VCOM-Virginia Org Fair & Chapter Update

On September 19, 2025, VCOM–VA held its latest organization fair showcasing about 20 organizations, including our Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA) chapter under ACOI. These fairs are a chance for first-year students to see what the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has to offer and to connect with second-year students to learn more about each organization, the events they hold, and the benefits of joining.

As president of the VCOM–VA SOIMA chapter, I, along with the rest of our executive board, had an amazing time meeting with students. We talked about the events we’ve held this past year, learned more about their interests, and shared how SOIMA can help them reach their goals. We also had plenty of giveaways, ACOI cups, pens, tote bags, drawstring bags, silicone phone wallets, microfiber cloths, sunscreen, and candy! To make things fun, we set up an M&M guessing game where students tried to guess how many were in the jar, the closest guess won free merch.

The energy was incredible, and by the end of the day, 120 first years signed up to join our chapter! Our current second-year class already has 100 members, so this strong turnout means our chapter is only going to keep growing.

Our chapter is led by an incredible executive board and structured around four committees: Cardiology (Sean Dalton), Radiology (Jash Patel), Dermatology (Lindsey Williams), and Infectious Disease (Shay Musa). Alongside our Vice President Indra Kapoor, Secretary Neera Khan, and Treasurer Kaity Hockenberry, we’ve built a diverse lineup of events that blend education, clinical skills, community service, and professional development. Over the past year, members have participated in:

• EKG training/workshop: Hands-on practice placing leads on classmates and community members, plus volunteering at Virginia Tech’s EKG screening event.
• Chronic Kidney Disease screening: Partnered with KDSAP at Virginia Tech to take blood pressures and assist physicians with lab analysis and interpretation.
• Skin cancer screening: At the Franklin County Health Fair we provided education on skin health and prevention, along with free sunscreen for community members.
• Skills workshops: Central line placement, injection practice, EKG interpretation, and more. Coming up, we’ll host our first-ever ACOI Skills Fair featuring pericardiocentesis training, ultrasound practice, blood typing, donning/doffing, and other hands-on stations.
• Internal medicine physician panel: Students meet physicians from different subspecialties and get a real look at what their day-to-day life is like to see if it’s the right fit.
• Dermatology events: Suture clinic plus residency prep talks from current derm residents about how to best position yourself for a successful match.
• Radiology events: Imaging reviews and case talks led by physicians.
• Blood drive opportunities: Members get priority sign-ups and receive $30–$100 compensation for donating.
• Sim Wars: Priority sign-ups for ACOI-hosted simulation competitions.
• Conference opportunities: Select members had flights and housing covered for the 2025 ACOI National Convention in Marco Island, FL. We had 20 members attend!
• Merch & giveaways: Launched our first online merch store this year and continue to run giveaways for members.
• OTC medication drive: Collected cough drops, bandages, gauze, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and sanitizer for uninsured/low-income patients at the Community Health Center of the NRV. We’re also working with them on new volunteer opportunities for this block.
• Student socials: Fun events like our Hot Ones Challenge during VCOM Olympics, where students competed in progressively spicier wing rounds while answering medical trivia, first-years vs second-years for the win!

From education to service to camaraderie, SOIMA at VCOM–VA continues to grow stronger each year, and we are excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.