Friday, March 30, 2018
LUCOM-SOMA sponsors visit by AOA President-Elect
Fri, 30 Mar 2018Christopher Breedlove | LUCOM Marketing
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) welcomed for the first-time William S. Mayo, DO, president-elect for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) on Thursday, March 29. His visit was sponsored by the LUCOM chapter, Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA).
His visit began with a tour of the Center for Medical and Health Sciences led by members of SOMA. Commenting on LUCOM, Dr. Mayo said, “This facility, these resources are top-notch. Reflecting back on my education and facility when I was a student, today’s generation of student-doctors are at an incredible advantage. Their future is so bright; it’s amazing they’re not wearing shades.”
Concluding the tour, SOMA and SGA leaders then met with Dr. Mayo for a private lunch to discuss the future of osteopathic medicine. “Dr. Mayo is a very intelligent man who is well-versed in many aspects of healthcare, from political action to advocating for DOs and their presence in the world,” said Jessica Swavely, first-year student-doctor and LUCOM-SOMA President-Elect. “Dr. Mayo is a tireless individual who only wants to spread the reach of osteopathy to all corners of the world so we may heal those who might not otherwise have access to our care.”
At noon, Dr. Mayo addressed a packed lecture auditorium and presented on the Single Graduate Medical Education (GME) Accreditation System, the AOA’s Strategic Focus and serving internationally. “As osteopathic physicians, we are the most complete package in the medical profession; we were holistic before holistic became cool,” he said. “DO students have a wonderful future and you all will make a difference for folks and not everyone can say that. To be a part of the AOA when you graduate means you belong in a large osteopathic family.”
Dr. Mayo broke down each phase of the AOA’s strategic focus of making the organization the professional home for all osteopathic physicians.
Phase one
- Establish internal expense controls and revenue enhancements
- Expand research grants
- Transition to a Single Accreditation System
- Develop public policy initiatives
- Maintain brand visibility through a layered national campaign
Phase two
- Enhance board certification services
- Focus on international impacts reaching to South Korea, India and Haiti and in partnership with the World Health Organization
- Improve membership stages on a student level from residency to retirement
- Increase affiliate alignments with colleges
- Review the organization’s governance structure
A big highlight for his presentation was GME as it becomes a singular system. “The AOA wants students to know that the Single Accreditation System is intentionally designed to preserve osteopathic identity and principles in GME. It’s our commitment to protect our residents,” said Dr. Mayo. “There is no doubt that COMs are producing highly competent and confident young DOs who are eager to compete, and they are prepared to deliver high-quality patient care alongside MD colleagues.”
Another focus of Dr. Mayo’s talk was encouraging students to continue participating in DO Day on the Hill. He emphasized the importance of getting involved on the political side. “As physicians, what we do every day is right or wrong. Politicians often compromise to advance an agenda. Osteopathic physicians don’t do that; there are no comprises with a person’s health. It’s important to have your voice heard both at the state and federal level. When you educate your leaders and give them facts, they often seek you out. Be involved.” DO Day is held by the AOA annually every year for hundreds of osteopathic medical professionals to meet with US senators and members of Congress to advocate for healthcare legislation.
“The information that impressed upon me the most is the international recognition of DOs that is underway by people partnering with the AOA,” added Swavely. “The single accreditation merger is also something very present in the minds of student-doctors, so it was very reassuring to hear there is a lot of progress being made in residencies not only recognizing COMLEX but also switching to the ACGME system.”
Commenting on Dr. Mayo’s demeanor and sincerity, Sonu Santhosh, second-year student-doctor and current LUCOM-SOMA President said, “Dr. Mayo seemed like the type of physician who is in love with his profession; that is evident by the fact that he still makes time to see patients despite having a packed schedule. Having passionate mentors like Dr. Mayo reminds me what I have to look forward to in the coming years.”
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is the voice of osteopathic medical students and the home for developing future leaders of the profession. With 15,000 members nationwide, SOMA is the student arm of the AOA.