ACOI Presents Inaugural Student Leadership Award

During the ACOI 2025 Convocation of Fellows and Awards Ceremony, ACOI awarded several additional honors to members. Among those awards was the inaugural Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI Student Leadership Award. This award was created in honor of Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI, and will be presented annually to a student leader who lives out the dedication, commitment, and selfless service Dr. Good exemplifies.

A member of ACOI since 1995 and a Master Fellow since 2018, Dr. Good is a past ACOI Board member and President, in addition to several leadership positions in many local, state, and national organizations. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the care of his patients and the development of future physician leaders who share his passion for compassionate high-quality, patient-centered care.

Dr. Good is known for working tirelessly to identify and develop the leaders of tomorrow who will continue the practice of selfless service to their patients, communities, and the ACOI. This has included providing Visiting Professor lectures all over the country and developing the Student Osteopathic Leadership and Internal Medicine and Dialogue (SOLID) program, which keeps student leaders engaged and connected with one another.

The inaugural award was granted to Luke Strong, a third-year medical student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn (VCOM-Auburn). Student Doctor Strong completed his master's degree in biomedical science at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and his bachelor's degree in biology and public policy leadership at the University of Mississippi. A member of the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association, the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, and the Student Osteopathic Surgical Association, he served as President of the VCOM-Auburn Internal Medicine Club and as Regional Representative for National SOIMA from 2024-2025. Student Doctor Strong has also contributed to numerous research publications and grants, volunteered with Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic since 2024, and served as a coach for Northstar Soccer Association since 2025.

The establishment of the award was presented as a surprise to Dr. Good, who expressed immense gratitude for the honor and shared these inspiring closing remarks during a Student Session seminar, which speak powerfully to his mindset on physician leadership and why ACOI dedicated an award to him: 

“Each of you has chosen a path that demands not only knowledge and skill, but also heart, empathy, and a willingness to lead when the world needs it most.

“Through your journey, you’ll encounter challenges—times when medicine feels uncertain, when innovation seems out of reach, or when leadership feels heavy. But remember, that’s when your osteopathic roots will guide you. The same principles that teach you to see the body as a whole will help you see people, teams, and systems, and to bring healing and balance wherever you go.

“Innovation in healthcare doesn’t always mean inventing new technology. Sometimes, it’s daring to think differently—to listen more deeply, to ask better questions, to connect ideas that others overlook. And leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy—it’s about using your voice, your compassion, and your courage to make things better for those around you.

“You are the next generation of physicians who will shape the way we care, the way we heal, and the way we lead. So, keep dreaming boldly, stay curious, and hold tight to the humanity that brought you to this calling in the first place.

“Thank you for showing up—for your passion, your purpose, and your promise. The future of medicine is brighter because of you.”

ACOI thanks Dr. Good and Student Doctor Strong for their service-oriented leadership. Congratulations to both honorees!