VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

SOMA Student Osteopathic Medical Association

T his year, the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) student organization focused on building a sense of community among osteopathic physicians and student doctors, developing leadership skills and championing the student voice.

with redesigned new member sign- ups, created in partnership with SGA to ensure optimal organization exposure and student awareness of opportunities. SOMA worked to increase visibility and partnerships with other student organizations through coordinating group participation in National Osteopathic Medicine week, supporting the Mental Health Task Force alongside SGA and school administration, raising funds for VCOM international outreach and spreading holiday cheer with candy grams in partnership with SGA, ACOP and AOASM. Within the larger community, SOMA maintained an ongoing commitment to Spartanburg’s Adopt-a-Road Program, hosting four clean-up events throughout the year. SOMA hosted a variety of networking and social events this year, including the annual Mr. VCOM competition and Great VCOM Bake-off to raise funds for future DO Day on the Hill participation. The annual SOMA Winter Gala brought together 300 students, faculty and staff to celebrate the year’s achievements in old Hollywood glam style. Additional proceeds from the event were donated to support recovery efforts at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to representing the student voice in Washington D.C. as part of the annual DO Day on the Hill, SOMA leadership traveled to represent the student voice at the SOMA Summer

Most notably, this year brought to life SOMA’s first Leadership Symposium at VCOM-Carolinas,

engaging over 150 first-and second- year students in sessions covering keys to communication, leadership styles, working in team settings and balancing life and leadership as a medical student. The event culminated

Amy Schlegel, President; Amy Jackson, Vice President; JP Patrizi, Treasurer; Diane Hermiz, Secretary; Graham Willm, National Liaison Officer; Ariel Katsimpalis, Events

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