There are just a few steps to creating an article. First, you need to give it a title, choose
the category of the article (this is your school), choose the author of the article (your login), and
lastly save it, of course after you written the article in the text area. The necessity of the category
is because all schools in the region share the same Joomla!® system, you are separated though
the use of the category. Assigning the correct category (school) to the article ensures the article
will be visible under your school‟s website.
3) How do I find an article to edit?
You can edit an existing article by using the article manager. In that screen, by default all the
articles from each school will show up, so you will need to filter for your school so not to
accidently edit someone else‟s. Once you‟ve found the article, click on the title and the same
screen used for creating the article will appear. You can also order your articles in which they
will appear on the website by assigning them ranks.
46
4) How can I tie my school’s studentdo.com Google® account calendar to the
website?
Do you know that this is really easy? If you are familiar with your studentdo.com Google®
account, you can follow Google® help for adding events to your calendar. I will show you how
to get the calendar on your website. First you want to go to https://webmail.studentdo.com to log
into your Google® account. This is the same user name and password to check your
studentdo.com email. Next you click on the calendar tab, and then you want to click on the
calendar settings.
47
The first step is somewhat strange, but you want to create a calendar! The way I think of it is just
a way to categorize your event entries, so you can make sure that your members only see the
events associated with that calendar because you will be linking to it specifically. It‟s intuitive to
create the calendar, so I won‟t show you a screen of that, but once you have done that, you come
back to this screen, and then click on the sharing link.
After clicking on the sharing link, the next screen looks like the image below. You will click
both checkboxes and then save. You will then return to the screen image above. Click your
chapter calendar link.
48
You want to copy the code in the textbox. This is HTML code that will make a reference to the
Google® calendar from your chapter‟s website.
Next you want to follow the step for creating an article in Joomla!®. However, you will want to
click the source code tab and paste the code. You need to change the width property to 100%,
then save the article and you are done.
I hope all these tutorials are helpful to you and easy to use. Good luck in your running your
chapters and email me with any requests for improvement.
49
A M E R I C A N O S T E O PAT H I C A S S O C I AT I O N
Are you
“thinking osteopathically”?
As your osteopathic family, the AOA is here to provide
tools you can use now, in osteopathic medical school,
and beyond AND your membership is free!
Have you visited Osteopathic.org/students recently?
• Find resources relevant to your year of osteopathic medical school
• Keep up with what’s going on in the osteopathic medical profession
as it relates to students
• Connect with an osteopathic specialty college through the Student/Specialty Clearinghouse
and receive information on programs for students, how to start a chapter on campus, or how to
get involved in student-oriented activities
• Search internship and residency options in the Opportunities database
• See what questions other students are asking and read answers from President Martin S. Levine, DO,
on the AOA President’s Blog
• Prepare for the Match and learn more about the process
• Think about seeking a mentor. Whether they’re seasoned DOs or new physicians, DOs from all over the county and in different specialties are willing to assist you. Connect via the AOA/AOF iLEARN Mentor Exchange Program
• Access free online subscriptions of the JAOA – Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
and The DO
To receive information on resources that will assist you in your
career and updates about the osteopathic medical profession, keep your
contact information updated; just log in to Osteopathic.org.
Questions?
The AOA’s Division of Student, Intern, Resident & Member Affairs
(SIRMA) is here to help!
Email [email protected] or call (800) 621-1773, ext. 8126
LECOM-PA
NYCOM
PCOM
TOUROCOM-NY
UMDNJ-SOM
UNECOM
VCOM
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-PA
It has been a busy and exciting few months since the October convention in Orlando at
both the Erie and Seton Hill campuses. At journal club we have discussed a wide range
of topics that parallel the OMS I and II curriculum including anemia, kidney disease,
colorectal cancer and neuroscience. We have held several successful fund raisers
including a small medical equipment sale at both Erie and Seton Hill that earned over
$1200 combined. Also at Erie there was a blanket sale, a raffle for board review software
and most recently a notebook and flower sale at the white coat ceremony in early
February.
Seton Hill has been conducting a monthly service event at Redstone Senior Living Home
where they have been Christmas caroling and played BINGO with the residents. Erie‟s
monthly service event at Millcreek Manor has continued to be popular with students and
residents alike with a variety of crafts and sweet snacks. SOMA also attended two health
fairs: the LECOM Health Fair in Meadville PA and the Refugee Health Fair in Erie, PA.
At both events we ran a blood pressure screening table and educated participants about
hypertension. Both campuses held a Better Worlds Book Drive with Erie collecting over
150 books and Seton Hill collecting over 400 pounds of books. Recently we have been
working with Dress for Success and held a bath product and accessory drive for them.
We have had a wide variety of speakers come to campus over the past few months.
Doctors in training came to speak at both campuses about preparing for the COMLEX
Level I. In conjunction with that presentation, OMS III students made themselves
available for a Q and A session about their study strategies last spring. Voices for
Independence gave a talk about medical considerations for patients with disabilities. We
also had a presentation from GLA about changes in loans and a discussion on
colonoscopies and colon cancer screening.
In other activities, SOMA co-hosted an acupuncture clinic with AOCPMR. Dr. Jan
Hendryx gave a talk on acupuncture and demonstrated some techniques. The OMS I
students had their first practice practical where they got to rotate through three stations
and take a history from a OMS II standardized patient.
We also held a mock group interviews for the pre-SOMA post bac students. In honor of
World AIDS Day, SOMA members participated in a quilt making workshop with Dr.
Ortoski. Each club was encouraged to make a patch and the assembled quilt was hung in
the lobby. Members also wore red and took a photo in the shape of a red ribbon on
December 1, 2011.
52
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Greetings from Long island, New York! SOMA at NYCOM has had a very busy and exciting end
to 2011 and start to 2012! We are looking forward to a strong
finish to the academic year and transitioning our new
leadership for next year!
SOMA at NYCOM held many exciting events for our members
this year, of which we are very proud! We had several
members participate in the Long Island Making Strides
against Breast Cancer Walk. We also held a bake sale and
sold “We D.O. Care about Cancer” T-shirts to fundraise for
the American Cancer Society. The event was a huge success!
We also had an extremely successful World AIDS Day event where we collaborated with several
other organizations on campus for a ribbon sale, bake sale, and informative lecture series to
raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We were able to raise several hundred dollars to
donate to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to
preventing pediatric HIV infection. Students heard from AIDS experts in the New York City area,
and purchased “know your status” white coat pins, which can encourage patients we encounter
to get tested.
Our chapter also held another successful holiday party to collect canned goods for Island
Harvest, a local food bank here on Long Island. We rang in the NYCOM New Year at a local
venue, where entrance fee was a canned good to donate. We had a
great time socializing with each
other and also benefitting a great
cause. We collected almost 200lbs
of food!
We also had a group of SOMA
members volunteer at a local
Habitat for Humanity build in our community. It was a really
fun event, which benefitted families in the community who
couldn’t otherwise afford to own their own home.
The events and opportunities for SOMA members at NYCOM are almost too many too list! In
conjunction with our Big Brother Big Sister program, we held a Board studying information
panel held by third year students, are participating in a “Doctor for a Day” event at the local
Boys and Girls Club, and continue to plan and execute exciting and informative chapter
meetings.
We are currently in the process of holding elections for the new incoming leadership for our
chapter, and we are looking forward to working with the incoming leaders to make next year
even more successful!
53
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
PCOM SOMA Chapter Report Winter 2012
Advisor: Michael L. Kuchera, DO, FAAO (Professor, Department of OMM): [email protected]
Executive Board Members for 2011-2012
President: Sarah Codrea ([email protected])
Vice President: Patrick Mangialardi ([email protected])
National Liaison Officer: Rachel Henrickson ([email protected])
Treasurer: Sean Connolly ([email protected])
Secretary: Millie Joneja ([email protected])
UPDATES
Past Events:
1. Nov 29: (co-sponsored with AMA and ACOFP): The Patient Centered Medical Home and the
Role of Physician Advocacy for its Success
Dr. Maria DeMario is a local family practice physician and PCOM alum came to
discuss Patient Centered Medical Homes, to have your own practice, the new
PCMH model, and how it has changed due to advocacy from people such as
herself. Dr. DeMario has recently converted her family practice clinic into a
patient centered medical home and discussed the challenges and benefits.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
1. Jan 19: Dr. Cohen a PCOM graduate and current faculty of UMDNJ-COM is lecturing on
How to get into a Residency: Thinking Outside the Box. Dr. Cohen gave this dynamic
presentation at the SOMA National Convention and the board thought it would be a wellreceived and timely lecture on the PCOM campus.
2.
Feb 10: PCOM SOMA has committed to donating a book for the PCOM Pediatrics’ Club
Make-A-Wish Foundation Date Auction. The book will be raffled off in order to raise money
for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
3.
Feb 27 (tentative): Pre-SOMA meeting with University of Maryland. Our Pre-SOMA chair
will be meeting with students at the University of Maryland to discuss the admissions
process for Osteopathic Medical schools and answer any questions people may have about
PCOM.
4.
March 8-10: DO Day on the Hill and SOMA Spring National Convention. We will be working
on electing a new board to attend the national convention with in Washington DC.
5.
March 30: Relay for Life: SOMA will be sponsoring a team along with the PCOM Running
Club. It will be the first year that PCOM Student Government Board has sponsored a Relay
for Life on our campus and we are looking to get involved.
6.
GL Advisor Lecture- GL Advisors presented at the SOMA National convention on how
students can learn manage their debt and student loans wisely. Currently we are unable to
hold this event do to logistical problems with having them come to our campus. We are
attempting to try to have GL Advisor hold this event at an off campus location.
Ongoing:
Sarah Codrea has been in contact with our SOMA members continuously as opportunities such
as scholarships, research training, POMA meetings, and other benefits of membership arise.
54
TouroCOM SOMA Chapter Report
Due to hectic schedules TouroCOM SOMA was not very active over the past few months. Below is a summary of what
TouroCOM SOMA has done. We are also planning on participating in a school community health fair, sponsoring some
more speakers, and arranging some end of the year social events.
Membership Events
SOMA held our first general body meeting in August. We had a great turning out of 100+ students and were able to raffle
off a Thieme anatomy atlas and Radiological Atlas during out meeting.
TouroCOM held a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester. SOMA was present and had a booth set up
with pamphlets to pass out and laptops prepared so that students could sign up for membership on the spot. We were able
to get a large amount of students to either sign up on the spot or give them the information to sign up later at home.
Professional Development
In October SOMA sponsored Tonya Von Order from the Michigan State University Osteopathic Professional Training
Institute to come and give a talk about how to succeed in third and fourth year rotations. He also detailed some
osteopathic post graduate logistics relating to options and matching. Around 150 students attended this presentation. Our
Clinical Dean was also in attendance and was able do a brief question and answer session for the students in attendance
pertaining to clinical rotations. We received great feedback on this event from students and faculty alike.
Public Health and Minority Affairs
Our Public Health and Minority Affairs committee will be working with TouroCOM‟s Student National Minority
Association (SNMA) on events this upcoming spring semester. We will also be participating in BOTO (Be One Teach
One) mentoring program this upcoming semester with SNMA.
Pre-SOMA
Throughout the year our Pre-SOMA committee has gone to and contacted local colleges, namely Hunter College,
Columbia University, New York University to recruit future members. At the moment we are in the process of finalizing
an to opportunity to come speak with the students about of the above institutions as TouroCOM did last year.
Volunteer/Community Service
SOMA participated in the annual Fall Health Fair held at Touro COM. The health care enabled the residents of our
Harlem neighborhood access to the school for free blood glucose screening, blood pressure screening and HIV screening.
SOMA set up a booth with information on diabetes awareness. Pamphlets were given out with ASA guidelines to all those
who stopped by. A display of some common food items such as soda and candy with the measured out amounts of sugar
content was very popular with visitors to the health fair.
Fundraisers and Social Events
SOMA hosted a trivia night in November of this year. We were able to do a minor amount of fundraising that was
deposited to our account. More importantly we were very pleased with the turn out to our trivial night. 150+ students and
faculty were in attendance to our event.
We were also able to host a back to school night out in downtown Manhattan for all the first years and second years a like
before the semester kicked into gear. Again we had a great turn out and were able to promote membership opportunities
throughout the night.
Future Plans
We are now preparing to being selecting our new incoming executive board TouroCOM SOMA will get a new wealth of
ideas. This year we have managed to greatly increase SOMAs participation in on and off campus events. There has been a
significant leap in our membership and we are very much improved organization here at TouroCOM. We have become a
very active organization and hope to continue to grow in this manner the following semester and year.
55
The University of Medicine and Dentistry-School of Osteopathic Medicine
(UMDNJ-SOM)
Following the most successful recruiting drive in school history, SOMA at UMDNJ-SOM has been extremely
successful in both engaging the student body and spreading osteopathic principles to our community over the
past few months. With a focus on increasing political action in our student body, pursuing community service
opportunities, and increasing pre-SOMA activity in undergraduate schools in and around New Jersey, SOMA at
UMDNJ-SOM has set a standard of excellence this year that should be built on for years to come.
First, on 10/27 SOMA was an integral part of our school's annual Fall Festival displaying a giant “life sized”
game of operation fashioned from Radio Shack supplies, tin foil, and cardboard boxes. Children (and medical
students, of course) had a blast trying to remove “stomachs” from our giant patient with metal tongues as
money was raised for our SOMA chapter. We also organized and presented the “Mentor of the Year” award to
Dr. Vincent DeRisio during this event for his outstanding contributions to education at our school.
Additionally, SOMA has had the opportunity to help with the start of the new Chateau Gardot Music Therapy
program at the Neuromusculoskeletal Institute at UMDNJ-SOM by holding a large and very successful
“Fundraiser Concert Series” at Dublin Square in Cherry Hill, NJ. At this event we had many talented students
and local bands play for this wonderful cause while raising close to $1,000 in cash donations. We also spread
awareness about donations of instruments to this program and have received many violins, guitars, and even
drum sets to help patients with spinal chord injuries and other disabilities recover from their illnesses.
Lastly, we are currently organizing pre-SOMA chapters at Rutgers New Brunswick, Newark, and the University
of Delaware with the help of local AMSA chapters to make sure that osteopathic medicine is well represented in
these undergraduate institutions and UMDNJ-SOM educators. Once we have set the ground work for a preSOMA undergraduate board at each institution, Robyn Young will help us connect these pre-SOMA
organizations with the rest of National SOMA. Judging from the great success Omeed Sizar (pre-SOMA
president) has had at the University of Maryland, we expect that future UMDNJ-SOM SOMA boards will
maintain constant contact with these new pre-SOMA chapters to ensure success.
In conclusion, this short update is only a fraction of the events that SOMA at UMDNJ-SOM has held this year;
and we plan to have many more! We also will be having a fundraiser trip to the Mutter Museum in
Philadelphia, a blood pressure education event around Valentine's day, a fundraiser dinner and show for “Save a
Child's Heart”, and a presentation from Dean Lambert and other faculty on D.O. Day on the Hill to entice
students to attend both this important event and the spring SOMA convention. We had great success getting the
student body involved with the fall convention in Orlando, and we hope to continue to keep our student body
updated on all SOMA events.
56
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Spring SOMA Chapter Report
General:
 DO day on the Hill: With the assistance of UNECOM administration we have continued to encourage students to
participate on DO day.
 Elections: New officers were elected for the following school year. They will be attending the upcoming National
SOMA conference in DC.
 “Pearls of Wisdom” Discussion: In April we will be hosting a discussion based Q&A session where OMSIIs will
be providing advice, suggestions and guidance to current OMSIs on how to be successful during their 2nd year and
subsequent clinical rotations.
 UNECOM SOMA Website: Newly elected president Rob Zondervan will be revamping UNECOM‟s internal
SOMA website during the summer.
Community Service
 OPP Reviews: We continue OPP reviews to first years before their exam week. These allow the continued
promotion of osteopathic principles as well as allow OMSIIs to reinforce their skills while providing the
additional OMSIs additional instruction and review. Since the last chapter report we have provided 3 OPP reviews
with the last review occurring on February 6, 2012
 Turkey Trot: The Turkey Trot is an annual 5K race that raises funds for the Biddeford Free Clinic. UNECOM
students work in the clinic to provide various free health care services to underserved residents of Biddeford.
SOMA continued its participation in the Turkey Trot on November 12, 2011. SOMA provided the donuts,
coffee and hot chocolate while members performed various functions such as directing runners on the course,
performing OMT or running in the race.
 Blood Pressure Clinics: SOMA has provided 4 Blood Pressure screening clinics with the next clinic occurring on
February 25, 2012. Members set up stations at either the local Wal-Mart or YMCA to provide blood pressure
screenings and education.
 Tutoring: SOMA members continue to provide tutoring to refugee students living in Portland.
 Sexual Health Talks: We are working with UNECOM‟s Pediatrics Club to visit high schools and provide
discussions on various sexual health topics in a small group setting.
 Future Events:
o Health Fair: SOMA is participating in the upcoming community health fair in April 2012. We will be
finalizing what health topics and activities we will providing. Possible areas include obesity, hand
washing with distribution of hand gels, nutrition and exercise.
Professional Development
 Residency Talk: On October 18, 2011 Tanya VanOrder from the Statewide Campus System talked about match
process, residency programs, and proposed changes to post graduate training.
 CV Workshop: In November a CV workshop was held to assist UNECOM students create or revising a resume
using peer and professional feedback. Next CV workshop is scheduled for March 2, 2012
 Bullying Lecture: On October 24, 2011 a lunch time talk was held to discuss the effects and implications of
bullying and the role of primary care physicians in screening and intervening. This talk was co-sponsored by
SOMA, QMed and Pediatrics Club
 Future events:
o Financial Advisor: We are in the process of scheduling a talk by a representative from the GL Advisors
about strategies for loan repayment
o CV workshop: Another CV workshop is schedule for March 2, 2012
Pre-SOMA:
 Mentoring UNE Pre-Med Undergrad: SOMA members continue to provide mentoring and coaching to students
interested in medical school.
 Northeastern Pre-SOMA: We are in the process of establishing a relationship with Northeastern University‟s PreSOMA group. We would like to provide mentoring and guidance as these students navigate the application
process and promote the field of osteopathic medicine
57

MCAT Book Drive: Members were asked to donate their unused MCAT review materials so that undergraduates
would be able to “rent” them. We were able to raise $305 with plans to look increase with additional SOMA
funds. The proceeds will be donated to the Lighthouse Shelter which provides services to homeless and runaway
teens.
International Medicine
 Future Events:
o Guest Speaker: a representative from Partners in Health is schedule on March 5th to talk about roles in
international health
o Summer Service Trip: We are still in the process of finalizing the location for the summer 2012 service
trip and fund raising options.
Prepared by
Dennis Espejo, NLO
[email protected]
Primary Contact for 2011-2012
Suvi Neukam, SOMA President
[email protected]
58
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia (VCOM)
SOMA Spring Report
What a wonderful year it has been here at VCOM! The past several months have been both challenging and exciting, but VCOM
SOMA has been hard at work. Since the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, our chapter has made a diligent effort at improving
the medical school experience for the entire student body.
In August of last year, VCOM welcomed the class of 2015, and our SOMA chapter was eager to help see that their arrival was one to
remember. Our chapter partnered with the Family Medicine student organization to host a bowling night for all of the incoming first
years in downtown Christiansburg, VA. The event was a great success, and an excellent opportunity for the students to get to know
one another. Later that month, each first year received a copy of the latest edition of Netter‟s Anatomy Atlas thanks to the
reimplementation of the Netter‟s Program, and the generosity of VCOM in providing membership for all of its students.
VCOM SOMA partnered with the Family Medicine club again in September to participate in a chili cook-off contest. On September
9th, all participating student organizations had their specialty chilies put to the test by students and VCOM faculty. Proceeds for the
event went to benefit medical mission trips to rural communities in Virginia.
In October, VCOM SOMA hosted a residency lecture open to all VCOM students. We were delighted to have Lea Martinez from the
Statewide Campus System at MSUCOM to talk with our students about strategies for post-doctoral matching, and how to prepare for
the residency application process. Ms. Martinez was gracious enough to provide us with valuable information that will no doubt be
beneficial in the coming years.
We are also excited about our ongoing involvement in the area of missions. Last fall, we successfully added a new Mission‟s Chair
position to the VCOM SOMA team. For the past several months, SOMA has worked closely with VCOM‟s Infectious Disease club to
raise money for water purification kits to take on future VCOM sponsored mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and El
Salvador. Also, we are currently hosting a fundraiser by selling pocket size medical Spanish cards that medical students can utilize on
mission trips as well as rotations.
We have also been fortunate enough to be able to offer several scholarships to our fellow classmates to help them attend national
conferences. VCOM SOMA was thrilled to offer one of our students a $250 scholarship to attend OMED 2011, and we are currently
looking forward to presenting another student with a $250 scholarship to attend this year‟s SOMA spring convention. We also
awarded two students scholarships in the amount of $250 each to use for VCOM Mission Trip travel expenses.
VCOM SOMA is also proud to have worked closely with SGA, COSGP, and VCOM faculty and administration in organizing block
schedules that will allow many of our first and second years to attend DO Day on the Hill, 2012! At present, we are expecting the
participation of over forty students, and are enthusiastic about the extraordinary opportunity to advocate on behalf of our great
profession!
Since the beginning of this school year, VCOM SOMA has also been hard at work preparing events for this spring:
- On February 3rd, SOMA partnered with the Psychiatry club and the Student Interest Group in Neurology to help
coordinate the annual Mr. VCOM Pageant. This event saw six male students, both first and second years, display their
talent, and compete for the coveted title of Mr. VCOM 2012. Overall, the contest was a huge success, and all proceeds
were donated to the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley, Inc.
- On February 9th, a representative from GL Advisor will give a presentation on the management of student debt and loan
repayment options available for medical students.
- On February 18th, students will don their formal wear for SOMA‟s annual VCOM Winter Gala! This year‟s theme is the
Roaring Twenties, “DO‟s and Stilettoes.”
- Later this spring, SOMA will team up with the Emergency Medicine club to sponsor a student “Safety Day” to promote
osteopathic awareness and healthy lifestyles to the local community.
- Also, we are in the process of collaborating with the Military club to send care packages to the men and women of the
armed forces in an effort to encourage them during their time of service. The fundraiser will include a push-up and sit-up
contest to raise money for this cause.
This has been an exciting year so far for VCOM SOMA, and we are looking forward to the coming months. It is our hope that all of
our efforts will overall enrich the medical school experience, and encourage VCOM students to exercise all areas of mind, body and
spirit.
Best,
James S. Warren, OMS II
VCOM SOMA National Liaison
59
LECOM- Bradenton
LMU-DCOM
KYCOM
OU-HCOM
NSUCOM
WVSOM
PCOM-GA
WCUCOM
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Bradenton
LECOM Bradenton‟s chapter of SOMA has been keeping busy these last few months. We were able to run a
fundraiser for the club selling stethoscopes and other medical supplies (thanks for the help setting it up LECOM
Erie!). This was the first year doing the fundraiser and we were able to raise quite a bit of money as well as give
our students great prices on items they needed to buy. Several members of our club have been participating in
our school‟s „Human Body Explored‟ program. This is a program set up for high school students who are
considering in a career in medicine to get to learn more about the human body and to talk to medical students
about their experiences with college and medical school. Our first year students just had their white coat
ceremony and we ran a fundraiser selling flowers to the parents at the event.
We have recently started the election process for officers and it looks like every position is contested. At our
next chapter meeting each candidate will make a speech on why they are best for the position and then voting
will take place. Looking forward to seeing you all in DC!
62
Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of
Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
The SOMA chapter at LMU-DCOM has had a very busy fall and winter season!
We had a successful trip to Orlando for the SOMA convention and OMED where we
had a large representation of SOMA
members, complete with a trip to
Margaritaville for dinner with our dean,
AOA President-Elect Ray E. Stowers, DO.
Also at the SOMA convention, Howard S.
Teitelbaum, DO, Professor and Chair of Preventive and Community Medicine at
LMU-DCOM was recognized as the George W. Northup Educator of the Year.
This was a great honor for Dr. T., his family, and our students.
Medical Mission trip to Haiti and the Dominican Republic- By far the largest
event for SOMA this winter was our medical mission trip to Haiti and the
Dominican Republic.
We worked with the Chadasha Foundation, located in Jimaní,
Dominican Republic, very near to the Haitian border. Our medical
team was composed of 17 DCOM students, 3 clinical professors, and
several family members. Each day, we treated conditions such as
hypertension, diabetes, fungal/bacterial skin infections, provided
wound debridement, performed ultrasounds on pregnant women, and
provided pediatric antipyretics and antibiotics to help manage
common bacterial infections. In addition, SOMA hosted a sweatpants
fundraiser prior to the trip to help purchase a vision care kit, which
allowed us to set-up an independent eye station anywhere we went
and provide glasses to those who would otherwise have no access to
optical care.
Our physicians and students are very aware of the power of human touch. By using osteopathic manipulative techniques,
some of our medical students were able to provide immediate relief from acute back pain, ankle injuries, and other
musculoskeletal complaints. This was a rewarding experience for all who participated, giving students the opportunity to
bring care to those who have little and give love to those in need.
On top of our busy schedules, SOMA members found
time to participate in a wide variety of other activities…check them out below!
63
Mini Medical School at Heritage Christian Academy
Fall Festival- SOMA members put on a cookie
decorating table for local children at the annual
DCOM SAA Fall Festival. Things got a little messy!
“How to Become a Doctor” Panel- This was an
interactive/educational program designed for 8th
graders as well as a panel for a Q&A session about
„How to Become a Doctor‟, what medical school is
where we are today.
like, and how we got
Staff Appreciation Dinner: Each year, DCOM
student organizations pool together to cook dinner for
our faculty, staff, and their families. It is a great time
of food,
fellowship, and fun!
Pizza Nights: Continuing a DCOM tradition, SOMA members participate in Pizza Nights where they eat
with interviewees, give advice, and provide words of comfort the night before the big day!
Making the Most of Clerkship Rotations- This presentation was
given to us by Lea Martinez, from the Statewide Campus System
of MSU-COM. She spoke on how to smoothly transition from a
basic science curriculum to clinical rotations.
Elections: DCOM is proud to present our new officers!
President: Anne Bowes
Vice President: Jessie Barton
Secretary: Austin Stephenson
Treasurer: Bobby Lawrence
Pre-SOMA Director: Bonnie DeBusk
International/Preventive Medicine: James McKenzie
Volunteer Coordinator: Ashley Herrmann
Professional Development: Patricia Goodwin
National Liaison: Dustie Samuels
Political Affairs: Rene Thomason
Research Chair: Courtney Laird
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KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
SOMA –Winter & Spring 2012
Happy Winter/Spring/Weirdest Season we have had in a while! A lot has been happening in at KYCOM since our
Fall Convention! We really love to work with other groups here at school to get more involvement and raise more
funds. We have worked with our ACOFP chapter to collect
Thanksgiving food items to benefit less fortunate families
in our community during the holidays. We raised a total of
488 items! We also worked with our military group
(AMOPS) to collect personal hygiene items, candy, and
gifts for our troops. We donated them to a non-profit group
in Lexington, KY that assembles care packages for troops
year round. We made a large donation of hygiene items and
undergarments to ACOOG/NOWPA for their women‟s
shelter drive. Along with our ACOI club, we collected
warm winter wear and donated it to a local Goodwill store.
Throughout the year, we collect BoxTops for Education
tabs and give them to our local elementary school where
many kids cannot afford new supplies.
Along with donating items and collecting
items for the less fortunate, we have been holding meetings while providing food for members, holding
elections, starting the relay team for our school, raising money for the American Cancer Society by
holding a dress down day, and sponsoring a dinner for a speaker who gave a presentation on using an
interpreter during a patient encounter.



In the future:
 Donating to ACOFP as they are collecting items for kids
in abuse shelters.
 Helping out our relay team by donating money and
purchasing supplies for them.
 Planning a presentation about how to write a CV and will
be supplying lunch/dinner.
 Since the military drive went well, we are also planning
on collecting more things for Easter to send to our troops.
 One of our students is participating in the polar bear
plunge to benefit Special Olympics and we will be
sponsoring him.
Recipe swap to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Prom Dress drive to give to those who cannot afford a dress.
Collect school unused/gently used school supplies to donate to our local elementary school
Thank you to all of the other chapters and their leadership for keeping SOMA an outstanding national chapter. We
hope you all have a safe travels to and from Washington, DC and have a great rest of the school year. Good Luck on
Boards as well!!!
Cheers,
Amy Dittenhofer, President;
Rebecca Miller, VP, Jordan Haber, NLO, Ashley McKnight, Secretary, Katie Hindman, Treasurer
65
Ohio University Heritage College of
Osteopathic Medicine
Pictures of OU-COM students from World AIDS Day Wine & Cheese and the Mad Hatter banquet at the National SOMA
convention
The OU branch of SOMA has been super busy this past quarter and having a lot of fun and we
hope to continue that tradition into the following two quarters.
Fall quarter we spent a lot of our time holding general meetings and trying to rally in the first
years. We recruited over 100 new members to our chapter this year and we were very excited
about that. The rest of our time was spent giving back to our community. We held a book drive,
a blood drive, set up a monthly nursing home volunteer program and had our big event for the
quarter, Wine and Cheese to raise money for Athens AIDS task force. We held this on
December 9 and had a huge turnout, raising over $380 just on raffle tickets alone.
On the academic side of things, we sponsored a residency director from Michigan State who
came and talked to us about boards, residency, and the best way to prepare for our futures. We
were also able to send 4 students to the National SOMA convention in Orlando and an additional
5 to the AOA OMED conference for the first time in years.
Right now we are in the process of rallying up interest for DO Day on the Hill and getting ready
to make transitions to our first year class by electing new officers. We are also planning Talent
Follies, a medical school wide talent show that brings out the academic and creative talents of
our future physicians and helps to raise money for a local charity of our choosing. We are also
planning on fundraisers to be able to send more students to the spring SOMA convention. We
also have a winter quarter blood drive set up and a few ideas in progress that we are going to
encourage the new officers to take on for spring quarter.
Other than that, OU-HCOM SOMA is serving as the voice between OU and the AOA and also
working hard to encourage our students to study hard and get involved helping our community.
We are trying to build the best breed of future osteopathic physicians.
66
Passing out Red ribbons for AIDS Awareness
67
68
Nova Southeastern University College of
Spring 2012
Since last October, the NSU-COM Chapter of SOMA has been keeping busy, improving the lives of
current and future medical students and helping our community. In the past few months, SOMA has
hosted several lunch lectures. Past guests have included speakers from the MSU-COM Statewide
Campus System and GL Advisor. In March, we look forward to hosting NSU Shepard Broad Law
Center Professor Gerald Morris, who will discuss medical malpractice and components of a medical
lawsuit.
Since the beginner of the academic year, NSU-COM SOMA has logged over 120 volunteer hours,
serving local community groups such as Gilda‟s Club and the Humane Society of Broward, and with
the NSU Pre-SOMA Chapter.
NSU-COM SOMA is very involved with PreSOMA, assisting with various teaching
workshops that demonstrated how to take a
history and vital signs, administer injections, and
perform suturing techniques. We have been
working with Pre-SOMA to increase the
awareness of knowledge of osteopathic
medicine. Last October, SOMA coordinated an
OMM demonstration and Q&A. Pre-SOMA
members were excited and a little freaked out to Maurizio Pugliese (OMS-II) demonstrates proper injection
preparation at the NSU Pre-SOMA Injection Workshop
experience their first HVLA correction. Over
the course of the semester, we will be working
with Pre-SOMA and NSU-COM faculty to begin campus tours and shadowing at NSU-COM‟s
OMM Clinic.
As we transition into campaign season, NSU-COM SOMA has been keeping politically active. In
January, members of SOMA joined the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association at DO Day on
Capitol Hill, Tallahassee. Along with physicians across the state and other medical students from
LECOM-Bradenton, NSU-COM SOMA
members interacted with Florida state legislators
and key staff.
NSU-COM SOMA has big plans for National
Osteopathic Medicine Week. We are currently
planning to host a Mini Medical School at a
local elementary school and create a radio
advertisement promoting osteopathic medicine.
NSU-COM SOMA members and faculty participate in the Florida
Osteopathic Medical Association‟s DO Day on the Hill in Tallahassee,
FL. Pictured from left to right: Joseph DeGaetano, DO, Lindsay
LaCorte (OMS-IV), Erin McClary (OMS-II), Carisa Lippman
(OMS-II), Angelina Somoracki (OMS-II), Mark Liwanag (OMS-II),
Susan Thomas (OMS-I)
68
The year‟s not over yet. Expect more great
things from NSU-COM SOMA!
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
This semester our SOMA chapter started a new volunteering opportunity for the students. We
have connected with the local high school to provide tutoring two days a week as part of their
“Credit Recovery Program.” It is for high school students who have failed a class and are staying
after school to make up the
course.
Our biggest event this
semester was promoting
DO Day on Capitol Hill! We
got our Student
Government Association to
help with travel expenses
so that more students
would come out for this
awesome experience. Our
Political Committee looked
over the issues and political
briefs that the AOA is
focused on and then broke
it down for the students.
We had a meeting for all
those going to DO Day to go
over the issues, allowing us to be prepared before heading to the Hill. Our school president, Dr.
Michael Adelman, also came out for the meeting to show his support and offer input. Pictured
are some of the WVSOM students who came to DO Day last year.
The Public Health Committee has started a journal club that will meet every month to discuss
pressing topics. They plan to
promote National Public Health
Week again come April and
promote our Second Annual
“This is Public Health” contest
that will occur over the
summer.
Another active committee is the
Green Team. In February, they
held a recycling drive to collect
items from the community that
are not picked up by the local
waste management. They will
also be in charge of recycling at
our town’s next community
th
event, Lewisburg’s 6 annual Chocolate Festival in April.
69
Last semester our Research and Development committee hosted the Third Annual Research
Symposium at WVSOM. The symposium gave students the opportunity to present their posters
about research they performed with faculty mentors, as seen in the above picture. The
presenters also gave enlightening presentations for students, faculty, and community
members.
Our chapter will soon be hosting a panel of 4th year students returning to campus to have a Q &
A session about what our futures have in store for us! This is a time for 1 st and 2nd year students
to ask about our different rotation sites, COMLEX studying, applying for residencies, working
with preceptors, etc. It is great to hear feedback from peers who have already gone through
these situations and is an event that is well liked and attended by the students.
In April we will be hosting our largest fundraiser of the year. It will be the 11th Annual Bowl-AThon. Proceeds go to the Talia Seidman Foundation, a charity started by an alumnus of WVSOM
that provides AV equipment for medically-fragile children who cannot go to school due to their
weak immune systems. The video conference systems allow the children to participate in class
and still have some social interaction with their peers. The Bowl-A-Thon is a popular event at
WVSOM that requires each team to have a theme and dress up. It’s always a great display of
creativity and a nice break from the books!
Pictured below are students who went to the AOF Leadership Project in New Orleans in
December. Aiman Rauf, OMS II, represented WVSOM and had a great time rebuilding homes.
70
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine –
Georgia Campus
Contact Person(s)
Andrew Jensen OMS I, Chapter President
[email protected]
Omer Iqbal OMS I, SOMA NLO
[email protected]
2012-2013 SOMA EXECUTIVE
BOARD
Andrew Jensen OMS I, President
[email protected]
Omer Iqbal OMS I , National Liaison Officer
[email protected]
Wesam Mohamed OMS I, Vice President
[email protected]
Trey Mann OMS I, Treasurer
[email protected]
Pranam Kokilakumar OMS I, Secretary
[email protected]
Recent Accomplishments





Held our elections for the 2012-2013 SOMA Board of PCOM-Georgia Campus
Provided a GL Advisors lecture for students
Held our annual 5K on Old Peachtree Road, Lawrenceville Georgia
Hosted HealthSTAT
Attended SOMA‟s Fall Convention in Orlando, Florida
Seminars/Guest Lecturers
o
o
o
GL Advisors lecture (01/23/2012)
 Brandon Barfield of GL Advisors discussed debt advice and medical school loan
forgiveness
 SOMA provided lunch and follow up material for the students
SOMA with PCOM-Georgia Student Government Association (SGA) (01/17/2012)
 The AOA president Dr. Martin S. Levine DO visited PCOM-Georgia Campus
 The president delivered a lecture and students interacted with the president in a Q
& A session
HealthSTAT Georgia (10/26/2011)
 HealthSTAT is a grass roots resource that allows students from the different
medical schools in Georgia to participate in events/projects that affect the state
 Michel Putnam of HealthSTAT provided a lecture about the different laws being
passed in Georgia (and at the federal level)
71

o
She presented the important features of each bill and on how they affect the
medical profession
 Michel also talked about the importance of representing Osteopathic physicians
at the different policy making events
Gwinnett Clinic (throughout school year)
 Seminar allowed students who have never participated in this event or other
clinical settings to understand what jobs they will be doing at the clinic as well as
a breakout session for students to learn about how to write a proper SOAP note
D.O. Day on the Hill (02/2012)
 SOMA will work with the PCOM-Georgia campus in order to work out a
schedule for students to attend the event
 Previously SOMA members have worked with the school to pay for the
travelling students, SOMA will maintain this policy
 SOMA will provide a detailed seminar on how to interact with one‟s
representative
 SOMA will also contact the administrators of this event about the students who
will be attending this event
Volunteer Programs
o
Community Service Project - PCOM-Georgia‟s Old Peachtree Road 5K (11/05/2011)





Previous years have conducted this event in order to provide donations to a local
charity
This event educated the students about being part of the community and the
importance of working to better one‟s community
Lastly, this event also allowed SOMA to supply information to the greater
Atlanta area about the Osteopathic profession
Funds collected from the event were donated to Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village provides transitional housing and support services to homeless
families with children in Georgia
72
o
Toys for Tots programs (December 2011)
 Members in the past have collected toys for different charitable organizations
 This year, SOMA members collected toys for underserved area children
 SOMA members donated the toys during the holiday season to Rainbow Village
o
SOMA Old Peachtree Road Cleanup (11/19/2011)
 Several students helped out to clean up Old Peachtree Road (PCOM-Georgia
campus is on this road)
 A total of 8 bags of garbage were collected within two hours
 SOMA provided lunch afterwards for the volunteers who helped out
73
74
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM)
OCTOBER 2011
 SOMA-SAAO OMM Session
We teamed up with our fellow SAAO chapter to provide a demonstration session for members of the
newly established Pre-SOMA chapter at William Carey University (WCU).
 Medical Spanish Workshop
Adjunct Spanish professor at WCU and President of Mississippi Foreign Language Association (MFLA),
Yohanna Jiménez, BS, MT, MATL, presented important Spanish medical terms and phrases to our
members, in addition to giving us a brief lesson on pronunciation, which helped prepare us for our
upcoming Hispanic community outreach event.
NOVEMBER 2011
 Statewide Campus System: Making the Most of Clerkship Rotations
For the second year in a row, Statewide Campus System of MSUCOM gave our members a lunch talk
about the various things to consider when choosing clerkships and residency, including the specialty and
geographic location, as well as the competitiveness of the program and the importance of the COMLEX.
 Hispanic Community Outreach: “¿Qué es un DO?” (What is a DO?)
Reaching out to the local Hispanic community, we held a
presentation in Spanish about osteopathic medicine, DOs, and
Hispanic health disparities at Hardy Street Baptist Church after
their Sunday Spanish service.
DECEMBER 2011
 Toys for Tot Drive
Through promotion and fundraising, the Community Service committee was able to fulfill the
wish lists of 5 special children in need in Hattiesburg, gifting them with over a total of $400
worth of toys and clothes.

Ornament Sale
We showed our state pride with this year’s multipurpose ornament, a Mississippi-shaped
cookie-cutter.
 Region 2 Unity Project / AOF HumanTouch Student Leadership Project
This year the project was in New Orleans with the St. Bernard Project.
Three of our members attended and helped rebuild homes affected by
Hurricane Katrina.
JANUARY 2012
 2012-2013 Executive Board Elections
Looking forward to another great year with our new and enthusiastic Executive Board!
 President-Elect: Alexis Cates, OMS-I
 NLO-Elect: Jamie Bishop, OMS-I
 Vice President-Elect: Evan Harsh, OMS-I
 Secretary-Elect: Erin Johnston, OMS-I
 Treasurer-Elect and PR Director-Elect TBD
 Bingo Night
The Social Affairs committee hosted Bingo Night at the local
Mugshots Grill & Bar after a long week—appetizers and door prizes
included!
FEBRUARY 2012 (upcoming)
 Graduate Loan Advisor Presentation
 SOMA Political Affairs Committee: Issues Update
 SOMA Raffle at MOMA’s 2012 Winter CME Meeting
-Cavatina Pham, OMS-II, NLO
74
CCOM
DMUCOM
KCOM
KCUMB-COM
MSUCOM
OSUCOM
TCOM
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
It‟s been a busy year at CCOM, our surge in membership resulted
in a fresh group of eager first years hungry for activities.
In October SOMA co-sponsored a week of events in honor of
National primary care week. Speakers from multiple backgrounds
spoke, not only CCOM students, but to members of the OT, PT,
PA, and Dental programs as well. Representatives from the
National Health Service Core spoke about opportunities in primary
care both locally and on a national level. The week was rounded
out by an art auction benefiting Clearbrook, a local organization
that specializes in the treatment of Autism patients.
In November, a summer involvement fair run by the second
year members showcased a multitude of options open to
current first year students. Everything from summer research
to simply having fun was discussed. The hour long lunch
event left our first years with a lot to think about for their “last
summer vacation”.
December saw the first annual CCOM
“Bachelor/Bachelorette” Auction. Members of CCOM were
encouraged to offer their unique services whether it was
culinary skills or simply rides to the airport. Everything from ski trips to homemade dinners were auctioned off
to eager CCOM students. All funds raised went towards funding SOMA members to go to D.O. Day.
The month of January became “Manuary” with our beard growing competition meant to benefit the NGO
Heifer International, an organization that provides farm animals to communities in underdeveloped nations.
Through our fundraising efforts, we were able to supply two impoverished towns with water buffalo. In
addition, our political affairs committee swung into action in preparation for D.O. day.
Besides organizing lunch political talks where students were
educated on current political registration, the committee
drafted a form letter regarding graduate medical education
(GME) funding. These letters were sent out to members of
the house and senate staff by CCOM students in early
February.
SOMA‟s involvement in academics continued with a clinic
on history taking for our first year students.
Members of the Osteopathic Awareness Committee have
continued to spread the message of Osteopathic Medicine by holding informational meetings at a number of
undergraduate institutions.
Our community service committee has done a wonderful job creating service opportunities for our students so
far this year. Some of the notable projects included the Date Night Respite Project, an opportunity for parents
of disabled children to have a night out. Feed my starving children, a locally based NGO specializing in
fighting hunger in developing countries. And finally, Almost Home Kids is a pediatric, short-term care home
that services children who are medically fragile.
Looking forward, we are very excited for D.O. Day 2012. CCOM currently has nearly seventy students
planning on attending and what is even more encouraging is the fact that over fifty first years are making the
trip to DC (up from only a dozen from last year). In March we will be holding our second annual CCOM St.
Baldrick‟s day, benefiting research in the area of pediatric cancer. Last year‟s event raised nearly $13,000
dollars and we‟re hoping to do even better this year.
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic
Medicine
Greetings from Des Moines University! The year is off to an exciting start for our chapter
as we work to institute new programs and improve ongoing ones, all focused on improving the
quality of osteopathic medical training for the entire student body. While we‟ve continued longstanding programs, such as our monthly “What‟s in a Doctor‟s Bag?” program (SOMA members
go to local elementary schools and teach students about equipment and procedures used in
normal check-ups), and the monthly Boys and Girls Club program, which focuses on teaching
kids about eating right and exercise.
On August 14th, The SOMA E-board and Committee leaders presented an informational
SOMA video and PowerPoint presentation. We discussed plans for the upcoming year and
shared many opportunities for members to get involved. We created an online survey for
members to write comments and provide ideas and suggestions. Also, in order to congratulate
and celebrate the first-year students‟ completion of their first anatomy exam, we hosted a root
beer float social directly following the exam on September 25th.
In August, we kicked off our Pre-SOMA mentor program, in which we match our
members with undergraduate students interested in learning more about osteopathic medicine
and medical school in a pen-pal type format. Kyle Kjome has been working on a Table Top
Podium Proposal to present to Student Services and our President. We are hoping to purchase
table top podiums for students‟ use during lectures as well as during their studies in the various
study rooms on campus.
In October, we participated in the Senior Health Fair by helping calculate BMIs for the
seniors of the greater Des Moines area. This along with education provided a great opportunity
to impact their overall help and they were all greatly appreciative.
In November, The Fundraising Committee organized and ran the PD fundraiser. They
collected the order forms and distributed equipment to the DO-15 class. They raised roughly
$5000. These funds will aid even more DMU SOMA members on our trip to Washington, DC
for DO Day on the Hill. The SOMA President and Vice President attended a meeting with
Iowa‟s Governor Terry Branstad with IOMA to discuss concerns we as an Osteopathic
community have with some developing events in this state regarding medical education and
scope of practice.
In December, the Interscholastic Committee had a Holiday Skate Date for the entire
DMU campus. Another exciting event that happened that night was the ugly Christmas sweater
contest to win a new board review book. This was a great way to get out and have some fun on
behalf of the DMU SOMA chapter. We have also come up with SOMA tee shirts for fundraising
as well as to represent our osteopathic pride around campus. Sara O‟Meara has continuously
been in attendance of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association meetings to provide student
input in the decisions made at the legislative level. This will only continue into the meeting
being held next semester as DO Day nears.
In the coming semester, among other things, we will be developing our agenda for the
DO Day events. We will be putting together a 3rd and 4th year student panel and letters to give
77
suggestions to underclassmen on how to prepare for the upcoming challenges we face with the
match as well as clerkships. We will be highly involved in funding events that match the vision
we have for SOMA on the DMU campus including organizing a donation event for our
multicultural affairs subcommittee, as well as helping out with a the fundraising for the Global
Health trip that many SOMA members take part in. We are putting together a specialty panel to
discuss with our members about their careers and the path they followed to get where they are
today. This is an exciting time of growth and rebuilding within SOMA at DMU and we could
not be more excited for the progress we have made and what is to come.
78
A.T. Still University,
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
SOMA Report of Chapter Activities
January 2012
1. First Year Survival Guide
a. This document will serve as a guide to new students for the first year of
medical school at ATSU. It will be emailed to all first year students prior to
the first day of class. It describes what first year students should be able to
expect from different courses and teachers and gives suggestions for useful
materials for each course. It also serves as an introduction to the City of
Kirksville, giving practical information about various attractions around
town, including restaurants, parks, etc. It will also be accompanied by
information on SOMA, and why osteopathic students should join SOMA.
2. August 18, 2011 – Club Fair
a. The club fair provided the first official time that SOMA leaders can meet with
the first year students. It allowed us to talk to the first year students about
SOMA and answer any of their questions. It also allowed us to explain some
of the additional perks of joining SOMA such as the Netter and insurance
programs.
3. August 23, 2011 – Recruitment meeting
a. This meeting’s purpose was to give students a detailed orientation on the
AOA and SOMA in order to attract more members to join SOMA. We
described all of the events SOMA hosts throughout the year, what SOMA does
locally at ATSU, and the importance of SOMA on a national level. This served
to attract first year students as well as second year students who were not
previously aware of the importance of joining SOMA as a first year.
4. Residency Panel
a. Several osteopathic residents at Northeast Regional Medical Center come to
talk to the club about why they chose an osteopathic residency, the
application process, and what to expect from residency.
5. Health Care Policy Panel
a. SOMA sponsors this panel by bringing in several physicians from the
community to discuss how health care policy affects their practices. This
helps to educate students how the current health care changes will affect
their future practice. This will hopefully encourage students to involve
themselves in the political changes of health care.
6. Business Day
a. Every year ATSU holds a business week, and requests sponsorship from
clubs. SOMA elects to help sponsor a meeting to encourage member and
student body involvement.
79
7. Financial Planning
a. A financial advisor specializing in graduate student loans discusses the
management of medical school debt during residency and practice. This
brings a realization to students of how government regulation can affect the
ability to pay off student debt.
8. Rotation/Clinical Advisor Presentation
a. SOMA sponsors a presentation from the Michigan AHEC office that presents
information on the final two years of medical school. They discuss how to
make the most of each rotation, and how to use the rotations to progress into
residency. This presentation helps to advocate for students to pursue
osteopathic residencies.
9. DO Day on the Hill
a. SOMA encourages involvement in this event by subsidizing student travel to
Washington DC.
10. March 30, 2012 – Charity concert
a. This concert will be the first ever sponsored by this ATSU chapter. Local
musicians, ATSU students, and Truman State University students will be
performing for those invited from the Kirksville community. All proceeds
will be donated to Hospice of Northeast Missouri.
80
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences- College of Osteopathic
Medicine
Last October, the KCUMB SOMA chapter sold Otis Spunkmeyer cookies to raise money
for a senior student from Joplin High School in Joplin, MO. We were able to raise over $300,
and this money was given to a selected senior as a scholarship to help pay for college expenses.
As you may have heard, Joplin was hit by a F-5 tornado last May. Many families lost
everything. This fundraiser gave us a great opportunity to help the people of Joplin and to
promote SOMA as well as osteopathic medicine.
We also hosted our 2nd annual Osteoblast last October. KCUMB SOMA members got together
one Friday night to watch the Women‟s Roller Derby as it came through Kansas City. It was a
fun break away from school and served as a way to socialize and meet other KCUMB SOMA
members.
In November, SOMA sponsored a joint residency panel on the KCUMB campus. We
teamed up with many of the specialty clubs on campus including dermatology club, EM club,
sports med club, Radiology club, and family medicine club. Each club was responsible for
finding a residency director or resident to come and speak at the panel. After the panel, each
panel speaker went to a separate room to answer individual questions that students had pertaining
to their specific specialty. We had a great turn out, and working with the other clubs helped to
promote the event and encouraged more people to come.
Just this week we held elections for new officers. We are really excited about the incoming
officers. They are enthusiastic about being the new chapter leaders of KCUMB SOMA, and they
plan to hit the ground running. The following is a list of their positions and names:
 President – Ben Rose
 Vice President – Conner Cooper
 Treasurer – Katie Wang
 Secretary – Korey Vecchione
 National Liaison – Deven Boydston
 Philanthropy/Fundraising – Daniel Barrera
 KC Liaison – Malorie Howe
Future plans include a joint club meeting with the diversity in medicine club to promote
black history month. We will discuss how to better treat inner city patients and exemplify what
it is to be a caring osteopathic physician. We will be also having a cook-off fundraiser with
proceeds going to charity. The food will be made by KCUMB students and will be judged by
KCUMB students. Prizes will go to the top three cooks.
In March, KCUMB SOMA will have a professor from Rockhurst University come to speak
about growing changes in the health care bill, and how it affects us as osteopathic physicians.
We feel that many people are uninformed about this health care bill, and this will serve as a great
way to gain more knowledge.
In April we will host our last event of the year. This event is a clinical skills lab involving
suturing, casting, LPs and intubation.
81
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Chapter Report
Since our last conference, our chapter has done and planned many exciting things for our
members. We successfully raised funds for our chapter through our medical equipment sale,
where we provided discounted medical equipment to our first year class for their Clinical Skills
course. We also were able to raise $3,000 during our annual 5k and donated the proceeds to
our student run clinic and the area 8 Special Olympics.
We have hosted a number of high school and undergraduate students interested in Osteopathic
medicine through our Medical Student for a day program, and reached out to pre-SOMA
chapters through panels and OPP events. We also continue to do monthly postings at the
school of upcoming events so that students can stay in the “know.”
After a month long break over the Holidays, our chapter returns excited to have several OPP
outreach events planned throughout the state, as well as one at our school. We enjoy
promoting osteopathic values, principles and awareness at a statewide level. We also plan on
having a speaker from our research department come in to talk to students about various
researches available to medical students and how to get involved, along with an opportunity for
students to learn more IRB training and it’s involvement in research, hosted at our Detroit
campus.
We are preparing for our transition and upcoming spring convention as well. We look forward
to electing and working with our new e-board at our annual transition dinner and beyond. We
were honored to host a meeting preparing our students for important issues to be discussed at
DO Day and important things to know when talking to representatives and senators. Since DO
Day is such a wonderful opportunity for students, we are happy to be offering scholarships to 2
students to attend this year.
We will also be contributing to a raffle fundraiser through Student Government for a program
called the “listening ear,” where volunteers are trained to deal with crises that include
depression, suicide, loneliness, sexual assault, grief, and many others in the community. We
are excited to have so many things planned for our spring semester, and look forward to seeing
everyone at DO Day and the SOMA Spring Convention.
GO GREEN!
(DO Dash, October 23, 2011)
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Oklahoma State University College of
The spring semester for our SOMA chapter at OSU-COM is off to a healthy start. Our first
meeting of the semester was a dinner presentation focusing on nutrition and health. With
the beginning of a new year, we assumed many students had set resolutions to eat
healthier, sleep better, exercise more, jump higher, get stronger, etc. So, we brought in two
energetic registered and licensed dietitians to present tips on how to lead a healthy
lifestyle even with our busy, stressful med school schedules. Students left with a surplus of
quick and easy cooking tips, recipes, and lists of snacks to “fuel our brains”. Another focus
of the night was to educate our students of the role of dietitians on the healthcare team.
Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the least healthy states with high percentages of
obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise. We are 48th in fruit and vegetable intake. As future
physicians, many of the disease processes we will be treating in our state will be nutritionrelated. It will take a team approach to treat our patients and reverse years of unhealthy
choices and we were all thankful to learn the resources dietitians can provide as vital
members of the health care team.
Each spring OSU’s SOMA chapter hosts a fun run, “The Scrub Run”, to raise money and
awareness for Life Share, Oklahoma’s organ and tissue donor organization. We are
currently in the process of organizing this year’s Scrub Run, and look forward to another
successful event. We were also excited to elect our new officers from the first year class.
They will be actively involved in our annual Scrub Run 5k/10k fun run that will take place
in April.
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84
ATSU-AZ
AZCOM
PNWUHS
RVU-COM
TUCOM-CA
TUNCOM
WU-COMP
A.T. Still University- School of Osteopathic
Medicine in Arizona
Recent Events:
 21st Annual ACT Kids Health Fair – September 24,
2011. The Arizona Coalition for Tomorrow (ACT) is a
local not-for profit organization of concerned citizens
committed to improving the health and education
readiness for low-income children. Members of
SOMA, in conjunction with the Pediatrics Club,
volunteered with providing comprehensive health
screenings and immunizations to hundreds of at-risk
children eligible for metropolitan Phoenix Head Start
programs, but lacking appropriate medical clearances.
This event was a ton of fun for all involved!

Buddhist Foundation Free Clinic Day – September 17, 2011 and October 29, 2011. Our SOMA
Chapter has several members that are regular volunteers with the local Buddhist Foundation, Tzu
Chi. The organization hosts frequent free clinic days for the uninsured, in which a variety of
services are provided, including: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Naturopathic Medicine,
Vision, Dental, and Acupuncture. The next free clinic day is March 25th, and students are lining
up to be involved!

Halloween Bake Sale – October 28, 2011. There is no better way to take a break from studying
than to enjoy some fresh baked sweets and the laughter of children! That‟s why SOMA decided
to invite our classmates to bake some sweets and bring heir children to school in costume for this
special fundraiser. In addition to raising over $200, all health programs at ATSU Mesa (DO,
Dental, PA, PT, audiology) spent their lunch break with a sugar-buzz and a smile.
 Habitat for Humanity – January 7, 2012. One Saturday
in the stark of winter SOMA members, in conjunction with our
Student Government Association, traded our scrubs and white
coats in for a hard hat and a tool belt. Students teamed up with
several local organizations to construct the framing of a
multifamily home for Habitat for Humanity. While it did take
several days for the soreness to subside, everyone involved had a
great time giving back to the community.

Upcoming Events:
Arizona DO Day at the Legislature – February 7, 2012. At least 25 SOMA members are
attending this event organized by the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association. Students will
learn more about the development of health policy at the State-level and meet with
Representatives and policy-makers to discuss issues relevant to the Osteopathic profession.

Health Policy with Representative Matt Heinz, M.D. – February 23, 2012. Arizona
Representative Heinz will share his perspective of health policy as a physician and as a policymaker.

Much, much more – In the coming months, our SOMA chapter plans to engage students to begin
thinking about their future beyond medical school. Starting in March with presentations on how
to make the right impression on rotations and the residency match process, segueing into a series
of discussions on “Healthcare Policy 101” – including reimbursement structures, the future of
DOs, Medical Education funding, etc. It will be an exciting few months to come!
85
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
SOMA Chapter Report Spring 2012
Kelsey S. Neufeld OMSIII
Recent Events:
AZCOM/AOMA Mixer, Glendale, AZ: SOMA members mingled side by side with
prominent osteopathic physicians at our mixer in late fall 2011. Co sponsored by the
Arizona Osteopathic Medical association, the event provided a wonderful social
atmosphere of networking and career management. Many students reported relishing
the opportunity to talk one on one with community doctors and gain perspective of
osteopathic medicine outside of AZCOM’s campus!
SOMA/Osteopathic Awareness Night @ ASU, Tempe, AZ: In early November 2011, SOMA first
and second year members visited ASU‟s pre-health club and participated in an open forum
regarding medical education. Each SOMA member was asked various questions regarding
appying to medical school but also numerous questions on the difference between MD and DO
programs. SOMA members were not only quick to praise Midwestern University, but also the
osteopathic philosophy as a whole. Moving forward from this event, SOMA is looking into
continuing open panel discussions with ASU pre-health club(s) and possible Pre-SOMA
recruitment/establishment.
Lunch n’ Learn Series @ MWU campus, Glendale, AZ: SOMA sponsored Lunch n‟ Learn series
continued throughout the fall and early spring with high praise. Collaborations with other student
groups including SGA and AMA-MSS, various speakers both within the MWU campus and
Glendale Community spoke on the business of medicine. In addition, our own Chair of Internal
Medicine graciously guided case presentations in order to prepare first and second year students
for upcoming clerkship years.
Upcoming Events
 Collaboration with AMA-MSS hosting of AMA Region 1 Meeting @ MWU Campus,
Glendale, AZ: SOMA members are volunteering time and OMT skills at the AMA-MSS
Region 1 National meeting at AZCOM in early February. Working with our OMM faculty, we
will be promoting OMT and Osteopathic principles to medical students from over 25
medical schools in the Western US. This is a very unique position for SOMA to showcase
osteopathic medicine and play a pivotal role in promotion of osteopathic awareness.

AOMA D.O. Day at the Legislature, Phoenix, AZ: Taking place at the state capitol building
downtown Phoenix and you will get the opportunity to meet with legislators and health
committee members that are vital in making healthcare policy laws in our state. This is a
great way for us to show support for both AZCOM and the D.O. profession, as well as
keeping our voices heard in this time of rapidly evolving health care policy.

Community Outreach Project: Spring Sports & Concussions, Glendale AZ: Tentatively
talking with 3 area high schools regarding SOMA members presenting an informative talk
on Concussions in athletics. This is an excellent opportunity to not only educate ourselves
as future physicians on concussive symptoms but to promote safety and awareness in the
community on acute neurological injuries. MWU faculty member Dr. Carlton Richie who is a
team physician for the Milwaukee Brewers MLB organization has graciously donated his
time and resources to ensuring this event occurs.
86
S
pring 2012
Goldfinger Award- Every month SOMA officers award at least one student the disnguished Goldfinger Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize those who enrich PNWU and the lives of
those around them and to exalt them to their proper places among the annals of disnguished
Osteopathic Medical Students/Personnel everywhere.
Primary Care Week
– Loan Repayment
OponsOne of the
most common reasons
students cited not
wanted to enter primary care was concerns
over abilies to repay
student loans. We coordinated with the Family Pracce club to provide a presentaon
from GL Advisors on
ways students can repay loans . The event
was very successful
with over 50 students
a&ending (that is 1/3 of
our on campus students!). The presentaon was recorded and
posted online for all
students to access.
SOMA has teamed up with two accomplished luminaries in the field of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T.
Sll and James Bond, to bestow the “Goldfinger” Award upon these disnguished individuals.
Anyone-fellow students, faculty, husbands, wives- may nominate someone (or be nominated)
for a ‘”Goldfinger” award by sending an email to a SOMA Officer explaining their nominaon.
Goldfinger awards are announced via email to the school once a month, following a quick ceremony acknowledging the recipient with an official cerficate and “Goldfinger” Golden Finger
Pen®. Nominaons are kept anonymous.
EleconsPrior to the Spring Convenon we will have elected students to serve in our President, Vice President, NLO and representaves to the 5 state osteopathic boards PNWU serves.
MINI MED SCHOOLWe have teamed with Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic to bring three groups to mini med
schools at our campus. We have two Saturday High School events and one Friday event for local
middle school students. All three groups are local disadvantaged students that are underrepresented in the medical field. Students are busy working on OMM, anatomy, and clinical skills presentaons and labs for the students. We will end the day with a Clinical Interacve lead by a faculty
member to give the students a taste of medical life.
DO Day in Olympia
Several students are giving up a day of classes to travel 3 hours on a bus to our state capital
to discuss current legislave issues with our state representaves and senators. SOMA is coordinang this event with our state society WOMA. Students will be paired with D.O.s and have
meengs with their state senator and representaves to discuss legislaon that impacts the osteopathic profession and healthcare.
The First Class of PNWU will Graduate
this May! Everyone is excited and
planning events to celebrate this accomplishment.
87
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
SOMA Chapter Spring Update
Happy spring from RVUCOM! We have been a busy Chapter this past fall and the work
continues into the current semester.
There were a number of successful community and fundraising events in fall 2011 which
included:
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Selling flowers at the White Coat Ceremony in July for the Class of 2015
Hosting a school lunch program “Chili Cook-off!”
Selling Pulse oximeters and other add-ons to the doctor‟s bag
Hosting the Rocky Run 2011 – (a community-wide 5k run at a local park intended as
advertisement for RVU, increased awareness of the D.O. profession and fundraising for
the club)
Offering middle school free sports physicals in the metro Denver area
We have great events planned for Spring, 2012 – some of which are already underway:
Hosting the annual 9 Health Fair – RVUCOM will serve as one of many sites in the
Denver area offering comprehensive physicals for those in the community with limited
health resources or means to pay for health services – we are very excited about this
event as it always brings a great number of people in from the community!
DO Day on the Hill
Selling flowers at the Commencement ceremony for the first graduating class of 2012
Stay tuned for more updates from our chapter and we look forward to seeing you in D.C. very
soon!
RVUCOM chapter
Liz McKay, OMS-II – National Liaison, RVUCOM
[email protected]
88
Touro University- California
Recent Events
Pre Soma Event with UC Davis and American River College- February 3rd, 2012
We gave a tour of our school to the students
of UC Davis and ARC. We discussed with
them life of a medical school student, and
specifically what it means to be in an
osteopathic medical school. We had our
advisor, Dr. Rehfield, speak to the students
about the expectation they have from
prospective students. We had demos set up
by some of our professors who showed them
what OMM is. They also saw some of the
dissections in our anatomy lab. Overall, it
was a good turnout of students and the
students left our school with a deeper understanding of osteopathy and life of a medical student.
SOMA elections- February 1st, 2012
We held a very successful election and now we have brand new officers from the Class of 2015
representing SOMA- Touro CA. New officer information can be found on SOMA website.
SOMA, AMA, COSGP & Dean Clearfield Discussion of ACGME & OGME IssuesDecember 1st, 2011
ACGME recently proposed two new policies that would LIMIT future DOs from being able to
train in ACGME programs. SOMA, AMA, and COM Executive Council hosted an information
session on political action that we can take as students. This was a good opportunity to learn how
to write resolution so that we can preserve the opportunities for access into residency program.
Upcoming Events
Guest Speaker- Making the most of your Clerkship Rotation- March 13th, 2012
SOMA is hosting a guest speaker from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic
Medicine. The information presented during this talk will help 1st and 2nd year osteopathic
medical students by getting a better understanding of the common expectation and processes
involves. Also they can make a positive impression on the programs to improve their chances.
89
The History of the Healthcare System – October 4, 2011
Dr. Ronald Hedger, DO presented an incredibly educational &
thrilling lecture on “The History of the Healthcare System and
Where We Are Today.” The talk reminded incoming and current
High School Sp
DO students of the roots of the Osteopathic tradition and how
things have evolved and adapted over the years.
High School Sport Physicals - October 18 and 25,
2011. TUNCOM SOMA Chapter & ACOFP Nevada
Chapter offered free sport physicals to local high school
students in the Las Vegas & Henderson community.
Our students were able to provide & practice medical
skills his event has become so popular that it was
covered by the local FOX TV News Channel.
Primary Care Week - November 28th, 2011. In celebration of Primary Care Week, SOMA invited
Dr. Robert Kessler, DO to lecture on the topic of Modern Day Policy & its impact on Primary Care
Medicine. The talk informed students of the issues currently influencing the American healthcare
system.
The Las Vegas COLOR RUN – February 25, 2012.
Our Community Service Chair, Cindy Shieh, has organized a SOMA
TUNCOM group to participate in this very colorful 5k run. In
partnership with Three Square Food Bank, proceeds from THE COLOR
RUN will fund local charities to help those in need within the Las
Vegas community. The TUNCOM SOMA Chapter will be sponsoring
the runners & over $800.00 will be donated to the Las Vegas Three
Square Food Bank.
University of North Las Vegas Pre SOMA - March 2012. TUNCOM SOMA members have
volunteered to participate in “Shadow A Medical Student For The Day”. Approximately, 20
undergraduate students from the University of North Las Vegas, will be paired with a current first or
second year medical student to personally experience the marvelous life of a medical student. The
undergraduate students will have an opportunity to observe certain courses such as OMM & Physical
Diagnosis.
DO Day on Capitol Hill – March 8, 2012. The SOMA TUNCOM Chapter is very proud to
announce that over $10,000 has been fundraised over the 2011-2012 academic year to sponsor 17
students to attend DO Day on Capitol Hill & the Spring SOMA Convention. We are very proud of our
diligent work & would like to thank the TUNCOM Administration for their tremendous support!
Touro University Nevada Health Fair - April 1, 2012. Numerous SOMA members have been
recruited to volunteer their time to provide the Las Vegas Community with free medical services.
The SOMA station will be specifically providing blood pressure & blood glucose readings.
90
Western University of Health Sciences, College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Events: GL Advisor financial advising presentation for students
Bone marrow registry drive
Casting workshop
Service Learning project with volunteers at Parent‟s Place
Hosted AOA president lunch
Upcoming events: DO Day on Capitol Hill (We are expecting a record attendance this year, with 35
students representing both our Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR campusues.)
Blood drive
Strategies for postdoctoral training workshop
Resume/portfolio workshop
Parent‟s Place annual information fair
Fundraiser/mixer
91
A O A / A O F M e n t o r E x c h an g e P ro g ram
Looking for a Mentor?
The AOA/AOF iLEARN Osteopathic Mentor Program has a pool of nearly 6,000
DO mentors who are willing to share their expertise and advice with osteopathic
medical students, interns, residents, and new physicians.
The iLearn Mentor Program is made
possible through a generous grant by
the American Osteopathic Foundation
•
Connect with a DO through the iLEARN Mentor Exchange Program.
•
Connect with a mentor via email, over the phone, or in person.
•
Search for DOs in your specific location, by specialty, or interest area.
Want to honor your Mentor?
The iLEARN Mentor Recognition
Program is done in Association
with Pfizer Inc.
•
Tell us how your mentor has influenced you. Nominate your mentor
for the Mentor of the Year Award, presented in association with Pfizer Inc.
•
Watch videos of past Mentor of the Year Award finalists and recipients including
2011 Mentor of the Year, Sara Sutton, DO.
To learn more about the AOA/AOF iLEARN Mentor Program visit
www.iLEARN.osteopathic.org. Contact us at (800) 621-1773 ext. 8143
or via email at [email protected]
Congratulations to the Following
Scholarship Winners
The Ed and Melissa Loniewski Medically
Underserved Scholarship:
Moe Navqi
Pre-SOMA Member Scholarship
Maria Swetech
Katy Modlin
93
Robert's Rules | Chart of Motions
Robert's Rules of Order Motions Chart
RobertsRules.org
Based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition)
Part 1, Main Motions. These motions are listed in order of precedence. A motion can be
introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion.
§ indicates the section from Robert's Rules.
§
PURPOSE:
YOU SAY:
INTERRUPT? 2ND? DEBATE? AMEND? VOTE?
§21 Close meeting
I move to adjourn
No
Yes
No
No
Majority
§20 Take break
I move to recess
for ...
No
Yes
No
Yes
Majority
Yes
No
No
No
None
I call for the
orders of the day
Yes
No
No
No
None
Lay aside
§17
temporarily
I move to lay the
question on the
table
No
Yes
No
No
Majority
§16 Close debate
I move the
previous question
No
Yes
No
No
2/3
I move
that debate be
limited to ...
No
Yes
No
Yes
2/3
I move to
postpone the
motion to ...
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
I move to refer
the motion to ...
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
§11 Kill main motion
I move that the
motion be
postponed
indefinitely
No
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
Bring business
§10 before assembly
(a main motion)
I move that [or
"to"] ...
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
I rise to
§19 Register complaint a question of
privilege
§18
§15
Make follow
agenda
Limit or extend
debate
Postpone to a
§14
certain time
§13
Refer to
committee
§12
Modify wording of I move to amend
motion
the motion by ...
94
Robert's Rules | Chart of Motions
Part 2, Incidental Motions. No order of precedence. These motions arise incidentally and are
decided immediately.
§
PURPOSE:
§23 Enforce rules
YOU SAY:
Point of Order
Yes
No
No
No
None
I appeal from the
decision of the chair
Yes
Yes
Varies
No
Majority
§25 Suspend rules
I move to suspend
the rules
No
Yes
No
No
2/3
Avoid main
§26 motion
altogether
I object to the
consideration of the
question
Yes
No
No
No
2/3
§27 Divide motion
I move to divide the
question
No
Yes
No
Yes
Majority
§24
Submit matter
to assembly
§29
Demand a rising I move for a rising
vote
vote
Yes
No
No
No
None
§33
Parliamentary
law question
Parliamentary
inquiry
Yes
No
No
No
None
§33
Request for
information
Point of information
Yes
No
No
No
None
§
§34
Part 3, Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly.
No order of precedence. Introduce only when nothing else is pending.
PURPOSE:
YOU SAY:
Take matter
from table
I move to take from
the table ...
No
Yes
No
No
Majority
§35
Cancel
I move to rescind ...
previous action
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
2/3 or
Majority
with
notice
§37
Reconsider
motion
No
Yes
Varies
No
Majority
I move to reconsider
...
95
Spring 2012 Student Osteopathic Medical Association House of Delegates Resolutions
Constitutional Amendment S-2012-1
Subject: CHAPTER PETITIONS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL SOMA CHAPTERS
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WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 1 of the SOMA Constitution and Bylaws reads:
Section 1. Chapter Petition. Any group of five or more students at an AOA-accredited
Osteopathic medical school may petition for a chapter within the Association. The
petitioners shall sign the petition, date their signature and supply any information
requested by the Board of Trustees as to its qualifications for membership. And,
WHEREAS, this language should more explicitly state the possibility that the Board of
Trustees may feel further information is needed from petitioners to start a chapter. And,
WHEREAS, we would like to clarify the requirements for petitioners requesting to
establish a Student Osteopathic Medical Association chapter, therefore be it
RESOLVED that Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution and Bylaws be amended
as follows (language change denoted by brackets):
Section 1. Chapter Petition. Any group of five or more students at an AOA-accredited
Osteopathic medical school may petition for a chapter within the Association. The
petitioners shall sign the petition, date their signature and supply any and all [additional]
information [or documentation] requested by the Board of Trustees as to its qualifications
for membership. And be it further
RESOLVED that the SOMA Process be appropriately edited to reflect this change.
Submitted by:
Hope Harris, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Kruti Patel, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Richard Calderone, OMS II (William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Shaawn Ali, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Kate Brady, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Rachel Gooch, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (cosponsor)
Action Taken:
Date:
Effective Time Period: Ongoing
References:
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association‟s Constitution; Article IV, Section 1.
96
Subject: SPECIFIC IDENTIFICATIONS ACCEPTED AT SOMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
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WHEREAS, Article IX, Section 1 B of the SOMA Constitution and Bylaws reads:
Section 1. Chapter Representation. B) Identification of Delegates and Alternates.
Persons shall be identified with name tags indicating their "Delegate" or "Alternate"
status. Before any business is undertaken by the House of Delegates, each Delegate and
Alternate shall be identified and verified by the Speaker of the House of Delegates (or
his/her designate), using at least one appropriate form of identification. An Alternate can
replace a voting Delegate provided they have been identified by the Speaker of the House
of Delegates.
WHEREAS, this language should more explicitly state the possibility that the
Delegate/Alternate may misplace their SOMA issued identification tag. And,
WHEREAS, we would like to clarify the acceptable forms of identification for use in
this instance at the Student Osteopathic Medical Association House of Delegates,
therefore be it
RESOLVED that Article IX, Section 1 B of the Constitution and Bylaws be amended
as follows (language change denoted by brackets):
Section 1. Chapter Representation. B) Identification of Delegates and Alternates.
Persons shall be identified with name tags indicating their "Delegate" or "Alternate"
status. Before any business is undertaken by the House of Delegates, each Delegate and
Alternate shall be identified and verified by the Speaker of the House of Delegates (or
his/her designate), using at least one appropriate form of identification[, be it
SOMA-issued convention identification tag, school identification with picture, or
federal or state-issued photo identification]. An Alternate can replace a voting Delegate
provided they have been identified by the Speaker of the House of Delegates. And be it
further,
RESOLVED that the SOMA Process be appropriately edited to reflect this change.
Submitted by:
Hope Harris, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Kruti Patel, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Shaawn Ali, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Richard Calderone, OMS II (William Carey Univ College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-author)
Kate Brady, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Rachel Gooch, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (cosponsor)
Action Taken:
Date:
97
References:
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association‟s Constitution; Article IX, Section 1 B.
98
Subject: CONSTITUTIONAL MENTION OF SOMA PUBLICATION & PARTICIPATION IN
“THE DO” MAGAZINE
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WHEREAS, the current SOMA Constitution states that “The Association‟s official
publication shall be the Spotlight on SOMA article in The D.O. magazine on a monthly
basis”; and
WHEREAS, The DO is no longer an in-print magazine but now an online journal (found
at http://www.do-online.org/TheDO/); and
WHEREAS, no “Spotlight on SOMA” section exists within The DO online journal; and
WHEREAS, The DO is an independent publication of the AOA with no obligation to 12
the SOMA Constitution; and
WHEREAS, SOMA maintains a pleasant working relationship with the staff of TheDO;
and
WHEREAS, many SOMA members already do publish periodically within The DO‟s
“OMS Spotlight” section; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association officially strikes the 21
current Article III, Section 1 [current language: Official Publication, The Association‟s
official publication shall be the Spotlight on SOMA article in The D.O. magazine on a
monthly basis.]; and
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association officially amends
Article III, Section 1 to read, “Publications. Association members, in conjunction with
SOMA‟s PR Director, are encouraged to submit articles regarding osteopathic studentcentral current events to The DO online journal for consideration and possible publication
in the „OMS Spotlight‟ section.” The Student Osteopathic Medical Association will foster
positive public relations by encouraging all of its members to work in tandem with
SOMA‟s PR Director for the purpose of increasing the visibility of SOMA in the
osteopathic world through various publications, events, and other public forums.”
Submitted by:
Bridget E. McIlwee OMS-III (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, OMS-IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Dan Nolan, OMS-IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Action Taken:
Date:
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Subject: SOMA NEWSLETTER
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WHEREAS, the current SOMA Constitution states that “That National SOMA Officers
shall make available on its website a newsletter to all constituent chapters and national
officers.” And
WHEREAS, the SOMA newsletter has continued to be an underutilized resource by and
for the organization; and
WHEREAS, the SOMA newsletter now exists mainly to fulfill marketing obligations
with membership benefits corporations; and
WHEREAS, the time and resources of SOMA‟s PR Director could be better utilized
though a new and different way to disseminate important information to national and
regional SOMA chapters and other osteopathic organizations; and
WHEREAS, with new SOMA PR Directors appointed each year, all of whom may have
different and valuable ideas for the dissemination of SOMA information and should have
the liberty to pursue those ideas for the good of the organization; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association officially strike the body
of text under the current Article III, Section 2 [current language: Newsletter. That
National SOMA Officers shall make available on its website a newsletter to all
constituent chapters and national officers.]; and
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association officially amends the
current Article III, Section 2 to read “Dissemination of Media. The SOMA PR Director
shall be responsible for disseminating important and interesting information between and
among the SOMA Board of Trustees, National Board, and all national chapters, on a
timescale to be determined at the beginning of the term by that PR Director and agreed to
by the SOMA Board of Trustees. The PR Director is encouraged to work with the SOMA
Webmaster throughout the year to achieve this directive.” and
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association and the SOMA
Membership Benefits Director notify, to the best of the organization‟s ability, all
sponsors and parties potentially affected by the cessation of newsletter publication; and,
RESOLVED, that SOMA will fulfill contractual agreements with said parties to the best
of the organization‟s ability, prior to and, if necessary, after the cessation of newsletter
publication.
Submitted by:
100
Bridget E. McIlwee OMS-III (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, OMS-IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Dan Nolan, OMS-IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Action Taken:
Date:
101
Subject: DISCRIMINATION BASED ON AGE
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WHEREAS, Article VI of the Constitution of the Student Osteopathic Medical
Association does not include protection from age discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Individuals of a wide range of ages are indiscriminately admitted into
AOA-accredited osteopathic medical schools; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging students of all ages to join SOMA will further reinforce the
objectives and mission of SOMA; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Article VI of the Constitution and Bylaws be amended as follows to
include age as a factor by which membership may not be refused by the Association or its
constituent chapters.
ARTICLE VI – Discrimination
Neither the Association or its constituent chapters may refuse membership on the basis of race,
religion, color, gender, [age,] sexual orientation, national origin or creed. Chapters shall
otherwise determine the qualifications of their own members where not inconsistent with the
Constitution and Bylaws of this Association.
Submitted by:
Kruti Patel, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (author)
Alexis Cates, OMS I (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Brittany McClure, OMS II (William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Cavatina Pham, OMS II (William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Hope Harris, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Shaawn Ali, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine), (co-sponsor)
Action Taken:
Date:
102
Subject: DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DISABILITY
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WHEREAS, Article VI of the Constitution of the Student Osteopathic Medical
Association1 does not include protection from discrimination against students with a
disability; and
WHEREAS, Individuals are indiscriminately admitted into AOA- accredited osteopathic
medical schools, as required by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation in
Standard 5 of the COM Accreditation Standards and Procedures2; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging all students to join SOMA will further reinforce the objectives
and mission of SOMA; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Article VI of the Constitution and Bylaws be amended as follows to
include disability as a factor by which membership may not be refused by the Association
or its constituent chapters.
1
ARTICLE VI – Discrimination
Neither the Association or its constituent chapters may refuse membership on the basis of race,
religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, [disability,] national origin or creed. Chapters shall
otherwise determine the qualifications of their own members where not inconsistent with the
Constitution and Bylaws of this Association.
2
Standard 5 – Students
5.2.2 Recruiting and selection of students for admission to a COM must not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities.
Submitted by:
Kruti Patel, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (author)
Alexis Cates, OMS I (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Brittany McClure, OMS II (William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Cavatina Pham, OMS II (William Carey Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Hope Harris, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine) (co-sponsor)
Shaawn Ali, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine), (co-sponsor)
Action Taken:
Date:
103
Subject: PRE-MEDICAL STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
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WHEREAS, The mission of Pre-SOMA is to promote and inform the public about
Osteopathic Medical education, to increase the number of osteopathic medical school
applicants, and to prepare members for entrance to the osteopathic colleges; and
WHEREAS, those interested in joining National Pre-SOMA do not need to establish or
become a member of a local Pre-SOMA chapter in order to join National Pre-SOMA;
and
WHEREAS, it is a much more rewarding experience for each Pre-SOMA member to
create or participate in a local chapter in order to orchestrate local pre-osteopathic
medicine-related events and help to realize the mission of Pre-SOMA; and
WHEREAS, it is important for potential charter founders to determine their
communities‟ interest in starting a local Pre-SOMA chapter to ensure that their charter,
once established, can remain active; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Section 5. Pre-Medical Student Membership be amended to read as
follows (Referenced from the current National Pre-SOMA Constitution):
Section 5. Pre-Medical Student Membership.
A) Eligibility for National Membership. National membership to Pre-SOMA shall be
open to any person in an accredited undergraduate institution or any person who
completed all or part of said educational pathway and is in the preparation process for
applying to osteopathic medical school (Article III Membership section 1).
B) Maintaining Membership. National Pre-SOMA members must renew their
membership on www.studentdo.com at the beginning of each academic year.
C) Eligibility for Charter Petition. Prior to submitting an application for a local charter,
all potential founders must join Pre-SOMA on the National SOMA website. Potential
charter founders must submit the proper paperwork to National SOMA as outlined in
Article IX Section A of the National Pre-SOMA Constitution in order to apply for a
charter.
D) Maintaining a Charter. In order to maintain a charter, local chapter members must
follow the protocol as outlined in Article IX Section B of the National Pre-SOMA
Constitution. Failure to comply with Article IX Section A and B will result in not being
recognized by the AOA, SOMA, or Pre-SOMA. Charters failing to comply with Article
IX Section B and C of the National Pre-SOMA Constitution will have their charter
revoked for one year, after which time a local chapter may re-apply for their charter for
104
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the following academic year (Article IX Section D).
E) Dues Structure. It is possible to collect dues as a requirement for National Pre-SOMA
Membership if the SOMA National treasury requires such dues (Article III section 2).
Requirement for local Pre-SOMA dues will be left to the discretion of the Founding
and/or Executive board of individual local chapters. Dues collected by local Pre-SOMA
chapters should be kept in a university or college approved bank account and use of these
funds should abide by all university or college rules and regulations. Fund usage for PreSOMA monies should be in keeping with the purpose of Pre-SOMA and are deemed only
for projects and activities that support the members of the local organization in their
pursuit to serve the purpose (Article III Section 4 a,b).
Submitted by:
Robyn Young, OMS IV (Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine – California)
Kruti Patel, OMS II (William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Tom Grawy, OMS II (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Action Taken:
Date:
105
Resolution: S-2012-1
Subject: APPOINTMENT OF THE DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGATE
REPRESENTING SOMA AT THE AOA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
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WHEREAS, The Student Osteopathic Medical Association is granted one delegate seat
at the annual AOA House of Delegates and one alternate delegate seat to perform in the
absence of the appointed delegate; and
WHEREAS, The resolutions submitted to the AOA on behalf of the SOMA delegation
are reviewed using the process of the SOMA House of Delegates; and
WHEREAS, It is the responsibility of the Speaker of the House and/or his/her appointee
to the position of Reference Committee Chairperson to review and organize any and all
resolutions submitted to the SOMA House of Delegates including those that will be
drafted for submission to the AOA House of Delegates; and
WHEREAS, The Reference Committee Chairperson will be innately familiar with the
resolution process and subject matter as part of his/her core responsibility; and therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Reference Committee Chairperson shall automatically serve as
the Delegate representing SOMA at the AOA House of Delegates; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Reference Committee Chairperson shall appoint an alternate
delegate, selected from the members of the Reference Committee, to serve in the event of
his/her inability to serve.
Submitted by:
Lisa Marie Piwoszkin, OMS IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Dan Nolan, OMS IV (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Phil Eskew, OMS IV (West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine)
Bridget McIlwee, OMS III (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Action Taken:
Date:
106
Subject: STATEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES – GREEN INITIATIVE
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WHEREAS, Academic institutions must utilize goods in the maintenance and
construction of their facilities and the production of teaching materials, thereby
contributing to the spectrum of extraction, production, and distribution; and
WHEREAS, Initiatives to reduce the negative human impact on the environment have
been shown to result in significant positive environmental outcomes [1]; and
WHEREAS, Not all medical schools currently have sustainability mission statements to
promote institutional sustainability practices; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That SOMA develop a model sustainability statement that medical schools
can use as a template for creating institution-specific sustainability mission statements;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That SOMA encourage all medical schools to adopt mission statements
which promote institutional sustainability initiatives such as consumption awareness,
waste reduction, energy and water conservation, and the utilization of reusable/recyclable
goods; and be it further
RESOLVED, That SOMA makes sustainability a more publicly visible principle of the
organization by developing a statement of internal sustainability goals.
Submitted by:
Kelsey Neufeld, OMS III (Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Aaron Olsen, OMS II (Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Arta Zowghi, OMS I (Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Alice Chen, OMS II (A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Ian Schlieder, OMS III (A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Action Taken:
Date:
References:
1. Ringquist, EJ. (1993) "Does Regulation Matter? Evaluating the Effects of State Air
Pollution Control Programs. Cambridge University Press. The Journal of Politics 55:
1022-1045.
107
Subject: EMPHASIS ON SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL TITLE OVER GENERIC
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WHEREAS, Norman Gevitz, PhD has completed an extensive research project on
osteopathic physicians; and
WHEREAS, Norman Gevitz, PhD has revealed underlying themes of the osteopathic
medical community‟s struggles; and
WHEREAS, The current struggle seems to revolve around maintaining the autonomy of
the osteopathic medical practitioners; and
WHEREAS, The D.O. profession is growing at an exponential rate (nine-fold increase
from the year 1968 to 2011) and proper recognition is due for the unique training and
work completed by osteopathic physicians; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Student Osteopathic Medical Association encourages all its
student chapters, the American Osteopathic Association, and all practicing osteopathic
physicians, to utilize the “Osteopathic physician” title in place of “Medical doctor”
whenever possible and D.O. where M.D. is indicated.
Submitted by:
Erin Murphy, OMS III (A. T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Action Taken:
Date:
108
Subject: SIMULTANEOUS OSTEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC MATCH DATE
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WHEREAS, Osteopathic medical students are able to participate in both residency
matching programs: the osteopathic AOA Intern/Resident Registration Program (IRRP)
and the allopathic National Resident Matching Program (NRMP); and
WHEREAS, The osteopathic residency matching program posts acceptances in mid
February and the allopathic residency matching program posts acceptances in mid March
with acceptance into an osteopathic residency resulting in automatic withdrawal from the
allopathic match; and
WHEREAS, Osteopathic students deserve the opportunity to choose a residency
program best suited for their future without the decision being made by an external
governing party; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Osteopathic Medical Association recommend to the
American Osteopathic Association and other parties concerned for a simultaneous
IRRP and NRMP match day focused on better accommodating the considerations of the
osteopathic medical student.
Submitted by:
Erin Murphy, OMS III (A. T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Action Taken:
Date:
109
Subject: REDEFINING THE STUDENT SEAT ON THE AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC
ASSOCIATION‟S HOUSE OF DELEGATES
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WHEREAS, The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American
Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) are tasked with different
missions: advancement 4.of the osteopathic profession and lending support to the nation‟s
osteopathic medical schools, respectively; and
WHEREAS, The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and the Council of
Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) have different objectives: to
promote osteopathic ideals and unity among the profession, and to encourage
professional development and leadership among osteopathic medical students,
respectively; and
WHEREAS, SOMA regularly interacts with the AOA (SOMA is linked on the AOA‟s
website as a related organization) and COSGP regularly interacts with the AACOM
(COSGP is one of twelve Councils established under the AACOM); and
WHEREAS, SOMA does not receive any formal recognition or voting power at
AACOM events; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that SOMA retains the only independent student seat within the American
Osteopathic Association‟s House of Delegates.
COSGP leaders already have numerous seats as delegate members of their respective state’s
osteopathic association.
Submitted by:
Erin Murphy, OMS III (A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Action Taken:
Date:
110
Subject: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND SEX EDUCATION
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WHEREAS, Osteopathic medical schools emphasize careers in primary care; and
WHEREAS, Primary care specialties focus on prevention to reduce long-term health
care costs to our society while providing for the overall well-being of the patient; and
WHEREAS, Preventive medicine in relation to reproductive rights relies on
scientifically accurate, evidence-based sex education and improved access to birth
control; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) urge
Osteopathic medical students and physicians to play an active role in teaching ageappropriate sex education to youth and supporting better access to reproductive services,
especially in rural and underserved populations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That SOMA encourages osteopathic medical schools to include
reproductive health education on all evidence-based options as part of their mandatory
curricula as a means to improve health disparities.
Submitted by:
Erin Murphy, OMS III (A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Simrat Singh, OMS III (A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona)
Action Taken:
Date:
111
Introducing a new partnership:
Kaplan and SOMA
Kaplan and SOMA are proud to announce our new partnership designed
to provide members with the best prep available at a great price! Members
receive 10% off Kaplan courses like the COMLEX Level 1 High Yield course.
Kaplan’s new high-yield review for COMLEX Level 1. A fast-paced, online course
designed for U.S. medical students.

Complete organ-system coverage in less than 50 hours.

7 hours of OMM review with Todd Bezilla, D.O.

4,400 exam-like total questions | diagnostic exam | 1 fulllength COMLEX Level 1 simulated exam | 2 full-length USMLE® Step 1 simulated exams | free integrated mobile app for
iPhone® and AndroidTM.

Over 600 color images | 20 animations | 25 clinical videos |
10 interactive heart sounds

Start now with Until Your Test (up to 12-months) access. Get
an immediate edge in school and repeat lectures as often as
you like. Also available for a 3-month access.

High Yield also comes with Level 1 and
Step 1 Qbanks, and a free integrated
Step 1 mobile app for the iPhone® and
AndroidTM devices.
OMM module w/ Todd Bezilla, DO
SOMA members receive 10% off Kaplan courses.
Visit our booth for more information and learn how you can save!
COMLEX is a registered trademark of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Inc. ‡USMLE is a joint program of The Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States,
Inc. and the National Board of Examiners. *This discount canot be combined with any other discount, offer, or promotion., and cannot be applied retroactively to an existing enrollment.
†
Night Outings in Capitol!
Friday evening, March 9th:
FUR Night Club:
Meet at 8:30pm in the Hyatt Regency Lobby
Join us for a night of fun at one of Washington D.C.‟s premier night club scenes. This night club
has everything from the main dance floor to smaller lounges such as the Mafia room where you
can grab a drink and engage in conversation. Hit the Bistro lounge to grab some hot coffee or
late night snacks. SOMA has our own VIP room reserved and entrance is free until midnight.
33 Patterson Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20002-3349
(202) 842-3401
Saturday evening, March 10th:
SOMA Inaugural and Award Dinner:
Thunder Grill
Meet at 6:00pm in the Hilton Hotel lobby
Join your SOMA colleagues as we celebrate the past year with several awards and meet your
new Board of Trustees and National Board for the 2012-2013 school year. Enjoy a free meal and
drinks! Cocktail attire.
50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 898-0051
Billy Goat Tavern:
Meet at location after awards dinner
Located within minutes of the Hyatt Regency hotel; this original Chicago favorite has now
opened its doors in Washington D.C. This relaxed atmosphere offers relaxing atmosphere to
wind down from the day‟s festivities. No cover fee.
500 New Jersey Ave NW # 1, Washington, DC 20001-2005
(202) 783-2123
113

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