ACOI Presents Marisela Benitez, OMS-III, with 2026 Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI Student Leadership Award

The American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI), a national professional organization representing osteopathic internal medicine physicians and subspecialists, has selected Marisela Benitez, OMS-III, as the 2026 recipient of the Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI Student Leadership Award. Student Doctor Benitez will be presented with the award at ACOI 2026 in Palm Springs, California.

Established in 2025, the Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI Student Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding osteopathic medical student leader who exemplifies the dedication, commitment, and selfless service that is the hallmark of Dr. Good’s professional career. At the core of Dr. Good is his commitment to his family, faith, patients, and the development of future osteopathic internal medicine leaders. The Robert G. Good, DO, MACOI Student Leadership Award is an annual award presented to the student leader who shows a strong promise of commitment to selfless service, leadership, lifelong learning, and the continued growth of osteopathic internal medicine.

Student Doctor Benitez is a fourth-year medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) – South Georgia Campus, in Moultrie, Georgia. A recent ACOI Student of the Month, Student Doctor Benitez has demonstrated extensive leadership and involvement during her time at PCOM – South Georgia, including as a Peer Mentor; as President of the school's Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA) chapter; as Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Latino Medical Student Association, Southeast Region; and as a Premedical Mentor with the Latino Medical Student Association.

In her letter of recommendation, Jennifer H. Shaw, PhD, Professor of Physiology with the PCOM – South Georgia Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, shared these words about Student Doctor Benitez:

"It has been a privilege to observe Student Doctor Benitez’s commitment to her studies, and engagement in campus events and research, and service within our local rural medical community and beyond. Throughout the physiology courses, Student Doctor Benitez demonstrated mastery of medical concepts and exhibited a spirit of collaboration among her classmates. She has been instrumental in building powerful partnerships between our medical school and the community through mentorship programs (Opportunities Academy, First Aid Training for Migrant Farm Workers, Premedical mentor) impacting the youth and adults in our area. She is an effective communicator as demonstrated via multiple research presentations utilizing public health databases and outreach initiatives centered on the underserved. We are grateful and impressed by the manner in which students like Student Doctor Benitez represent our institution."

About ACOI

Since 1941, the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) has represented current and aspiring osteopathic internal medicine physicians and subspecialists. The ACOI provides leadership, networking, and education to help members be successful and stay true to why they pursued medicine. For more information, visit www.acoi.org.