Staying Grounded in Our Osteopathic Identity

As I complete my second year at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, I find myself reflecting on the early excitement of beginning medical school. From the nervous energy of orientation week, to introducing myself as a student doctor during my first OSCE, to the friendships formed through late nights of studying, these moments have shaped who I am becoming.

Recently, I reread the Osteopathic Oath I took during my white coat ceremony in 2024. At the time, it felt like a milestone marking the beginning of my training. Now, I understand it as a call to live with purpose.

In the oath, we affirm our responsibility “to preserve the health and the life of my patients,” and to honor the trust placed in us through integrity and compassion. As the responsibilities of medical school grow, so too does the weight and meaning of those words.

Cooperation Through Leadership

The oath calls us “to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation.” I have come to understand that strong leadership is never solitary. It grows through communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to uplift the strengths of those around us. 

During my time at ICOM, I co-founded the Art in Medicine Club with Renae Bredienbach (OMS-II) to emphasize wellness and the integration of creativity into science and medicine. Through this initiative, we have volunteered to support children’s art programs at the Boise Art Museum, hosted photography competitions and paint nights, and explored ways to meaningfully incorporate art into healthcare.

In my leadership role within the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), the team and I host weekly lunchtime discussions that foster thoughtful dialogue. I deeply value the opportunity to collaborate with fellow student leaders to cultivate spaces that support both mental and spiritual well-being. 

These experiences have reminded me that medicine is not solely about academic achievement. It is about remaining grounded in our values, cultivating healthy habits, and caring for one another as we train to care for our patients.

When we take time to nurture our own well-being and remain anchored in our identity, we are better equipped to build rhythms of cooperation with our teams and deepen trust with our patients.

Serving the Welfare of the Community

The Osteopathic Oath teaches us to be “ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community.” This principle has increasingly shaped how I view the expansion of leadership to the broader community.

As Vendor Coordinator for ICOM’s Community Health Fair and as the OMS-II Representative for the Research Committee at ICOM, I have sought partnerships that provide education and resources to medically underserved populations. Connecting with local nonprofits, government initiatives, and community sponsors has been both humbling and inspiring. It has allowed me to witness the many individuals and organizations who are deeply invested in expanding access to care for those who face barriers to healthcare.

At the same time, I am working to connect students with opportunities that build confidence in research and professional development. Through collaboration with ICOM’s research department, we are striving to strengthen scientific scholarship not only on our campus, but also within the broader Idaho community. In a predominantly rural state, there is meaningful opportunity to pioneer research foundations that address the unique healthcare needs of our region.

Leadership, I am learning, is not about titles, but about stewardship, ensuring that our work extends beyond ourselves.

Learning From Those Who Teach Us

Another line of the Oath that has become deeply meaningful to me states, “I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art.”

Mentorship has been foundational in my growth. I am profoundly grateful for Dr. Jacylyn Cox through ACOI, who has encouraged me in my pursuit of internal medicine. In our conversations, her positivity and joy are infectious as she offers practical guidance on clinical rotations and oral presentations. Often, I find myself filled with ideas and ambition. The wisdom of experienced mentors helps shape those ideas into sustainable initiatives.

Medicine is built on relationships: on listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and maintaining lasting connections with those who guide us along the way.

Pioneering Opportunities for Those Who Follow

The Osteopathic Oath also calls us to strive not only for our own excellence, but “for the interests of the students who will come after me.”

In my leadership, I frequently ask how I can help open doors for the next generation. During the endoscopy simulator event hosted by our Gastroenterology Interest Group in collaboration with Fujifilm Endoscopy, my team and I helped pioneer the first endoscopy simulation experience on our campus. Watching students gain hands-on exposure and excitement for the field reaffirmed why creating opportunities matters. 

One of the most humbling aspects of this journey has been watching my peers grow into thoughtful, committed leaders by representing our school at medical conferences, serving as ambassadors to prospective students, and initiating meaningful community outreach through volunteer work with local organizations. We take time to encourage each other, to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and to support each other through tribulations. 

When we invest in those who come after us, we strengthen the profession as a whole.

Walking Forward With the Oath

As osteopathic medical students, we continually strive for balance in our professional and personal pursuits. The Osteopathic Oath remains a steady foundation for both students and practicing physicians. It acts as a compass reminding us to serve with compassion, to lead with humility, to honor our mentors, and to care for the whole person.
Medical school often requires us to step into uncertainty, stretching us beyond what feels familiar. Yet amid that growth, the values of osteopathic medicine provide continuity and direction. The Oath is not simply a memory from our white coat ceremony; it is an enduring commitment that shapes our character and guides our service. I encourage each of us to revisit its words and reflect on how they are influencing our daily actions, leadership, and patient care.