28 minute read
98th Annual Convention
by AOMA
AOMA 98th Annual Convention Virtual Streaming!
Over 600 physicians participated in the
Advertisement
Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association 98th
Annual Convention - Livestreaming for five days on April 1-5, 2020. It was no “April Fools Day” when the COVID-19 pandemic required the reimagining of the Convention as a virtual event. The theme of this year’s Convention was Finding Health, with attendees tuning in from Hawaii to Massachusetts and everywhere in between for the 36 different lectures offering 37.75 hours of AOA Category 1-A CME Credits and AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM , sponsored by Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Thank you to all the speakers who presented the lectures under unusual circumstances. Topics included telemedicine, COVID-19, head injuries, OMM, cancer updates, liver function tests, CBD facts, vaping, addiction medicine, heart disease, psychiatric evaluations, seasonal allergies, and rare diseases.
If you were not able to attend the AOMA 98th Annual Convention, many of the lectures presented have been converted to on demand offerings available now on DOCME. Visit www.docme.org to view the complete catalog.
Many thanks to the members of the AOMA Professional Education Committee for planning the event: Lori Kemper, DO, Chair; George Chen, DO: Andrew Chung, DO; Susan Del Sordi-Staats, DO; Charles Finch, DO; Stuart Friedman, DO; James Keane, DO; Brendon Labban, DO; David Leff, DO; Michelle Mifflin, DO; Donald Morgan, DO; Jeffrey Morgan, DO; Laurel Mueller, DO; Sharon Obadia, DO; Lawrence Sands, DO; and Jennifer Vanyo-Novak, DO.
Even though everyone was sheltering in place while earning their CME and we all missed the camaraderie and social aspects of the Convention, we were able to have a little bit of fun during the event. Lively music interludes - Who’s Zoomin’ Who? by Aretha Frankling and ZOOM by The Commodores - and some humorous videos about toilet paper kept us entertained during the breaks. We even had a visitor from the the future! Check it out at www.az-osteo.org/TheDoctor.
The Emergency Medical Hologram, aka actor
Robert Picardo, paid Convention attendees a visit from the 24th Century aboard the Starship
Voyager.
We are grateful to our sponsors and advertisers who supported our first-ever virtual event. While we did not have an Exhibit Hall during the Convention, daily drawings were held for participants who correctly identified the featured advertiser of the day. Twenty five winners each received a $50 VISA gift card.
Mark your calendars for April 7-11, 2021 for the AOMA 99th Annual Convention at our new location at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort.
Thank you to our AOMA 98th Annual Convention Sponsors
PLATINUM Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) SILVER A.T. Still University Midwestern University SPONSOR Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
1
3
Sheltering in Place While Earning CME
4
2
5
6
7
1. Prentiss Adkins, DO, was up at 4 am each morning so he could login from his home in Hawaii. Aloha! 2. Brendan Curley, DO, kept an eye on his kids while watching poolside. 3. Joshua Levy, DO, got “exotic” during his lunch break. 4. Sharon Obadia, DO, gives a thumbs up to the lectures presented during the livestreaming Convention. 5. Calvin Polland, DO, tuned in from Colorado. 6. Steve Barclay, JD, arrived at the AOMA office well-prepared to give his Arizona
Legislative Update lecture. 7. Melanie Willis, DO, had the all the essentials for the Convention: Coffee, dark chocolate, and virtual CME. 8. Jennifer Vanyo-Novak, DO, and her entire family participated: husband Thomas
Novak and daughters Grace and Emma. 9. Greg Whitaker, DO, appreciated the opportunity to stay home and earn his CME. 8
9
1
2
3
4
7
8
9 5
6
1.
2. 3. 4.
5.
6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Randall Woods, DO, loved this year’s location, especially his great parking space! Carl Bynum, DO, had the best seat in the house for the Convention. Steve Boles, DO, suits up to prevent a “virtual virus”. Heatheranne Bal, DO, and her daughter got up early for Saturday morning yoga. Frank Salisbury, MD, and Barbara Tilben, DO, had company while learning about vaping. WFH/CFH: work from home/CME from home ala Lori Kemper, DO. Whose fuzzy slippers are those? Jennifer Tidroski, DO! Multi-tasking at its finest: virtual CME and exercise! Sherry Roles, DO, took advantage of on demand playback while camping in her backyard. Time for a quarantonic with lime courtesy of Bradley Downing, DO.
10
12th Annual AOMA Clinical Case Compeition and Poster Forum Promotes Scholarly Activity
Poster Forum A total of 48 posters in four categories were entered into the 2020 Forum. For the first time ever, all presentations were conducted virtually on Saturday, April 4, 2020. Posters were evaluated by a panel of judges. Cash awards of $250 were given to 1st Place winners in each of the three student categories, provided through a grant from the HonorHealth Foundation. All the poster submissions may be viewed at www.az-osteo.org/PosterEntries.
Student Case Poster 1st Place - Individuality in Care of Children with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – Lauren Krance, OMS III 2nd Place - One in a Million: A Case of Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma – Eric Dong, MPH, OMS III 3rd Place - Paralysis Due to an Unusual Case of a Spinal Epidural Abscess – Kayla Fletcher, OMS III
Student Research Poster 1st Place - Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy, Health-Related Quality of Life and Other Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Parents of Children with Hemoglobinopathies Receiving Chronic Blood Transfusions: A Cross-Sectional Study - Usman Beg, OMS II 2nd Place - Can a Smartphone Digital Endoscope Improve Anatomical Recognition of the Inner Ear Landmarks, Comfort and Confidence in First Year Medical Students? - Tanya Omar, OMS I & Rawan Sultan, OMS I 3rd Place - Impact of a Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Nutrition Group Visit on Patients Living in an Underserved Community – Tasha Harder, OMS IV & Meaghan Connolly, OMS III
Student Performance/Population Improvement Project Poster 1st Place - An Evaluation of the Nutrition and Health Awareness Program on Health Knowledge, Health Literacy and Activity Levels - Sara Brundage, OMS III 2nd Place - Improving Evaluating Responsiveness of Underserved Chicago Communities to Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations - Sokkha Hak, OMS III 3rd Place - Improving Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment by Primary Health Care Providers Through Introduction of a Quick Reference Guide - Harmandeep Grewal, OMS III
Resident Poster 1st Place - Sarcoidosis: A Less Common but Equally Important Cause of Chest Pain to Consider in the Emergency Department - Justina Truong, DO, PGY4 2nd Place - Imperforate Hymen: Keep the Differential Broad - Sasha Reid, DO, PGY2 3rd Place - Morel-Lavallee Lesion - Delayed Presentation of an Often Missed Traumatic Injury - Daniel Porter, DO, PGY3
Clinical Case Competition Students from Arizona osteopathic medical schools submitted case abstracts to the AOMA Case & Poster Committee in February 2020. The Committee reviewed all of the cases and selected the top three to be presented virtually during the Clinical Case Competition on Saturday, April 4, 2020 sponsored by Midwestern AZCOM and A. T. Still University SOMA. The first place presenter receive a cash award of $250, funded by a grant from the HonorHealth Foundation.
1st Place - Early-Onset Preeclampsia with Pulmonary Edema and Massive Ascites: A
Rare Presentation of Severe Preeclampsia or Concomitant Diagnoses? - Elizabeth St. Laurent, OMS IV
2nd Place - Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: The Hidden Dangers of Extreme
Weight Loss - Tracy Lin, OMS III
3rd Place - Inflammatory Myopathies: Dermatomyositis in a Previously Healthy Male -
Kathryn Middleton, OMS III
The call for abstracts for the 2021 Clinical Case Competition and Poster Forum will announced this fall. Abstract submissions will be due in February 2021. Visit the AOMA website at www.az-osteo.org/PosterForum for the abstract application, submission guidelines, deadlines, and to view previous winning cases and posters.
Sara Brundage, OMS III at ATSU-SOMA, earned 1st Place in the Performance/Population Improvement Project category with her poster on the Nutrition and Health Awareness Program.
AOMA Annual Awards Honoring the Osteopathic Profession
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Craig R. Cassidy, DO, FAOCO Presented to long-time members who have advanced the osteopathic medical profession in Arizona with unwavering commitment to quality patient care.
Craig R. Cassidy, DO, FAOCO, has been an AOMA member since coming to Arizona and joining Sanford Moretsky, DO, in practice in 1981. A Fellow of the American College of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, he is consistently nationally and locally recognized as a top ophthalmologist in Phoenix. He is the team ophthalmologist for the Arizona Rattlers and the Phoenix Mercury and previously served in that capacity for the Phoenix Suns.
Before attending Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences to pursue his degree in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Cassidy received his bachelor of science in pharmacy and worked as a registered pharmacist in Kansas. After graduating from medical school, he completed an internship at Zieger-Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan and was Chief Resident at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital and Kreske Eye Institute.
Dr. Cassidy and his wife Colleen have been married for 40 years and have five children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Cassidy has served on the AOMA Board of Trustees since 2003 representing the osteopathic specialists. His wisdom and experience provide much-appreciated insight for AOMA governance. He is very deserving of this recognition. PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD Steven C. Boles, DO, FASAM The highest honor for a member who provides his/ her community with compassionate, comprehensive, and caring medical services on a continuing basis; is directly and effectively involved in community affairs; and supports his/her community, state, professional associations, and humanitarian
program.
Steven C. Boles, DO, FASAM, a native Arizonan, has been a dedicated member of the Arizona osteopathic community since finishing his training at Phoenix General Hospital in 1983.
After completing rehab in Tucson in 1997 (at the urging of his wife, and the very strong suggestion of the licensing board), Dr. Boles trained under C.J. Shaw, MD, in Addiction Medicine at St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Hospital. He became board certified in Addiction Medicine in 1999, and was the 14th osteopathic physician to become a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine in the United States. A past president of the state chapter of the Arizona Society of Addiction Medicine, he has been listed in Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doc selection for Addiction Medicine on five different occasions, from 2012-2020. As an adjunct professor at AZCOM, Dr. Boles has been a Family Practice and Addiction Medicine preceptor & mentor for hundreds of osteopathic medical students. He truly embodies the ideal of modern osteopathic medicine.
Dr. Boles has been happily married to his wife, Natalie, for 26 years. They have three children: daughter Stephanie and sons Jonathan and Bradley. He is honored to be recognized with this award.
EMERGING LEADER AWARD Brandon H. Abbott, DO, MPH, FAAP Recognizes an outstanding osteopathic physician in practice less than five years whose accomplishments and actions have been instrumental in motivating and inspiring others.
Brandon H. Abbott, DO, MPH, FAAP, has done more in his short career than many who are years his senior. He is a board-certified internist and pediatrician practicing at North Country Healthcare in Flagstaff, Arizona, focusing on transitional care for children with chronic medical illnesses. A member of the first graduating class of A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Dr. Abbott earned a Master of Public Health at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine during medical school. He completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo before returning to Arizona.
Dr. Abbott is also a part time staff physician for Doctor on Demand, a telemedicine company. He has served on the AOMA Board of Trustees since his days as a student and has contributed to our Association through his leadership, expanded GME through his involvement with the new family medicine residency program at North Country Healthcare beginning in 2020, advocated in policy to testify for increased GME funding, and volunteered his time at many functions such as DO Day at the Legislature and presented lectures at AOMA CME events.
Dr. Abbott and his wife Tiffany live in Flagstaff with their daughters Matilda and Ona. RESIDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Marissa K. Jacobs, DO Recognizes an outstanding osteopathic resident from Arizona who goes above and beyond to bring a
sense of pride to the profession.
Marissa K. Jacobs, DO, is a graduate of Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and is Chief Resident in the St. Joseph Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Jacobs has served on the AOMA Board of Trustees as the Resident Trustee for the past two years, marking perfect attendance at all board meetings - no small feat for a resident!
Dr. Jacobs was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to Arizona at age 12. She attended Arizona State University and earned a bachelors degree in anthropology. While at ASU, Dr. Jacobs spent three months in Ethiopia during a study abroad program and this compelled her to pursue a career in medicine.
Dr. Jacobs was recently married to her husband Blake Cormie, a public defender with Yavapai County.
Post-residency, Dr. Jacobs will be joining HonorHealth in their NOAH Clinic, a federally qualified health care center in Glendale, Arizona.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD Peter S. Wertheim, MS, DHL Honors a member who has contributed significantly to the AOMA via the Board of Trustees, House of Delegates, and/or Committees.
Peter S. Wertheim, MS, DHL, served as Executive Director of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association from June 2014 to January 2020. Pete’s career in health care public policy spanned the legislative and government sector, private industry, and not-for profit. For 20 years he was dedicated to developing and implementing good public policy. Early in his career he served as a legislative research analyst and policy advisor to the Arizona House of Representatives. His work as the Chief Legislative Liaison at Arizona Department of Health Services led to the critical funding for a new forensic unit at the Arizona State Hospital. He served in the private sector as a health care lobbyist and was Vice President for Strategic Communications for the Arizona Hospital and Health care Association.
In 2013, Pete became the Communications and Public Affairs Manager for the City of Prescott, just six days before the tragic Granite Mountain Hotshots fire that claimed the lives of 19 firefighters. His authentic and compassionate mitigation of media relations during this painful time helped the community navigate this horrific ordeal.
Pete received numerous awards for his contributions, including the Senator Nichols Award from the Arizona Public Health Association, the Health Policy Hero Award from the American College of Physicians, the IASIS Health care Chairman’s Award, and the Maurice Miller Advocate of the Year Award from the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers. The Phoenix Business Journal recognized Pete with a 2019 Most Admired Leader Award.
Sadly, Pete lost his battle with glioblastoma multiforme in May 2020. We miss you, Pete.
EXCELLENCE IN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION AWARD Marc A. Kaplan, DO Honors a physician or non-physician who has contributed significantly to the advancement of
osteopathic medical education in Arizona.
Marc A. Kaplan, DO, is a family practice physician in Sierra Vista, Arizona, establishing Kaplan Family Care Center in 1986.
A native Arizonan, Dr. Kaplan grew up in Phoenix. After completing an associate degree at Phoenix College, he earned his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University and received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Kaplan fell in love with southern Arizona, specifically Sierra Vista, after serving in the U.S. Army as a General Medical Officer and Flight Surgeon at Ft. Huachuca. He is an icon in the community of Sierra Vista, serving the area for nearly 40 years. His enthusiasm for teaching osteopathic students and residents is unparalleled. In addition to maintaining his private practice, he is the Family Medicine Residency Program Director for Canyon Vista Medical Center ensuring future primary care physician residents obtain top-quality education.
Dr. Kaplan has been an AOMA member since 1983 and is a staunch supporter of the Association, its members, and the medical profession. He served as the physician member of the Arizona Board of Optometry from 1995-1999 and is a Member Emerius of the Board of Trustees of the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center. In 2009, Dr. Kaplan was recognized by the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants with the PA and Physician Team of the Year Award.
Dr. Kaplan and his wife Sandy have been married for 22 years. They have three children and five grandchildren.
OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD Denise R. Sackett, DO Honors a physician who has volunteered time to students or physicians as a mentor and is known as “one who makes a difference” in that person’s life.
Denise R. Sackett, DO, is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Science Medicine at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). A graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Sackett is board certified in family medicine. She and her husband S.K. Sackett, DO, own Sundance Medical Associates, LLC in Gilbert, Arizona. Patients, students, and family are her passions. Dr. Sackett has been a preceptor for students for her entire medical career. Three years ago, she realized that teaching was a real passion and decided to join the academic community at ATSUSOMA. She has quickly become a favorite faculty member for the students as her passion for teaching is demonstrated daily in her preparation for teaching activities in medical skills, small groups, and lecture format. Her liveliness and enthusiasm is contagious and students enjoy being taught by her and learning along the way. Dr. Sackett is also a dedicated advisor to her students. She keeps an open door and keeps in touch with her students. She has SOMA students shadow her at her private clinic, advises the Student Chapter of the ACOFP, and volunteers to discuss work/life balance and owning a private practice.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Steve Barclay, JD Honors a physician or non-physician who has significantly contributed to improving the community and promoting osteopathic medicine; donated his/her time and/or efforts to improve mankind; and/or has volunteered his/her time and provided significant contributions and services to
the community and/or the Association.
Steve Barclay, JD, has been the AOMA contract lobbyist since 2017. Mr. Barclay received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in South Bend, Indiana. In law school he was a member of the Notre Dame Lawyer Law Review, serving as Assistant Editor and attended Notre Dame’s London Law Programme, spending his second year of law school in London, England. Mr. Barclay has been repeatedly selected in the government relations practice area in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in America and has been recognized as one of the Arizona’s Top AVRated Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell and ALM. His firm has also received Best Law Firms recognition for the past five years in US News & World Report.
With the resignation, and subsequent passing, of AOMA Executive Director Pete Wertheim, Mr. Barclay has been an invaluable asset to AOMA’s legislative policy process. He also served as a member of the Succession Planning Task Force during the search for a new executive director. Sadly, in 2014 and 2015 Mr. Barclay shepherded the Arizona Medical Association through an almost identical situation when its VP of Government Relations, David Landrith, died of brain cancer.
Steve is a rock and a rock star.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Joseph V. Klag, DO, FACC, FSCAI Honors a physician or non-physician who has significantly contributed to improving the community and promoting osteopathic medicine; donated his/her time and/or efforts to improve mankind; and/or has volunteered his/her time and provided significant contributions and services to the community and/or the Association.
Joseph V. Klag, DO, FACC, FSCAI, is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the State University of New York. Dr. Klag has served as the principal investigator in many clinical trials. Before retiring in 2015, he practiced in Phoenix and has been recognized by patients and peers as one of the best physicians in Maricopa County. Dr. Klag has spent greater than 20 years training osteopathic medical students, interns, and residents at multiple institutions. During his career, he was consistently one of the best trainers and dedicated countless hours to teaching.
Dr. Klag and his wife Marsha are active in the community, donating their time, treasure, and talents to worthy endeavors including Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), an organization caring for more than 6,000 vulnerable children in nine Latin American countries. He has been on the regional board for NPH for many years and served as board chairman in 2015. For the past six years, Dr. Klag has hosted an annual golf tournament to raise funds for NPH.
Another project close to their hearts is “Get on the Bus”, a program of The Center for Restorative Justice Works that brings children to visit their incarcerated mothers on Mothers’ Day.
Dr. and Mrs. Klag enjoy dividing their time between the Valley and the White Mountains.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Kelli M. K. Glaser, DO, FACOFP Honors a physician or non-physician who has significantly contributed to improving the community and promoting osteopathic medicine; donated his/her time and/or efforts to improve mankind; and/or has volunteered his/her time and provided significant contributions and services to
the community and/or the Association.
Kelli M. K. Glaser, DO, FACOFP, is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine. A graduate of Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, she has worked as an osteopathic medical educator since 2008.
Dr. Glaser is truly committed to a lifetime of service in the osteopathic profession. Before coming to Arizona five years ago she served on the board of directors for the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine and Denver Regional Osteopathic Medical Society, ascending to the roles of Vice President and President respectively.
At the national level, she recently completed ten years of service on the board of DOCARE international where she held multiple executive committee roles including the Presidency. She also serves the osteopathic community by volunteering on bureaus and committees for the American Osteopathic Association, America College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and as a Delegate for the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association. She has volunteered for the International Primary Care Education Alliance, where osteopathic family physicians are retraining specialist physicians in China to transition into the field of primary care. Dr. Glaser also regularly volunteers at Circle the City in Phoenix providing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for those experiencing homelessness.
STUDENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Honors a student currently enrolled in an osteopathic medical school who has provided significant contributions and service to the school, community, and AOMA.
AZCOM – Jay F. Olson, MS, Class of 2021
Student Doctor Jay Olson, MS, is a third year medical student at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jay grew up in small town Minnesota, attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and moved to Arizona in 2015 for his Masters in Biomedical Science before matriculating to AZCOM in 2017. Jay has been very active in the AOMA as a volunteer and leader, serving on the House of Delegates, Board of Trustees, and Student Legislative Affairs Committee. He also is involved with the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, representing AZCOM on a national level.
Following graduation in 2021, he looks to begin a psychiatry residency, ideally in Arizona.
Outside of health care, Jay enjoys volunteering with RipplePHX - an HIV/AIDS awareness group in Phoenix, cooking, and spending time with his chihuahua, Romy.
SOMA – Darien Jourdaine Kinne, Class of 2020
Darien Jourdaine Kinne is a fourth year osteopathic medical student at ATSU-SOMA. A staunch advocate for OMM and osteopathy, she was an osteopathic fellow at ATSU-SOMA treating patients in the campus OMM Clinic, adding a fifth year to her medical education.
Darien began her involvement with AOMA in her first year as a student moderator at the Fall Seminar and soon became active with the Osteopathic Charities, DO Day at the Legislature, and most recently as a member of the Student Legislative Affairs Committee and Board of Trustees. As a Charities board member, she serves as a liaison between the Board and SOMA students.
After graduation, Darien will begin a family practice residency in Minnesota.
Under “normal” circumstances, all of the award honorees would have been recognized during the AOMA Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon held in conjunction with the AOMA Annual Convention. With the need to postpone live events until we can safely gather again as an osteopathic family, please join us in celebrating the careers, accomplishments, and potential of these outstanding individuals.
AOMA PROUD!
Students from A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA) and Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) are invited to submit an essay answering the question “How do you plan to contribute to the future of osteopathic medicine in Arizona and the United States?” Two students – one from each college – are chosen to receive a $500 scholarship. Winners are chosen based on the 500-word essay, financial need, and good academic standing. Here are this year’s winning essays.
As I walked into the H.O.M.E clinic for the first time, a musty odor from moisture and old furniture triggered a flashback to the time I arrived in Canada as a refugee. It was a familiar odor I remembered from “Welcome house” in Vancouver; A place where newcomers were provided with settlement services, somewhat similar to the housing facilities near the H.O.M.E clinic.
While we were waiting to be assigned to groups to see patients, I recalled memories of a more challenging time in my life. About a decade ago, I too, was in a building similar to this; anxious about a new place to
Mona Sabetrasekh OMS II - AZCOM live with a new language to learn and a different culture to adapt to. Fast forwarding a decade, it was time to see my first real patient. I was filled with excitement and curiosity. We saw several patients, two of which I was able to help by providing simple OMT techniques.
Throughout the night, we heard many stories about the struggles those families were facing: loss of a job, an unexpected split form a partner and financial burden of medical conditions they were recently diagnosed with. It was heart-breaking to not be able to provide every patient with what they needed due to limited medical supplies. However, I’ve come to realize that my knowledge of OMM was part of me; it was only limited by my mastery of each technique.
We were able to relieve the back pain of a pregnant patient with 8 children using “lumbar decompression”, while she was being educated on proper use of contraceptives and various social resources available to her. At that instance, holistic care through achieving a harmony between “body, mind and spirit” was crystal clear more than ever. I could fully comprehend what it meant by a concept taught in our OMM curriculum that being an osteopathic physician means that you have more tools to offer to your patients.
Reflecting back to my experience that night, I was feeling excited for what my future as an osteopathic physician will have for me. I realize that a desire to practice as a primary care osteopathic physician not only enables me to empathize with those struggling through tough times through a close doctor-patient relationship, but also, I have many opportunities to grow personally and professionally by incorporating osteopathic pillars in my daily practice.
Living in Arizona reminds me of my hometown, the beautiful weather and desert surrounding the cities. It feels like a second-home for me where I am given a once-in-alifetime opportunity to learn medicine and to practice it in order to maximize the health of my future patients.
Osteopathic philosophy enables me to connect to the communities around me at an individual level; My aim is to expand on this “tool-box” and to excel at these techniques in addition to my training. So that if I’m walking to another H.O.M.E clinic, I trust that I could offer OMT to an eligible patient no matter how limited the medical supplies will be.
I am a ninja warrior. Equipped with my feet, I battled through the tightness of my mom’s back until I felt the pop beneath my toes. This was my daily ritual to help my mom with her back pain by walking on her back. At that time, I had my heart set on becoming a ninja warrior. Growing up, I realized that my desire to become a ninja warrior would translate into a career in osteopathic medicine. In college, I got second and third degree burns due to an oil fire that had seared through my legs. During the recovery process, I became increasingly interested in how my body repaired itself. Amazed by my Alisa Seng OMS II - SOMA body’s ability, I decided to invest more time into physical activity and tried powerlifting to increase my muscle strength. I read everything on lifting: how to apply correct form, ways to prevent common injuries, and how to improve one’s nutrition. My curiosity to learn more about the capabilities of the human body grew and I reveled in the science behind self-recovery. Through dedication and research, I achieved my goal to lift 225 pounds!
I started training many of my female peers to help them reach their fitness peak. In the middle of one of our workouts, my friend, June, fainted and I found out that June suffered from bulimia. I felt awful as I realized that I had neglected to provide June with a more holistic approach to achieving her fitness goals. Therefore, I became passionate about helping other women stay active in all-encompassing ways that stressed more body positivity. I loved watching them make significant progress in their strength both physically and spiritually.
As an EMT, I met Jessica, a fifteen-year-old girl who was going through her third ectopic pregnancy. Jessica confessed to me that she had fears about birth control and felt she couldn’t afford it. I encouraged Jessica to share this information with her physician, stating that as a health care provider he would help educate Jessica about different forms of contraception and find something that could work for her. I felt accomplished with being Jessica’s confidant and getting her the help she needed. All she needed was a better understanding of what was available to her. I appreciate that osteopathic medicine is a more inclusive approach to solving health care challenges that allows patients to get the care they need in different forms and become educated about their own health.
I may not have become a ninja warrior, but I found a new passion in osteopathic medicine and improving women’s health. Due to my experiences, I now understand that the human mind, body, and spirit flow together, changing one produces a ripple effect in the rest. I see the endless possibilities in using my own hands as tools to treat and diagnose issues. I hope to become a mentor for other women who would like to pursue medicine and to help encourage my patients to feel empowered to be a woman.
Congratulates this year’s Student Scholarship Winners! www.azdocharities.org
