UAAO Student Outreach Efforts are Nationally Recognized

By Amanda Maas

March 25, 2007

      For the second year in a row, MSUCOM Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO) received the Outreach Chapter of the Year award. It is one of three national awards for student organizations that are extended at the annual American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation. This year, the event took place in Colorado Springs from March 21 – 25 and was attended by 15 MSUCOM UAAO members in addition to more than 500 students from all over the country as well as many physicians that to belong to AAO.

       “While we did strive to win the award again, it was very unexpected. There are many other chapters that are doing great things, so it was exciting to be honored for a second time for having the most community outreach programs,” Kim Pfotenhauer, MSUCOM UAAO president said.

       “The major reason for receiving the award can be attributed to the growth of the stress fracture study that members of our organization participate in,” Mark Petrochelli, UAAO secretary said.

       The stress fracture study involves MSUCOM student volunteers and MSU student athletes. The medical students perform screening exams on the athletes and treat any dysfunction that is found. The theory behind the study is that keeping the athletes biomechanically aligned will reduce the occurrence of stress fractures.

       “Dr. Lynn Brumm and Dr. Steven Dupuis, the primary investigators of the study, have been instrumental in the success of the program and it has been unbelievable to learn from such experienced physicians who are willing to volunteer their time. The athletes have also been extremely patient and we have developed great relationships with them,” Petrochelli said.

       “Over the past three years, the study has become much more formal. We now meet twice each week with the athletes, rather than just once, and the number of medical student volunteers has doubled from 20 to 40,” Chris Luring, UAAO vice president, said.

       Another important improvement in the study is the development of training materials and standard protocol. “With the help of Dr. Brumm and Dr. Dupuis, two students, Jenifer Balawender and John Schwartz were able to put together a training DVD as well as an outline of the protocol and systems used in the study,” Pfotenhauer said. 

       In addition to the stress fracture study, UAAO gives OMM treatments each year after SOMA’s Monster Dash 5K run/walk fundraiser, coordinates OMM tutoring for first and second year students, supports the student OMM clinic which offers free OMM services to the community, conducts OMM demonstrations at the annual MSUCOM open house, and coordinates OMM 590, an elective course that meets once each week.

       “Dr. Mark Gugel, our faculty advisor has also been an important part of winning this award. He has helped us to get things going and is a great resource for advice,” Pfotenhauer said.

       “We all enjoy participating in and organizing outreach projects, but it is also nice to be recognized for our work,” Petrochelli said.