By: Brianna Robinson
Deanna Ingrassia-Miano, a fourth-year medical student and president of the class of 2021, has been named Student DO of the Year, or SDOY in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“I don’t think I can accurately articulate the emotion I’ve had after winning the college SDOY Award,” Ingrassia-Miano said. “I’m completely humbled to be considered at the national level now and I thank my colleagues, mentors, family and friends for this achievement. I hope to make them and all of the college community proud.”
The local SDOY selection committee is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, or AACOM, and consists of current students and faculty who look for an individual who displays leadership, commitment to community service, dedication to the profession, professionalism and embodies the osteopathic philosophy.
Similar criteria is used to determine the national SDOY winner. Last year, Ellie Small, another MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine student, won both the local and national award.
“Overall, we selected OMS Ingrassia-Miano because she represents above-and-beyond leadership, commitment to community service, dedication to the profession, professionalism and embodiment of the osteopathic philosophy,” said Polo Kostecki, second-year student and SDOY award coordinator in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Her application will now be reviewed by the national council for the opportunity to win the national SDOY Award.”
Among her many accomplishments, Ingrassia-Miano has served for three years as the president of the Class of 2021 and is set to graduate this coming May. She is currently pursuing her medical career in ophthalmology.
Outside of academia, Ingrassia-Miano enjoys photography and an active lifestyle exploring Michigan nature trails with her husband and dog, Chaz. Prior to the pandemic, she would try new restaurants and travel to her home state, New York or new cities on the weekend.
Before attending medical school, Ingrassia-Miano attended The State University of New York College at Geneseo, or SUNY Geneseo for her undergraduate degree where she played on the women’s varsity lacrosse team. For graduate school, she attended St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
When the pandemic first began in March of 2020, Ingrassia-Miano volunteered at a COVID-19 testing center in Detroit. Witnessing her mentors and educators face uncertainty and the unknown was unlike anything she had ever seen.
“This experience gave me a new dimension of understanding in my medical training,” Ingrassia-Miano said. “I felt as though these turbulent times somewhat amplified the physician-patient bond’s strength and I hope to foster such rapport with my future patients so we can tackle their healthcare hurdles as a team.”
Ingrassia-Miano’s nomination will go on to compete among other student DO winners across the United States and a national winner will be announced at the AACOM annual meeting later this year. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 award in addition to the honor.
“The only way any of this is possible is because of my husband’s selfless support and relentless belief in me,” Ingrassia-Miano said. “He has sacrificed immensely as we moved from New York to Michigan so I could fulfill my dreams. Regardless of outcome, I define this as ‘our’ achievement and so we’d love to celebrate with our families once it’s safe to do so.”