Candidates for Region III Representative

Laura Carlson, OMS II, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine              

I’m excited to run for Region 3 Representative because I’m passionate about internal medicine and committed to serving as a strong advocate for students in our region. As a OMS-II student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), I’ve had the opportunity to serve as the First Year Representative and now President of our Internal Medicine Club. Through these roles I’ve worked to create meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth. I believe these experiences have prepared me to effectively serve as a liaison between the national SOIMA and local chapters, ensuring that student voices are heard and represented. I’m eager to collaborate with the President, Vice-President, and Secretary to provide strategic leadership to SOIMA and help strengthen the connection and communication between chapters across Region 3.

Terrance Duncan, OMS II, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Macomb              

Dear Members of SOIMA,

My name is Terrance Duncan, a second-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of SOIMA Region III Representative. As a future osteopathic internist with a long-term career goal of subspecializing in cardiac electrophysiology, I am deeply invested in the mission of SOIMA: to cultivate leadership, foster student engagement, and strengthen the presence of osteopathic internal medicine across the nation.

My passion for internal medicine is rooted in its intellectual depth and the unique opportunity it offers to serve patients holistically across the lifespan. Electrophysiology, in particular, represents the convergence of innovation, patient continuity, and meticulous problem-solving. It is a field that is evolving rapidly and demands both precision and compassion. As someone pursuing a DO degree with aspirations in this high-acuity field, I understand the importance of mentorship, early exposure, and national-level student support, pillars that SOIMA is uniquely positioned to provide.

Through my leadership roles as Director of Research for my chapter of the SOMA and Secretary for Macomb County Street Medicine, I’ve had the honor of developing collaborative initiatives at both the national and community levels. I’ve helped establish a centralized research infrastructure, mentored students in scholarly development, and worked to integrate EMR systems into street medicine outreach, all while upholding the osteopathic commitment to whole-person care. I’m also an active Teaching Assistant in anatomy and histology, and a dedicated contributor to global health education through MSUCOM’s DO-GHS certificate program. These experiences have solidified my belief that service and scholarship are not mutually exclusive, they are essential complements.

SOIMA’s mission to advance osteopathic internal medicine by empowering students aligns perfectly with my values and trajectory. I believe that my strong foundation in leadership, research, and service makes me uniquely positioned to elevate Region III. If elected, I plan to assist the rest of the national leadership positions in:

(1) Creating meaningful communication channels between Region III chapters to share opportunities, mentorship contacts, and event ideas;
(2) Supporting and showcasing student-led research, particularly projects focused on internal medicine subspecialties and underserved populations;
(3) Promoting SOIMA’s national initiatives at the local level by helping internal medicine clubs align with ACOI’s educational and professional resources;
(4) Encouraging early specialty exploration in by connecting students with mentors and pathways of their respective internal medicine specializations;
(5) Uplift osteopathic principles as foundational, not supplementary, to modern internal medicine practice.

Region III is diverse in geography and student needs, but united in its drive to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. My goal is to ensure that each school and student in our region feels supported, seen, and equipped to pursue their goals within internal medicine, whether that’s generalist care, hospitalist work, or subspecialties like my future aspirations.

Thank you for considering me to represent you on the national level. It would be an honor to serve Region III, advocate for your goals, and help SOIMA continue to grow as the voice for osteopathic internal medicine students nationwide.

With gratitude and determination,
Terrance Duncan, OMS-II
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Olivia Gabram, OMS III, Ohio University-Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine - Cleveland

Hello! My name is Olivia Gabram and I am a current OMS-II at OUHCOM - Cleveland. After founding the SOIMA chapter at our campus this year, I have realized a passion and a skill for providing students with enriching experiences to deepen their interest and understanding of a career in internal medicine. From hosting preceptor panels for rising 3rd year students to exposing 1st year students to research opportunities, our goal was to not only foster a growing interest in Internal Medicine, but to also demystify the hidden curriculum of gaining access to this noble profession. I'd like to expand this goal beyond Cleveland and provide that same service for Region III students and ACOI students as a whole. Please consider choosing me to represent you in the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, thank you!

Savannah Kane, OMS III, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine              

As a medical student with a strong passion for both internal medicine and pediatrics, I am excited to submit my candidacy for a leadership position within the American College of Osteopathic Internists. I am currently exploring a career in Med-Peds because I am drawn to the continuity of care, the complexity of internal medicine, and the joy of supporting patients across all stages of life. My experiences have deepened my appreciation for the art of listening, problem-solving, and advocating for patients—skills I believe are central to effective leadership.

I have had the privilege of serving on the board of my school’s chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP), where I helped create opportunities for student engagement, professional development, and community outreach. That role has shown me the value of collaboration and has motivated me to bring that same energy and vision to ACOI. I hope to be a bridge between student voices and institutional leadership, working to enhance resources, promote equity, and support students pursuing internal medicine in all its forms—including those with dual interests like myself.

I would be honored to serve as your representative and am committed to bringing dedication, integrity, and a true passion for osteopathic medicine to this role. 

Manisha Seelam, OMS II, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia

My professional ambition is to become a physician dedicated to serving areas of need, where holistic and preventative medicine can have the greatest impact. Through my work in underserved communities in San Diego and Orange County, I witnessed firsthand the gaps in preventive healthcare and the systemic barriers that marginalized populations face—ranging from limited accessibility and affordability to a lack of cultural competency in care.
These experiences deepened my commitment to providing equitable healthcare and solidified my belief in the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I found that education, especially when delivered in a way that respects the socio-cultural context of the community, is one of the most powerful tools in promoting long-term wellness. This inspired my involvement with HealthSmart, a health education initiative designed to empower children in underserved areas through early awareness and healthy habits. In medical school, I was able to further solidify my passion for community outreach, by being part of Anatomy Academy. For these reasons, as a future physician, I aim to incorporate preventative medicine with traditional western medicine in order to render effective treatment. I aim to be a primary care physician that provides care in the community with a holistic lens that integrates the sociocultural background of my future patients.  

I aim to leverage my advocacy and leadership skills through active involvement in rural and community outreach programs, as well as national organizations such as the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (NSOIMA). These roles allow me to further explore my medical interests within internal medicine while collaborating with other passionate individuals to shape the future of osteopathic medicine.

Throughout medical school, I have remained engaged in leadership and advocacy. I served as the SOMA Resolutions Vice Chair for my school, where I gained experience in policy and collaboration. I was also actively involved in the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) and had the opportunity to attend the national conference in Arizona this past year, further expanding my understanding of internal medicine and professional development within the field.

Serving as a representative for NSOIMA would be a meaningful way to expand upon my interests and further connect with likeminded and driven students. I am excited by the opportunity to represent my peers and make meaningful contributions to osteopathic internal medicine.