VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

SAAO Student American Academy of Osteopathy Star Leonard, President; Carissa Madson, Vice President; Zachary Wood, Secretary; Sasha Korshun, Treasurer; Jos Edison, DO, Faculty Advisor

T he Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) is a group of osteopathic medical students that appreciate and advocate for osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) because of its clinical and therapeutic value. SAAO had the opportunity to provide a variety of different events for the VCOM-Auburn campus during the 2020 calendar year. Mock OMM Lab Practicals were hosted and led by our organization in every block for the OMS-1 class. Additionally, SAAO held multiple OMT workshops throughout the year where several osteopathic physicians demonstrated techniques they use often to treat common medical problems. One of our bigger events was a dry needling and cupping demonstration that was held in conjunction with AOASM. Dr. Matt Watson, a local physical therapist, taught members the basics of dry needling and gave a demonstration on one of his regular patients. Megan Johnson, a physical therapy assistant, showed event attendees cupping, another form of alternative medicine. Overall, this event enhanced many students’ knowledge of alternative medicine and was one of the most successful events of Block 1/5. It was an honor for SAAO to be active on the VCOM-Auburn campus, and the future has much to hold for our organization.

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