VCOM - Carolinas 2018 Yearbook

ACOP American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians

Angela Montalvo, President; Brooke Spangler, Vice President; Anushka Patel, Treasurer; Meghan Quigley, Secretary; Carrie Downing-Larick, National Liason

T he mission of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) is to encourage exploration within the field of pediatrics. This organization is one of the largest and most active clubs on campus, regularly participating in research, educational events, and outreach projects within the community. This year ACOP focused on two main efforts: community outreach and health promotion. The organization’s biggest outreach endeavor was the Promoting Lifelong Activity in Youth (PLAY) program, while their biggest health promotions were partnering with MSA and Regensis for health screenings.

Center for Science Day, they engaged with approximately forty students who are interested in the medical field. It was rewarding to make a difference and encourage these students to pursue their dreams in science. At several smaller events, students formed meaningful connections with children from the greater Spartanburg area.

PLAY also has bimonthly events with their students to get them moving and to educate them on different aspects of health. The PLAY program has grown each and every year and impacted the lives of many children at Meeting Street Academy. Now, with the research program the organization will have tangible evidence of its impact, strengths, and how to improve the PLAY program to better help Meeting Street Academy (MSA) students. ACOP volunteered at Hatcher Garden on four different occasions this summer. At Hatcher Gardens, members gave basic science lessons to smaller groups of students from Cleveland Academy. At the Chapman

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