VCOM - Carolinas 2016 Yearbook

ACOP American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians

Jeffrey Rice, President; Jennifer Williams, Vice President; Mara Rivera, Treasurer; Caitlin Basnight, Secretary

A COP works to provide opportunities within the field of pediatrics through community service, educational events, and national conferences. The organization has truly emphasized its community relationship, building partnerships that focus on promoting pediatric health and the osteopathic philosophy. ACOP benefits greatly from the direction of advisor and mentor Hanna Sahhar, MD, who provides advice, research options, and other opportunities for members. Under his guidance, many club members have participated in research or presented at national and local conferences.

events. The largest annual event is the Kids Wellness Fair, a fun, educational day for both children and parents. In the fall, ACOP hosts back-to-school screenings and wellness checks at Meeting Street Academy. This experience allows first year students conduct vital signs, hearing tests, and vision screenings for the children. Second year students work closely with physicians for a complete check up on each child. Thanks to the vision and preparation of two members, Vanessa Hortian and Meghan Milligan, ACOP has kicked off the PLAY Program at Meeting Street Academy to keep kids active. In the spring, ACOP hosted a booth at Play in the Park, and participated in VCOM’s inaugural Day of Science at the

Chapman Cultural Center, which members hope to host every year. The annual Safe Kids Day is a community event ACOP members attend in order to teach kids and parents how to be safe around water, fire, and even crossing the street. ACOP is dedicated to fundraising for the March of Dimes each each year, and in 2015 raised several thousand dollars in just two months. As an added bonus, VCOM anatomy chair Lance Paulman, PhD, allowed members to shave his head for raising greater than $2,500! Over the past two years, ACOP has supported international medical outreach sites by partnering with HCMO to fundraise and collect donations.

Over the past year, ACOP has conducted many successful

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