July Student of the Month: Marisela Benitez, 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 May winner: Marisela Benitez, OMS-III, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) - South Georgia.

Student Doctor Benitez was nominated in recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to her school, community, and osteopathic internal medicine.

As President of her campus SOIMA chapter, Student Doctor Benitez led and coordinated important initiatives for students, including a residency match panel, career and scholarly development discussions with internal medicine physicians, and an internal medicine speaker series. She also served in several other leadership positions at PCOM South Georgia, including as Vice President of the Cardiology Club and American Women's Medical Association; the Secretary of the Latino Medical Student Association; and the Treasurer of the Family Medicine Club.

In the area of community engagement, Student Doctor Benitez has participated with PCOM South Georgia's Warm Wishes, to provide underserved local community members with winter care packages, as well as Opportunities Summer Camp, to serve as a volunteer mentor for high school students. She was also the recipient of the PCOM South Georgia Volunteer Community Service Award in 2025.

Student Doctor Benitez's research and clinical experiences have included serving as a Student Research Assistant at the USDA Center for Medical & Entomology Research; working as a Laboratory Assistant at UF Health St. John Hospital; and contributing to numerous research posters at PCOM South Georgia. For PCOM South Georgia Research Day in 2025, she was part of the team that won Best Cadaver Project, for "Evaluation of PASH Syndrome and Its Effect on Kidney Function: A Cadaveric Study." 

Student Doctor Benitez exemplifies the ideals of the osteopathic internal medicine community. Her combination of service, leadership, academic engagement, and professionalism reflects a deep commitment to patient care and lifelong learning.

Meet Marisela Benitez

What is your hometown?
West Palm Beach, FL.

What is your education?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Florida. Later, I received a Master of Science in Medical Science from the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida. I am currently a third-year osteopathic medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – South Georgia.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy staying active at the gym and going on walks as a way to balance my health with studying. I also love doing puzzles, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

What are three things people may not know about you?

• I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
• I am half Peruvian and half Cuban.
• I am a musical enthusiast.

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
ACOI has supported my growth in many ways. From the moment I joined, I have benefited from its educational programming, including lectures and panels that have been especially valuable as a first-generation medical student. Attending the ACOI conference this past year with my chapter’s executive board was a particularly meaningful experience, allowing me to learn from and connect with individuals across the country. Additionally, my involvement has provided opportunities to build mentorship connections and organize events at the chapter level, further strengthening my passion for internal medicine.

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
I am strongly interested in pursuing Internal Medicine, with a particular interest in cardiology.