September Student of the Month: Caitlin Coates, OMS-IV

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 August winner: Caitlin Coates, OMS-IV, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Student Doctor Coates was nominated because she exemplifies the values and mission of the American College of Osteopathic Internists through her unwavering commitment to advocacy, compassionate clinical care, and scholarly engagement. Her holistic approach to medicine and dedication to improving the lives of underserved populations make her a standout student.

Caitlin’s dedication to advocacy is evident in her direct engagement with policy makers at both the state and national level. As part of her commitment to improving healthcare access and equity, Caitlin traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with representatives from Senator Susan Collins’, Senator Angus King’s, and Representative Chellie Pingree’s offices. There, she passionately advocated for key legislative priorities, including the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, increased Medicaid funding, telehealth expansion, and continued support for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program. Caitlin's ability to communicate complex healthcare issues with clarity and conviction reflects her deep understanding of both clinical and systemic challenges facing internal medicine today.

In addition to her advocacy work, Caitlin consistently demonstrates extraordinary kindness, empathy, and professionalism in her clinical rotations. During her third-year core clerkships, she earned the admiration of faculty and peers alike for her attentive bedside manner, thoughtful communication, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care. Whether comforting a distressed patient or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Caitlin brings a genuine sense of compassion that reminds everyone around her of the heart of osteopathic medicine.

Caitlin has also contributed to the advancement of healthcare knowledge through her research focused on patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Maine, a topic of profound significance in the current public health landscape. Her work seeks to illuminate barriers to care and identify actionable strategies to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population. This research not only enhances clinical understanding but also aligns with Caitlin’s broader commitment to addressing health disparities through evidence-based practice and systemic reform.

In every dimension, advocacy, clinical care, and research, Caitlin exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and compassion. She represents the best of what osteopathic internal medicine has to offer.

Meet Caitlin Coates

What is your education?
I am currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to medical school, I attended the University of Vermont for my Bachelor of Science and Master of Medical Science degrees. 

What are your hobbies?
Some of my favorite hobbies are long-distance backpacking trips, baking my way through the Red Currant Bakery website, and watching live music.

What are three things people may not know about you?
Three things people may not know about me are that I find four leaf clovers everywhere I go, I don’t drink coffee, and I have gone scuba diving with great white sharks!

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
ACOI has helped me deepen my interest in internal medicine by providing access to conferences, seminars, and research opportunities that have enriched my learning. Being involved with ACOI has not only strengthened my professional skills but also made me feel more connected to the osteopathic internal medicine community.

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?
I will be applying to internal medicine this year with the hope of one day pursuing a career in critical care.