ACOI 2024: Highlights from the Annual Convention

Whether attendees joined us in Scottsdale, AZ, or participated virtually, they greatly benefited from a variety of quality networking and educational opportunities during ACOI 2024.  

Thanks to a rich array of interactive learning sessions, thought-provoking keynote presentations and panel discussions, along with a host of networking events, attendees made invaluable connections, created beautiful new memories, and expanded their knowledge and skills. With over 50 sessions, expert speakers, and over 1600 attendees, ACOI 2024 was a truly special Annual Convention.

Together we explored this year’s theme, “Art to Health: Health, Humanities and Osteopathic Internal Medicine,” focusing on the practice of Internal Medicine not only as a means for diagnosis and treatment of patients but as a springboard to achieve a more integrated understanding of the human experience in its entirety.  

Now On-Demand

All recorded, 50+ sessions on subspecialty education, state sessions, and dynamic keynote speakers are now available to watch on-demand. Please note that the AOA current cycle ends on December 31, 2024. The virtual platform will be available through December 15, 2024.

Wednesday, October 30

Charlene LePane, DO, MBA, FACOI, took attendees on a deep dive into the potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities related to “AI in Medicine” during her presentation that kicked off Day 1. Dr. LePane provided a thorough, timely overview of issues that examined the current state of AI in the health sector and how it could drive change in the future, the importance of governance and legal concerns in the development of AI, and how it can be leveraged to help reduce stress levels and burnout among physicians and other healthcare professionals. This was followed by an engaging Q&A discussion.  

Plenary talks continued with the Physician Wellness Session (held in conjunction with ACOOG), which sought to define the components of wellness in the context of achieving one’s full potential, outlined what steps physicians can take to incorporate wellness decisions in their personal and professional lives, and more. Thank you to Julie K. Sterbank, DO, MPH FACOI, for moderating, along with the panelists who illuminated us with their knowledge, including Jeffrey M. Krepps, PhD, Joanne K. Baker, DO, FACOI, FAODME, FHM, FACP, Nicholas J. Caputo, DO, FACOI, Jόzia C. McGowan, DO, FACOI, FNAOME, and Britney McCarty, DO, FACOI.

Teshamae S. Monteith, MD, Chief of the Headache Division and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, provided research and case studies for those interested in finding solutions for “Overcoming Disparities in the Diagnosis and Management of Migraine.” Dr. Monteith unpacked topics, including the ways to implement strategies for diagnosis of migraine across all demographics and the importance of initiating dialogue to gain patient trust and improve care.

Thursday, October 31

To advance the theme, our keynote speaker for Day 2, Steven Lome, DO, Chief of Cardiology, presented “Lifestyle, Medicine, and Heart Disease.” Dr. Lome, a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), drew on the powerful experience of his own health journey and what he learned along the way to empower patients to take control of their health, embrace lifestyle medicine, and help them take steps toward preventing ailments like heart disease. He also shared the phenomenal story of using CPR to save the lives of two runners during the 2022 Monterey Bay Half Marathon.

Dr. Lome explained that heart disease has been the number one cause of death in America for more than 100 consecutive years; however, heart disease is at least 90-95% preventable through lifestyle changes. He shared how the six pillars of lifestyle medicine – nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, social connectedness, avoiding risky substances, and stress management – help advance prevention strategies and reduce the risk of developing diseases while improving quality of life.  

Concurrent sessions that afternoon highlighted “Updates in Colorectal Cancer: Screening Guidelines and Medical Treatment Approaches” with Oncologist Joseph W. McCollom, DO, and “Updates in Breast Cancer: Screening Guidelines and Medical Treatment Approaches” with Anthony Brandau, DO. Speakers helped attendees better understand appropriate screening options, potential side effects of and the differences between common treatments and the unique challenges facing communities at risk for this disease.  

Dominic F. Glorioso, Jr., DO, PhD, FACOI, FAAHPM, HMD, presented on “Ethical Topics Related to Death and Dying,” guiding participants through some of the most sensitive dilemmas that typically face physicians during end-of-life care settings. Dr. Glorioso confronted common myths and provided insights to help physicians navigate the often-unpredictable terrain of handling situations in ethical ways that address the needs of dying patients, their caregivers, loved ones, and others.  

After the day’s sessions concluded, attendees and their families enjoyed the ACOI Spooktacular Halloween Party. From engaging in trick or treat activities with the kids to enjoying live music with a DJ and festive snacks, participants also took advantage of the photo booth to capture special moments.

Friday, November 1

The keynote presentation for Day 3 was delivered by Brendan Sullivan, Owner and Corporate Creativity Coach, who gave tips on how to “Communicate, Collaborate, and Succeed,” by tapping into our innate communication strengths. Brendan helps organizational teams, leaders, and individuals develop innovative solutions, foster creative ideas, and cultivate collaborative workspaces where everyone can thrive.  

Leveraging his vast experience of working successfully with various teams, Brendan facilitated one-on-one group exercises that helped attendees cultivate effective communication strategies and techniques to engage colleagues and harness a diversity of ideas in ways that uplift and empower.

Michael Pritchett, DO, MPH, continued plenary sessions with a presentation on the “Optimal Approach to Diagnosis of Pulmonary Nodules.” Attendees gained a deeper comprehension of current screening guidelines and recommendations, learned about options for biopsying peripheral lung nodules, and explored tips related to follow-up imaging.

Later that afternoon, we announced and recognized the Poster Winners of Resident/Fellow Poster Judging and Student Poster Judging, also thanking all those who shared their Poster Research Finalist Presentations. The commitment of these residents and students to exceptional scholarships elevates the future of the entire osteopathic field! Read the announcement.  

We ended Day 3 with the ACOI 2024 Convocation of Fellows and Awards Ceremony, where we bestowed the Degree of Fellow on 38 candidates and inducted seven new members to the Gillum Society of Master Fellows. Read the announcement.  

We also saluted the three inaugural 2024 Memorial Award Honorees, proudly celebrating their fantastic service and contributions to the osteopathic internal medicine community. Paul W. Davis, DO, was awarded with the Malcoun Memorial Award, while Lucia Schroeder, DO, MPH, and Mohamad Omar Diab, MBBS, received the Susser Memorial Award.  

Saturday, November 2

Day 4 opened with a plenary session focusing on “Vitamin D and Calcium: Current Evidence and Recommendations Made Easy,” led by Andrew C. Buelt, DO. Dr. Buelt walked participants through the challenges in nutrition research and explained how vitamin D guidelines and current recommendations evolved while offering strategies to help the audience develop an evidence-based treatment plan for calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Kellee L. Randle, DO, FACOI, moderated the next panel that took a closer look at “How Microaggressions Affect Learning, Care, and Health Outcomes.” Discussions helped attendees to gain a real-world understanding of what microaggressions are and the different ways they manifest in interpersonal interactions. Panelists added their perspectives and insights to help attendees understand how handling microaggressions is critical to building and sustaining relationships with colleagues, patients, and future physicians, drawing on learned experience and sharing them through personal stories. We were pleased to be joined by Khadeejah Lasuc-Lewis, MA SHRM-SCP, Cecilia Banga, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), Monica S. Carter, DO, FACOI, and Eav Lim, DO.

Our student and resident sessions began with two breakout sessions: "Physician to Leader: Pearls and Pitfalls" by Karen J. Nichols, DO, MA, MACOI, FACP, CS-F for residents and "Ophthalmoscope: Seeing Your Way to a Better Physical Exam" by Mark D Baldwin D.O., FACOI, FASN for students. On our virtual platform, MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI, kicked off our State Licensure Sessions with a lecture on "HIV/AIDS." 

ACOI Leadership Announcement

ACOI named Susan M. Enright, DO, MACOI, as the new President of ACOI for 2024-2025, during ACOI 2024.  

Dr. Enright, a 1991 graduate of MSUCOM, ACOI member since 1998, and member of the ACOI Board of Directors since 2016, looks forward to collaborating with DO leaders to advance her vision and goals.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon my years with ACOI and continue fostering the growth of our community,” she said. “My hope is to continue building meaningful connections with new members, especially students and residents, and support a new generation of osteopathic internists.”

Join us in saluting Dr. Enright’s outstanding service, innovative ideas, and strength of leadership as we welcome her to this new role! Learn more when you read the press release.

The 2024-2025 Board of Directors also welcomes two new board members, Anya K. Cope, DO,  FACOI, and Simona Eng, DO, FACOI. ACOI thanks Robert L. DiGiovanni, DO, MACOI, for his outstanding leadership and contributions while serving on the ACOI Board of Directors from 2013-2024.