ACOI 2025: A Must for Osteopathic Medical Students

ACOI 2025 is the flagship event for the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA). Attending ACOI 2024 has been one of the highlights of my medical education, and I want to share a few reasons why I believe every student should consider attending this year's conference.

Networking 
As medical students, we are already building our professional networks, whether we realize it or not. Osteopathic medicine is a close-knit community—you’ll often hear the phrase, “Everyone knows everyone.” While it can feel intimidating to start making connections early, the truth is that students are valued contributors. ACOI is deeply committed to fostering student involvement, and its fellows are approachable, generous with their advice, and genuinely supportive. The collegial atmosphere is unique—colleagues often greet each other with hugs rather than handshakes, a reflection of how osteopathic values shape our interactions.

Research 
ACOI 2025 is the largest forum for presenting osteopathic internal medical student and resident research in the country! As a nationally recognized scientific meeting, it provides an incredible platform to share your work, receive feedback from esteemed internists and subspecialists, and grow as a scholar. I had the privilege of presenting this past year and found the experience invaluable in advancing my research.

Education 
The educational content at the convention is truly outstanding. Leaders from every internal medicine subspecialty share updates on best practices and emerging therapies—information I have already applied in my clinical rotations. The Student/Resident sessions were another highlight, featuring OMT case-based learning and hands-on workshops. For example, I learned nuanced physical exam skills, including lymph node assessment from a hematologist/oncologist and fundoscopy techniques from an ophthalmologist. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive peers who share a passion for internal medicine made the experience even more meaningful.

Final Thoughts 
Through ACOI and its Annual Convention, I’ve made lifelong friends, gained mentors, and expanded my knowledge in ways that will serve me throughout my career. I cannot overstate how impactful this event is for students. Students attend for free, so register today! I look forward to meeting many of you in Marco Island—don’t forget your swimsuit!

Robert Burns, OMS-III
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
NSOIMA Region V Coordinator