VCOM - Carolinas 2018 Yearbook

ACONP American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists

Mark Dalgetty, President; Courtney Caroti, Vice President; Mackenzie DeHart-McCoyle, Treasurer; Graham Reid, Secretary

T he American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists (ACONP) student organization works in conjunction with the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) to provide quality medical education and opportunities in the fields of psychiatry and neurology. ACONP focused on member support, community outreach, and specialty specific education. The organization built on successful events from previous years new events that aligned with the organization’s overarching vision. In spring, ACONP held Mental Health Awareness Day and invited VCOM students, faculty, and staff to wear blue to show their support for individuals and families wtih mental illness. The organization also put together a fundraiser with a parfait bar. ACONP raised funds for NAMIWalks, sponsored by the National Alliance of Mental Illness in Greenville, SC, to raise awareness of mental illness and raise funds to support their mission. The organization partnered with the Christian Medical and Dental

Association (CMDA) for an ice cream social networking event to introduce incoming first year students to student organizations. In the fall, ACONP hosted Timothy J. Kowalski, DO, Dean of VCOM- Carolinas and Paul Switzer, MD, to speak about their experiences in the field of psychiatry and why it was chosen as their specialty. ACONP partnered with SGA to elevate the conversation on the health of healthcare professionals with CRAZYSOCS4DOCS Day to increase awareness about shockingly high suicide rates amongst medical professionals in the community and advocate for further support. The group also organized a booth at the 2017 Pediatrics Fair that included several fun brain games for kids. Designed to teach kids about the senses and the nervous system, it included vision-altering goggles, mysteriously scented candles, a taste challenge, and neuron coloring sheets. ACONP’s winter events included a Christmas party at Dr. Cannon’s house that included a White Elephant Gift Exchange.

87

CAROLINAS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS