Thursday, December 14, 2017

LUCOM selects Student DO of the Year for national COSGP nomination

Thu, 14 Dec 2017Asa Keimig | LUCOM Marketing

Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) student-doctor Drew Charles, Class of 2019, was selected as the LUCOM Student DO of the Year earlier this month. The selection is in recognition of his leadership, commitment to service, scholarly activity, and most importantly dedication to the osteopathic profession.

Charles pursued a career in medicine because of the lifelong opportunity to learn, but more importantly teach. “The word doctor is derived from the Latin word docere, which means to teach,” said Charles. “I want to educate my patients about their disease processes, so they are able to make informed decisions about their health and I want them to feel empowered and in control of their overall well-being.”

During his journey through medical school, he has found his motivation and drive in always wanting to know the “why” aspect of medicine. “My goal as an osteopathic physician is to have an enhanced understanding of disease processes and be able to treat every aspect of my patients to the best of my ability,” said Charles. “I hope to effectively communicate and collaborate with my patients and my colleagues to establish an approach to medicine that is far beyond the standard care of medicine.”

LUCOM hosted their own individual selection process in choosing a student-doctor who has made noteworthy contributions to the osteopathic profession. The LUCOM committee consisted of the Student Government Association (SGA) President, a representative from each class, a student randomly selected by the SGA, two professors, and the Dean. The LUCOM’s nomination will now be sent to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) National Selection Committee who will select a National Student DO of the Year in April.

“This award serves as a reminder that even as a medical student, I have already begun to make an impact,” said Charles. “When I began this journey, I would have never imagined being selected for an honor of this magnitude and I hope that through this award I am able to be an ambassador for LUCOM.”

The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) is the national leadership council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and represents osteopathic student-doctors with the end goal of fostering professional development and leadership among osteopathic student-doctors.