ACOI Recognizes Two Recipients of Inaugural David Susser Award
by ACOI
October 8, 2024
The American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI), a national professional organization representing osteopathic Internal Medicine physicians and subspecialists, recognized the recipients of its inaugural David Susser Award. Lucia Schroeder, DO, MPH, and Mohamad Omar Diab, MBBS, will be recognized at ACOI 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Newly established in 2024, this award honors the legacy of David Susser, DO, MACOI, a cardiologist and former head of Internal Medicine at Botsford Hospital (Michigan) who also served as a past president of ACOI. Among the first osteopathic internal medicine physicians to pursue sub-specialization, Dr. Susser was considered a pioneer in osteopathic Internal Medicine, as well as a paragon of ethical care, compassion, and commitment to quality in his professional and personal lives.
The Susser Memorial Award honors professionals who live out the traits Dr. Susser demonstrated throughout his life, especially:
- Commitment to excellence and integrity;
- Sense of compassion and care for others;
- Resilience in overcoming adversity;
- Academic performance and commitment to quality; and
- Generosity of spirit and commitment to community and self-improvement.
Lucia Schroeder, DO, MPH, is an Internal Medicine resident at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California. She received her medical degree from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and, prior to that, earned a Master of Public Health from the UC-Davis School of Medicine. Schroeder demonstrates a passion for and commitment to women’s cardiovascular health, global health, health equity, and women’s representation in osteopathic medicine. She has pursued these goals through volunteer work at a medical clinic for underserved and underinsured patients; involvement in the National Donor Marrow Program; and, as a former member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Medical Student Leadership Group, organizing educational webinars to promote cardiology among the female medical student body.
Mohamad Omar Diab, MBBS, is an Internal Medicine resident at Midwestern University, and serves patients in Sierra Vista, Arizona. He received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. Alongside his clinical work, Diab has made numerous contributions to research studies, including to a significant study on screening guidelines in the outpatient setting. Among the recognitions Diab has received for his research and his contributions to the community are first place at the ICHAMS Dublin Conference and RCSI’s Research Review Competition. He regularly demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and community service through local community health initiatives in Cochise County, Arizona, and leadership roles with the RCSI Running Club and RCSI Green Initiative Society.
Donate in memory of Dr. Susser to support the next generation of osteopathic internists.
About ACOI
Since 1941, the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) has represented current and aspiring osteopathic Internal Medicine physicians and subspecialists. The ACOI provides leadership, networking, and education to help members be successful and stay true to why they pursued medicine. For more information, visit www.acoi.org.