VCOM - Virginia 2018 Yearbook

Steven Jette, President; Jessica May Franklin, Vice President; Anne Brezovec, Secretary; Natale Demarco, Treasurer SAMOPS Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons

T he Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) helps student doctors and their families make the transition into a military career. Every year VCOM’s chapter has many Health Profession Scholars (HPSP) who commit themselves to serve as military physicians upon graduation. Veterans and military spouses are welcome to join SAMOPS. The group works to promote the large impact that osteopathic physicians have in the US military.

to apply leadership to fulfilling those responsibilities.

• With the support of the SAMOPS faculty advisor, Kenneth Schor, MD, SAMOPS initiated a supporting relationship with the HPSP officers of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Members were invited to participate in all SAMOPS events, including professional development sessions and a physical readiness training program. • The group hosted a diagnostic physical fitness test for its members to aid them in preparing for summer training. The Army, Navy, and Air Force each evaluates members on push-ups, sit-ups and a run, according to its own standards, so SAMOPS conducted three diagnostic tests simultaneously for its members of the different services.

• SAMOPS hosted a professional

development session addressing what it means to be a dual professional – a member of both the military and a physician – and how leadership serves as the foundation for a profession. Participants examined the unique responsibilities a military medical officer assumes and discussed how

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