February Student of the Month: Ahad Khatari, OMS-III
Student Doctor Khatari was nominated for his exemplary commitment to patient care and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Ahad consistently goes above and beyond in his role as a student physician and demonstrates an unwavering dedication to his patients that sets him apart from his peers. His most commendable qualities is his willingness to put in extra hours to ensure he has a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s needs. He does not view his role as a mere obligation, but instead he approaches it with a genuine passion for making a positive difference in patients lives.
Charlene LePane, DO, MBA, FACOI: Igniting Positive Change through Innovation
At ACOI 2024, a lecture on AI and Medicine drew a great deal of attention – unsurprisingly, given the rapid nature with which AI has grown and found its way into different fields, including health care. That talk was given by Charlene LePane, DO, MBA, MSPH, FACOI, FACG, an internist, gastroenterologist, and ACOI Board Member who serves as Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) at AdventHealth-Central Florida Division.
January Student of the Month: Justin Brown-Gnarra, OMS II
Student Doctor Brown-Gnarra was nominated for his standout leadership skills in multiple capacities. Ranked 7th in his class, his commitment to academic excellence is evident. His long-term goal of practicing Medical Oncology in an academic setting reflects his dedication to advancing both clinical practice and medical education.
December Student of the Month: Aila Cordero, OMS-II
Student Doctor Cordero was nominated for her leadership skills and community involvement. Aila is President of the Hispanic Osteopathic Medical Student Association (HOMSA) and uses her role in HOMSA to spread awareness of osteopathic medicine throughout the South Florida community, especially amongst the Cuban community.
Through Insightful Research and Care, Seeing and Serving Differently
Research and scholarship are essential to a medical student’s journey, but it’s often much more than a step taken out of sheer necessity. That was the case when it came to Alexandria (Allie) Ahlm, the ACOI 2024 student poster contest winner.
November Student of the Month: Shelby Cornelius, OMS-IV
Shelby is an extraordinarily talented individual with a high intellect and a genuine curiosity that fuels her drive to learn. During her third-year internal medicine inpatient rotation, Shelby was operating at the level of a fourth-year medical student. She gave polished and thorough presentations that included synthesis of complex patients and prioritized differential diagnoses.
October Student of the Month: Alyssa Zakala, OMS-IV
Student Doctor Zakala was nominated for her overall dedication to academics, clinical responsibilities, and contributions to the community. She is described as an incredibly hard worker and a brillant medical student. One of her nominators said that she will "continue to make significant contributions to the field of osteopathic medicine and to the lives of her patients." Alyssa inspires others to be the best version of themselves, understands the importance of collaboration in medicine, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates.
ACOI Recognizes Paul W. Davis, DO, with Inaugural Malcoun Memorial Award
The American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI), a national professional organization representing osteopathic Internal Medicine physicians and subspecialists, recognized Paul W. Davis, DO, as the 2024 recipient of the Anthony J. Malcoun Memorial Award.
