February Student of the Month: Maria Fricko, OMS-III

ACOI recognizes osteopathic medical students who are outstanding members of their medical schools and communities with the Student of the Month Recognition Program.

Please join us in congratulating the February winner: Maria Fricko, OMS-III, California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Maria Fricko is a deeply committed student doctor and natural leader who consistently demonstrates initiative, compassion, and a strong drive to uplift both her peers and her broader community.

Student Doctor Fricko currently serves as the Vice President of her school’s Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG), where she has organized impactful speaker events, hands-on clinical workshops, and leads the clinical skills mock practical for first-year students, helping her peers grow in both confidence and clinical reasoning. Her leadership extends far beyond campus: she is the Vice Chair of Chapter Development for the California Medical Association Medical Student Section (CMA MSS) and serves as her school’s delegate to the CMA House of Delegates, advocating for medical students across the state. She also serves as Vice President of her school’s Pathology Club, helping bridge the gap between foundational sciences and clinical medicine.

In addition to her leadership, Student Doctor Fricko is a passionate educator and mentor. She is a Teaching Assistant in both Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and The Developing Physician (TDP, a clinical skills class), and regularly tutors classmates in challenging subjects. She has a gift for breaking down complex topics and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for learning. She embodies the osteopathic principle of treating the whole person, including fellow learners.

Her academic dedication is equally matched by her scholarly pursuits. She has already published one peer-reviewed research paper, has another in press, and presented her work as a poster at the CHSU Research Day in May 2025. Her research reflects both intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of medical knowledge.

With over 50 hours of community service, Student Doctor Fricko also maintains a consistent commitment to service and outreach. Whether volunteering in clinical or community settings, she leads with empathy and purpose, always seeking ways to make healthcare more accessible and supportive.

Student Doctor Fricko is a role model for what it means to be an osteopathic medical student: humble yet driven, collaborative yet confident, and always striving to uplift those around her. She exemplifies the ACOI mission through her leadership, service, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to internal medicine.

Meet Maria Fricko

What is your hometown?
My hometown is Huntington Beach, CA, but I have been living in San Diego, CA, for the last few years with my husband. I am a student at California Health Sciences University COM in Clovis, CA.

What is your education?
I graduated from UC Davis in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in English. I am currently an OMS-III at California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

What are your hobbies?
I love working out at the gym and going to pilates. I make it a priority to work out every morning before class/rotations. I am an avid reader (I read 37 books in 2025!). I am a foodie and enjoy trying new restaurants, cooking new recipes, and baking sweet treats. I also garden and like to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I like hiking and going on walks at the beach.

What are three things people may not know about you?
I have gone scuba diving twice and I plan to get my PADI certification. I love coffee and have a professional espresso machine at home to make lattes daily.  I am the oldest of four; my younger siblings are triplets.

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
The ACOI has helped me in my education by connecting us with guest speakers through the Visiting Professor Program, who have provided valuable insights into the field of internal medicine. One memorable visiting guest speaker, Dr. Charlene LePane, came to speak with our Internal Medicine Interest Group about “How to Make the Best Journey Ahead in Internal Medicine.”

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
I am currently interested in gastroenterology or general surgery, but I am open to all specialties as I complete my core rotations and gain more experience in different medical settings.