SLM 2018 Recap

What happened with the Resolutions?
Osteopathic medical students from across the country came together at the National Osteopathic Student Caucus (NOSC) to debate the AOA House resolutions most relevant to students. Passionate, thoughtful, and constructive debate produced this report, representing the “student opinion” on the selected resolutions. Great thanks to COSGP for putting together the NOSC and bringing together so many incredible student advocates.

Big Victories in The House

SOMA submitted thirteen resolutions to the AOA House of Delegates. Here’s what happened to them:

  • Adoption of Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) Policy: Approved
  • Cannabis Reclassification: Effect on Research: Approved
  • Combating Pharmaceutical Evergreening: Approved
  • Comprehensive Gun Violence Reform: Approved with Amendments
  • Increasing the Education and Preventative Prescribing of Naloxone Use: Approved
  • Recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights: Approved with Amendments
  • Supporting Policy that Accommodates DACA Status: Approved with Amendments
  • Access to health care/health insurance: Referred to the Bureau of Federal Health Programs
  • Standing Against Solitary Confinement for Juvenile Inmates: Referred to the Bureau of Scientific Affairs and Public Health
  • Advocating for the Repeal of the Dickey Amendment: Disapproved
  • Opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Sensitive Locations: Disapproved
  • Religious Freedom and Ethical Medical Practice: Disapproved
  • Increased Resources for LGBTQ Persons in Federally Qualified Halfway Houses: Disapproved

* For more details about what happened with each of the SOMA resolutions, take a look at the report from the Ad Hoc Committee.

SOMA also followed some other resolutions closely, offering arguments and amendments in the House:

  • Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Training Amongst Osteopathic Medical Schools (H-212): Approved
  • Federal Student Loan Program (H-355): Approved with Amendments
  • Representation of Students in the AOA House of Delegates (H-505): Approved
  • Equality in the Military (H-354): Approved with Amendments
  • Substance Abuse (H-414): Reaffirmed with Amendments
  • American Osteopathic Association Develops Protocols to Prevent Sexual Abuse (H-427): Approved

* All of the Committee Reports can be found on the on the AOA Website.

SOMA also received a standing ovation from the House of Delegates, in recognition of the passionate and thoughtful work done by students to bring these important and timely issues forward, and for our well-researched and diplomatic representation of student opinions on the House floor.


 
Celebrations at the AOA House

SOMA—A Rising STAR
SOMA was honored with the Strategic Team Award and Recognition (STAR) Award at this year’s AOA House of Delegates, in recognition of our extensive efforts to strategically align our programing and advocacy efforts with those of the AOA. While we at SOMA pride ourselves on being independent and student-run, increased collaboration with the AOA allows us to strengthen our collective voice, in order to bring about big changes within the profession.




SOMA Nominee on the AOA Board of Trustees
We are incredibly proud to announce that Adam Coridan, OMS IV, former SOMA Political Affairs Director, has officially been appointed to AOA Board of Trustees as the Student Representative. Per the AOA Constitution & Bylaws, COSGP and SOMA take turns nominating a student to the AOA BOT every other year. Congratulations, Adam!

We are also excited to share that Natalie Negron, OMS IV, National COSGP 1st Vice Chair was officially appointed to the AOA Board of Trustees as the Student Advisor. Together we will make sure the student voice is heard within the profession.


 
SOMA Presentations Leave an Impression

The take home messages
Our conference got started with a presentation by National President, Kate de Klerk, on the “State of SOMA“. Take a look at the PowerPoint to learn more about what’s happened at SOMA this year.

We were also fortunate to hear from the AOA Public Relations team about branding strategies for leadership success, and from Dr. Julieanne Sees about overcoming challenges and embracing personal growth.

Mental health and wellness was a big focus at SLM this year. We brought in Dr. Jess Barber, the Wellness Coordinator at the University of Illinois, Chicago, to speak about maintaining balance in medical school. We also enjoyed a presentation by our very own John Rajala, National Treasurer, and Tyler King, Region IV Trustee, who talked about balancing leadership with self-care in medical school. Want to recreate the interactive experience from the session? Here is the handout.

SOMA’s commitment to health equity and diversity in medicine was also a driving force for programming at SLM this year. Dr. David Ansell, internist, author, and social justice advocate, joined us to talk about “Why Health Disparities Affect Us All,” and his newest book “The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills.”
 


 
Who we heard from?
We had two great interactive sessions at SLM this year. Can’t quite remember who you heard from? Here’s the rundown:

Alumni Panel:
• Robert Greer, DO
• Jennie Kwon, DO
• Heather Ivy, DO
• Sarah Wolff, DO

Residency Director Panel:
• Shawn Cannon, DO
• Michael Geria, DO