VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

SOSA Student Osteopathic Surgical Association Luke Hammock, President; Brynn Hentschel, Vice President; Joshua Quintana, Secretary; Natalie Fallows, Treasurer; Kashan Mahmood, National Liaison Officer

T he VCOM-Auburn chapter of SOSA strives to equip its members with hands-on skills that will better prepare them in the field of surgery. Over the past year, SOSA has hosted several suturing workshops, knot tying workshops and seminars on how to prepare to match into a competitive specialty. The SOSA Surgical Conference is an intensive two-day event that brings surgeons and physicians from around the state to offer training and skills workshops, as well as various presentations and panels for the students of VCOM. This past conference included over 100 students as participants, as well as over 50 volunteer students and faculty. Divided between the weekend, students had the opportunity to participate in nine different interactive workshops. These workshops included: laparoscopy, bowel anastomosis, total knee arthroplasty, field amputation, airway management, casting, perineal tears and repairs, advanced ultrasound techniques and the Stop the Bleed Campaign. The two guest speakers were Elizabeth Robinson, MD, and James R. Andrews, MD. Dr. Robinson is a general surgeon currently practicing in Phenix City, Alabama. She spoke to the students on her pathway to surgery and how to be compassionate and caring surgeon. Dr. Andrews is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon who is known for his contributions in the sports medicine field. He gave a presentation on common sports related injuries and various surgical repair techniques. The students gained valuable information and networking experience during this conference.

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