Supporting students is an important piece of the work we do at the ACOI. For a quarter of a century the Visiting Professor Program has brought physicians and experts from every specialty and from all corners of the U.S. to participating campuses to share their experience and passion about medicine with students.
Designed to expose students to the many opportunities available to them, ACOI speakers instruct and lead discussions in their area of clinical expertise. In addition, they present students with practical career information and often are valuable resources for students as they continue their training toward their degree in osteopathic internal medicine.
SOIMA Region III Representative Laura Carlson, OMS III had this to say about the Visiting Professor Program:
"Getting the chance to have visiting doctors come speak at club events is always a valuable experience. It’s one thing to learn from textbooks and lectures, but hearing directly from physicians who are actively working in the field brings everything to life. These doctors share what their day to day looks like, the challenges they face, and what drew them to their specific specialties. It’s especially interesting to hear about their research or unique areas of interest, every speaker brings something new to the table. Their talks often make complex topics easier to understand and way more engaging.
What makes these visits even better is how open the doctors are to connecting with students. They’re always willing to answer questions, give advice, and share stories from their own medical journeys. It’s a great opportunity to gain insight into potential career paths and even build long term mentorships. Events like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world medicine, and they inspire students to think more deeply about where they want to go in their own careers."
If you're a club officer, reach out to Jeremy at jeremy@acoi.org to schedule a Visiting Professor lecture at your school!