Candidates for Vice President

Meghana Arza, OMS II, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas

Dear Members of the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association,

My name is Meghana Arza, and I attend the VCOM-Carolinas campus, where I am currently a second-year student. I am sharing my sincere interest in serving as Vice President. Having been an active member of my campus's SOIMA chapter and the ACOI, I am aware of the fundamentals of being an ACOI student board member. I have established a few goals I would like to achieve in this role.

As the Vice President, I aim to work with the e-board to develop novel student initiatives within the organization. I believe the ACOI should be a means for professional opportunities and career development. Whether it be promoting one’s research, highlighting student organizations, or starting collaborative projects and competitions, I want students to explore their interests within internal medicine and subspecialties.

Additionally, I hope to grow the mentorship program within the ACOI. By recruiting more physicians and raising awareness for the program, students will have the opportunities to connect with professionals who can guide them in their internal medicine journey. Specifically, I believe giving students the opportunity to connect with both residents and physicians could be beneficial as students are able to learn from various perspectives. This may help increase involved at the national ACOI conference as students could have the opportunities to meet their mentors.

Lastly, I plan to work with the Board to ensure that the ACOI student lecture series and the student track at the national conference cater to members interests. Whether it be professional development, or learning new clinical skills, I want students to get the most out of their time with the organization. In collaboration with the Board, I hope to develop a means to gather feedback from student chapters to help guide us in developing initiatives and lectures that cater to all members.

I would love the opportunity to support my fellow members as they explore the field of internal medicine. I look forward to collaborating with board and student chapters to ensure our members become confident and knowledgeable clinicians. Serving as your Vice President would be an honor and privilege.

I appreciate your consideration.

Maya Berger, OMS III, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

As a nominee for Vice President, I’m committed to expanding research and academic opportunities within ACOI by launching a dedicated Research Grant Fund. My goal is to empower members to pursue their scholarly passions with meaningful support. During my time as DOCARE President at WVSOM, I raised $45,000 for a global health trip. I plan to bring that same energy to ACOI by growing a grant fund through local and national fundraising initiatives. I also aim to form a scholarship committee to review grant applications, which will also create additional leadership opportunities for both students and physicians.

With my background in global health through COSGP and DOCARE, I hope to establish a Global Health Task Force that would build partnerships with international organizations and physicians to offer students global rotations and provide physicians with CME opportunities abroad. This program would also include monthly case-based lectures led by DO Internists who have practiced globally, covering topics like infectious disease, global health disparities, navigating language barriers, and culturally sensitive care. My goal is to better equip osteopathic internists to serve diverse populations with cultural humility and practical cross-cultural skills.

Lastly, I aim to strengthen member engagement and support wellness through a weekly Wellness Wednesday email featuring inspiration, mental health resources, and member favorite books and podcasts. To keep it fun and interactive, I’ll introduce a social media #WellnessWednesdayChallenge to spotlight members enjoying their favorite hobbies and promote joy across our community.

As Vice President, I’m dedicated to helping ACOI grow into a more connected, empowered, and inclusive space where every member feels supported and equipped to thrive.

Bailey Cook, OMS II, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas
   
My name is Bailey Cook, and I am excited to be running for vice president of NSOIMA! I am currently an OMS-II at VCOM-Carolinas and am an active member of our SOIMA chapter. I am passionate about internal medicine and especially cardiology, which I hope to pursue. As vice president, I would strive to keep up the fantastic work our current board is already putting forth and work with the president and the rest of the board to continue to develop and improve the organization. I have thoroughly enjoyed the student lecture series meetings I have attended thus far and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to be more involved in the planning for and promoting of future lectures. If elected, I would also look forward to helping other Osteopathic Medicine students who are interested in pursuing internal medicine to have the resources and opportunities they need to be successful by whatever means available to me. I appreciate this opportunity and thank you for considering me for the position of NSOIMA vice president!

Abdur-Rehman Hussain, OMS I, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Abdur-Rehman Hussain, and I am a first-year medical student at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Vice President position of the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA). This role presents an incredible opportunity to expand learning experiences, foster student engagement, and strengthen national connections among osteopathic students. I am motivated by the chance to contribute to one of the largest osteopathic organizations in the country and believe this platform will help me grow both professionally and personally while supporting the field of internal medicine.

As a member of OCOM’s inaugural class, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the founding President of the Internal Medicine Club, where I organized events to engage the student body and highlight the breadth of opportunities in internal medicine. I’ve demonstrated initiative by bringing in physicians from various specialties, including an ACOI professor, to speak with students. I believe these experiences and my ability to connect with others will translate well on a national level, where I aim to expand educational and networking opportunities for students across the country.

What inspired me to apply for this position was the ACOI slogan: “Stay True to Why You Pursued Medicine.” It reminded me of my purpose in choosing this path and it continues to drive me forward. I see SOIMA not only as a way to grow as a future physician but also as a platform to build meaningful, collaborative relationships with fellow students and mentors, all with the shared goal of advancing patient care.

I believe I’m a strong candidate for this role because of the proactive initiatives I’ve led at my institution, my deep interest in internal medicine, and my dedication to strengthening collaboration among osteopathic students. Internal medicine is a field rooted in lifelong learning, service, and compassionate care, values I am committed to upholding. I would be honored to contribute to this mission on a broader scale.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Abdur-Rehman Hussain, OMS-I
Candidate for Vice President, SOIMA

Ryan Nazari, OMS III, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Kansas City

My name is Ryan Nazari, and I am a third-year medical student at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, pursuing a career in Internal Medicine. I am applying for the role of Vice President of the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (NSOIMA) because I believe deeply in the value of student leadership and collaboration in shaping the future of osteopathic Internal Medicine.

Throughout medical school, I’ve served in leadership roles within my institution and previously as president and treasurer of a large student organization at the University of Oklahoma, where I completed my undergraduate studies. These experiences have given me the skills to build community, advocate for my peers, and lead with purpose. I am also actively engaged in research and professional development, currently collaborating with faculty from both University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC)—opportunities that have allowed me to build meaningful academic relationships across institutions and deepen my understanding of Internal Medicine on a national scale.

As Vice President, I would focus on helping grow NSOIMA’s reach, supporting IM clubs across the country, and creating accessible opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and professional engagement. I want to ensure that every student interested in Internal Medicine, regardless of school or background, feels connected and represented.

I plan to attend ACOI 2025 in Marco Island and would be honored to serve as a national leader during such a transformative time in our profession. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Rajvi Patel, OMS III, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia

My name is Rajvi Patel, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Vice President position of the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA). If elected, I am committed to creating meaningful opportunities for both pre-clinical and clinical students to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in the field of Internal Medicine.

Some initiatives I hope to implement include workshops and seminars on the following topics:
•    The role of AI in medicine: benefits and limitations
•    Effective strategies for board exam preparation
•    Writing high-quality EMR notes
•    Proper consultation etiquette during Internal Medicine rotation
•    Navigating the hidden curriculum: tips for success during clinical clerkships

I believe the ACOI’s Student Lecture Series holds tremendous value, and I aim to enhance its accessibility and interactivity to help students retain key concepts well beyond the classroom. Additionally, I plan to expand the mentor-mentee program to ensure that every ACOI member has the opportunity to receive guidance and support throughout their medical journey. In addition to these initiatives, I am committed to being an attentive listener—valuing students' ideas and actively implementing changes based on your suggestions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Aliyah Stephens, OMS III, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Middletown

Dear Members of the American College of Osteopathic Internists,

I am honored to announce my candidacy for Vice President of the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association, a role that aligns with my deep commitment to internal medicine and leadership. As a third-year medical student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, I am deeply committed to internal medicine and dedicated to leadership. I am eager to bring my experience and passion to this role, serving as a strong advocate for my fellow osteopathic medical students on a national level.

Leadership has been a defining aspect of my medical career. I have had the privilege of attending the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) National Leaders Conference 2023 as a representative from New York, as well as participating in the ACOI 2024 and American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2024 conferences. These opportunities have broadened my perspective on national leadership while strengthening my passion for advancing internal medicine.

Building on these experiences, I have taken on leadership roles that allow me to actively contribute to the osteopathic community, including serving as the Region 1 Representative for the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association, where I have worked to foster collaboration among students and professionals in internal medicine. Additionally, serving as Vice President of the Student Government Association at TouroCOM and as a National Research Liaison for the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents has honed my ability to advocate for student interests, organize impactful events, and facilitate mentorship opportunities. Through these roles, I have developed the skills necessary to bridge the gap between students and professional organizations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

As the National Student Vice President of ACOI, my goal is to enhance student engagement by expanding mentorship, networking opportunities, and research initiatives. I am committed to fostering meaningful connections between students and ACOI, ensuring that we have the resources and support needed to explore internal medicine and the various subspecialties. By promoting these opportunities and strengthening student involvement, I hope to inspire the next generation of osteopathic internists and contribute to the continued growth and success of our profession.

It would be a privilege to contribute to ACOI’s mission, advocate for my peers, and help shape the future of osteopathic internal medicine as your National Student Vice President. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Aliyah Stephens
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, NY
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Candidate 2026

Luke Strong, OMS II, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn

To my fellow SOIMA members,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of Vice President for the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (NSOIMA). As an osteopathic medical student passionate about internal medicine, I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of NSOIMA by fostering student engagement and enhancing educational opportunities. My experience serving as both the Regional Representative for Region 2 and as President of my SOIMA chapter has equipped me with strong leadership, organizational, and collaborative skills that I am excited to bring to this role.

In my time as the Regional Representative for Region 2, I played an active role in strengthening the connections between students across multiple osteopathic medical schools in the southeast. I spearheaded initiatives to engage students, foster communication with SOIMA chapters, and aid in educational opportunities within the region. One of my key contributions was the creation of the charge and the bylaws that now govern the operations of National SOIMA, establishing a clear mission and framework that continues to guide our activities.

Additionally, while serving as the Regional Representative, I continued my position as President of my SOIMA chapter. This dual role allowed me to refine my ability to balance leadership responsibilities across multiple levels of the organization. As chapter president, I led a team in planning and executing events, engaging members, and advocating for student interests, all while maintaining my commitment to other SOIMA chapters within Region 2. This experience taught me how to manage competing priorities, foster teamwork, and lead with purpose, all of which I will carry with me as Vice President of NSOIMA.

As Vice President, one of my main goals is to support the growth of new chapters across the nation. To that end, I would like to create a flexible charter template that allows new clubs to develop their unique identity while ensuring they align with the core values and mission of NSOIMA. This template will provide a foundational framework for new chapters to build upon, giving them the flexibility to adapt to their institution’s needs and culture while reinforcing the principles of our organization. By doing so, we can help new chapters establish themselves more effectively while maintaining consistency and unity across the nation.

In addition to this goal, I will work towards increasing engagement of our members by enhancing educational opportunities, such as the ACOI Student Lecture Series. Additionally, I will aid developing relationships between students and professionals created through the ACOI Mentor Program that allows osteopathic students to be matched with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who can offer advice to students regarding research, rotations, and residency.

Serving as both a chapter president and regional representative has provided me with a unique perspective on the needs of our members and the opportunities for growth within NSOIMA. I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the organization, working collaboratively with the executive board and members to shape the future of osteopathic internal medicine.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as Vice President of NSOIMA and to continue guiding the organization toward even greater success.

Sincerely,
Luke Strong

Andrea Weitoschova, OMS II, Kansas City University College of  Osteopathic Medicine - Joplin

Hello everyone!

It is truly an honor to be applying for the position of vice president for the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (NSOIMA). My name is Andrea Weitoschova, and I’m a second-year (soon to be third-year!) medical student at Kansas City University (KCU) Joplin campus.

A little bit about me - I was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, and moved to the U.S. at 18 to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a physician. This past year, I’ve had the privilege of serving as president of the KCU-Joplin SOIMA chapter - one of the largest, if not the largest, clubs on our campus, with well over 100 active members. I led a team of 11 incredible board members, and together we worked to grow our chapter, host meaningful events, and support the professional goals of our peers. It was a challenging but deeply rewarding experience that helped me grow as a leader and collaborator, and it has been one of the most instrumental parts of my medical school journey so far.

I’m applying for the national vice president position because I want to continue that journey - supporting students across the country who share the same goals, values, and passion for osteopathic internal medicine. Attending the ACOI Fall Convention in Scottsdale truly solidified that passion for me and deepened my desire to be involved with ACOI at a greater level. Being surrounded by such an inspiring group of students and professionals reminded me why I love this field and how impactful organizations like NSOIMA can be.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kara Kerns and Jeremy McFarland to help organize a couple of visiting professor sessions for our students. Their dedication to supporting students left a lasting impression on me, and their work inspired me to get more involved at the national level - not only to give back, but also to help other students feel just as empowered and supported as I have.

In addition to my role with SOIMA this year, I’ve also served as president of our ACOOG chapter and held leadership positions in our multicultural club and board preparation club at KCU-Joplin. These experiences have taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and manage a busy schedule while still showing up for my community - qualities I believe are essential for the role of a vice president.

I know firsthand how demanding it can be to lead a chapter, and how much of a difference it makes to have someone in your corner. That’s why I’d love the opportunity to serve as vice president - to be a reliable support for the president, help carry out the board’s vision, and make sure students across the country feel connected and empowered. If elected, I’ll be fully committed to making that happen.

Thank you so much for considering my application. I’m truly excited about the possibility of serving in this role and can’t wait to see many of you at the ACOI Fall Convention in Marco Island, Florida!

Most sincerely,
Andrea Weitoschova