Monday, November 10, 2014

LUCOM hosts SOMA Regional Trustee

Mon, 10 Nov 2014Troy Burnett :: Marketing & PR (LUCOM)

On Friday, November 07, 2014, Liberty University College
of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) was privileged to host
guest speaker Cassandre N. Marseille, Region I Trustee
for the Student of Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA).
Student Doctor Marseille spoke to LUCOM students
specifically about the opportunities and benefits of joining
the nationally known organization.

“SOMA exists because of osteopathic ideals. All chapters
aim for unity within the profession and to educate future
osteo-pathic physicians. Our goal is to maintain and to
be the voice of this incredible profession,” said Marseille.
SOMA is a student-affiliated organization of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

In addition to the many resources SOMA has to offer,
Marseille also spoke about a specific progressive step that SOMA has been able to accomplish for the osteopathic profession – D.O. Day on the Hill.

The annually sponsored event, D.O. Day on the Hill, is geared towards educating members of Congress and their staff about osteopathic medicine. “This is a great opportunity to speak to our nation’s leaders about health policy… right where it starts on Capitol Hill,” commented Marseille. “Healthcare issues of every caliber are discussed including the Teaching Health Center Re-authorization Act; an act reforming Medicare physician payment and ensuring the future work force of physicians.”

When Student Doctor Marseille first began medical school she was immediately drawn to SOMA. “I’m originally from Haiti. When the 2010 earthquake hit, I knew that I wanted to go back and help as a physician. It was SOMA’s outlook on medical outreach that caught my attention,” Marseille mentioned. “Ultimately, I presented to my chapter of SOMA about my desire for medical missions and was assured that they would support me in my efforts. That’s what encouraged me to join.”

Student Doctor Marseille is a third-year student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine located in New York City, NY.  Before attending medical school, she was a financial professional, working as a mid-level manager at a healthcare revenue management company for 5 years. Marseille stated, “I’m thankful for my professional experience. They have been useful in being able to advocate for the students that SOMA represents.”

“We were privileged to host Student Doctor Marseille as one of the first student leaders of a national organization to present to the inaugural class. Her commitment to service and improving the quality of life for others through expansion and improvement in healthcare is encouraging and admirable,” added Ronnie B. Martin, D.O., Dean of LUCOM.