VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

ACOFP American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Brian Anderson, President; Kiersten Mullis, Vice President; Spencer Hoffman, Treasurer; Taylor Davis, Secretary

T he primary goal of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) student organization is to provide healthcare and education for the community, while offering opportunities and providing tools to equip students for future success as osteopathic family physicians. This year, ACOFP worked to provide community outreach in a variety of ways. Members assisted Petra Warren, MD, at Church Builders (now Health Builders, an organization that offers health screenings throughout the community), providing local residents with OMM, flu shots, and screenings for glucose, blood pressure, weight, and vision. ACOFP also participated in the annual VCOM Adult Health Fair and supported community organizations including Boy Scouts of America and Habitat for Humanity. Members

successfully raised over $3,000 for Relay for Life, placing third amongst other healthcare businesses in the region. ACOFP hosted several speakers who expanded the students’ knowledge about the healthcare field. Laurie Theroit, MD, discussed the delicate conversations that occur with end-of-life care, and Nicole Bixler, DO, the ACOFP Regional Governor, spoke about her unique family medicine practice. Fourth-year VCOM students provided helpful tips and encouragement to first- and second- year students as they prepare for board study and third-year rotations. The organization also hosted clinical skill workshops for members, welcoming preceptors from AnMed Health who supervised the practice of knee injections, punch biopsies and

circumcisions. Richard Orr, MD, taught students proper suturing techniques on bananas (while the group enjoyed decadent banana splits!). Because mental health is an important issue throughout the medical community, ACOFP organized puppy parties to help students relieve stress. All students were invited to take a break from the books and enjoy time with their classmates and pets at the Rail Trail Dog Park. Finally, ACOFP made an effort to promote scholarships and events to its members, as well as opportunities to participate in the organization at the national level. Many students had the opportunity to participate in national conferences, and the organization raised funds to ensure that members were able to attend.

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