Congratulations to our MSUCOM SOMA chapter for winning the Golden Femur – 2020-2021 Chapter of the Year award from National Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)!
“Despite the adversities presented by COVID-19, the 2020 executive board displayed an amazing work ethic, innovation and dedication to advocacy for our profession,” says Courtney Merlo (OMS-II), SOMA 2020-2021 president.
Highlights of the accomplishments that led to the prestigious award include:
- The creation of the first-ever Pre-SOMA mentorship program.
- The drafting and passage of three resolutions in the National SOMA House of Delegates.
- The raising of a record-breaking fundraising amount through the Virtual DO Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk, benefitting Families Against Narcotics and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
- The organization of a virtual healthy food drive via Give Healthy.
- A virtual lecture on health disparities and public health with Dr. Mieka Smart, a Doctor of Public Health and MSU College of Human Medicine professor.
- The promotion of social media campaigns around Suicide Prevention Week; encouraging the MSU campus to “Mask Up;” celebrating SOMA members on Doctors’ Day and various Match Days; and welcoming first-year students.
- Highlighting students via Student of the Month posts and student social media.
- …and more!
“I could not be prouder of this MSUCOM chapter and it was an honor to serve as president with this incredible group of people. I cannot wait to see what the 2021 executive board accomplishes!” Merlo writes.
“I am confident that our resourceful group will provide a balance of virtual and in-person opportunities to enrich students’ lives. We’re looking forward to an active year that lives up to our Chapter of the Year title,” says 2021-2022 SOMA president Brianna Cervantes.
In addition to these impressive accomplishments, three students received a Coping with COVID-19 Scholarship at the National SOMA Spring Convention. Learn more about their creative outlets here.
Congratulations to the SOMA leadership and all SOMA members for their engagement throughout the year.