Two Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) students recently represented the Harrogate campus at the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) Summer Leadership Meeting and National Osteopathic Student Caucus (NOSC) in Chicago, joining student leaders from across the country to discuss issues affecting osteopathic medical education and the profession.
Austin Raymond, OMS-II and president of SOMA at LMU-DCOM's Harrogate campus, and Jenna Webb, OMS-II and the chapter's national liaison officer, participated in leadership development sessions, advocacy discussions and organizational programming designed to prepare future physicians for leadership roles within organized medicine.
The conference included participation in the NOSC, where student representatives discussed and voted on resolutions before they advanced to the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates for consideration. Topics included medical education, student advocacy and the future of the osteopathic profession.
"The experience provided valuable insight into organizational governance, policy development, and professional leadership while allowing me to engage with both physicians and student leaders from across the country," Raymond described the experience.
Webb said the conference expanded her understanding of opportunities for involvement in organized medicine and advocacy.
"Overall, this conference was a growing experience. I not only learned how to build student involvement at my local SOMA chapter, but I learned how many outlets there are to be involved in policy as a student, resident, or physician," she explained.
The conference also included community outreach activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration with students and physician leaders from across the nation. Both students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent LMU-DCOM while gaining experiences that will support their future careers as osteopathic physicians.
About LMU-DCOM
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, and at LMU Orange Park in Orange Park, Florida. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
