Organizations Help Students Develop as DOs

June 19, 2000

The science of medicine, the art of caring, the power of touch are all elements of osteopathic medicine. At Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, students are learning how to become DOs and members of the osteopathic community with the help of many student organizations.

Students allow this would-be doctor the chance to use a stethescope.

One such organization is the student association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP). This professional organization's particular interest is based on family medicine and is one of the largest osteopathic groups in the college. Monthly lectures are held on issues such as nutrition, domestic violence, and medical legislation at ACOFP. The group also sponsors several events that help students with their clinical rotations. Members get the chance to meet with member physicians and learn new procedures by attending MAOFP conferences. Joining the ACOFP can bring many benefits and broaden the horizon for future career choices.Another group is the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), whose mission is to empower women in their medical careers. AMWA has goals of helping women advance and improve their health. Currently, the national organization consists of 13,000 women physicians and students. By being dedicated to all aspects of women's health, this organization is a great asset for women who are not yet sure of their careers. Another society that assists women is the national osteopathic women's physicians association (NOWPA). The AMWA as well as the NOWPA sponsor planned events for students to attend and can be found here. <../student-life/toc2.html>There is also a fraternity specially targeted toward MSUCOM students. Sigma Sigma Phi is the national honorary fraternity society whose goal is to bring people involved in osteopathic medicine together. The fraternity's academic requirements are a 3.0 grade point average and one semester of college work. The group is very involved in the community by working with high schools and retirement homes. The chapter is open to men and women with an interest in attending activities sponsored by Sigma Sigma Phi. The fraternity is a terrific opportunity for anyone interested in using their talents to help their local community.

Many students would also be interested in the national society of osteopathic medical students known as the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA). Unlike some of the other student medical organizations, SOMA is exclusively for osteopathic students. The group offers benefits such as credit cards, scholarships, and discounts on medical equipment and books. For more information, visit the SOMA homepage at MSU. <http://www.msu.edu/user/soma/>

The typical day of a medical student is presented in the college's open house to prospective students.

These organizations all help students understand the meaning of being an osteopathic physician. Learning the science of medicine, the art of caring, and the power of touch takes place far beyond the classroom.By: Valorie Etheridge

Editor's note: Valerie Etheridge writes for the MSUCOM news bureau on a volunteer basis under a program established by MSUCOM's Martin Furey, MSU Service Learning Center's Richard Hatfield, and American Thought and Language's Professor John Dowell.