Welcome Letter from the SOIMA Region V Representative

Welcome! 

This time of year brings both excitement and nerves. My hope for all of you is that you continue to run the race and finish strong.

To our first-years: Congratulations on reaching the end of your first year of medical school!

To our second-years: Keep pushing! You are so close to clinical rotations. Level 1 can feel intimidating, but with consistent studying and a solid plan, you will succeed.

To our third-years: Stay curious! You have gained an incredible amount of knowledge during rotations. Continue to use that knowledge to impact patients’ lives and shine during your audition rotations. 

To our fourth-years: Well done! As you move forward, may you carry your osteopathic identity into whichever training program you match with and continue making a positive impact in your healthcare community. 

As we move through this exciting season, I remain grounded by a few thoughts:

Stay true to your identity.

Remember who you are and don’t be afraid to show that person. Whether on the floors or in the classroom, it can be easy to lose yourself. Staying authentic in those spaces will help you find the right residency fit and protect against burnout. Often, we are our own biggest critics.

Enjoy the grind. 

Gold medal figure skater Alysa Liu said, “What is there to lose? Every second you are there you are gaining something. There’s nothing to be lost.” This applies so well to medical education. Often, we become so focused on residency or passing boards that we forget to enjoy the learning process. Every practice question, article you read, and patient interaction is invaluable and adds to your knowledge base. Our most valuable asset is our training. As future physicians, we are experts who have spent years learning complex pathophysiology and treatment strategies. Let’s embrace and take pride in the grind.

Say “Yes.” 

Leadership transitions are happening in many clubs and organizations for the upcoming year. Apply—and if you are selected, say yes! Saying yes to these opportunities will benefit you in the long run, expand your network, and give you meaningful experiences to discuss during residency interviews. You will be able to balance it all. You are more capable than you realize.

Why you should be a part of SOIMA: 

ACOI truly values students. They care about you and want to support you in any way possible. Mentorship, guest lectures, and research opportunities are just a few of the resources available to medical students. What I appreciate most about SOIMA and ACOI is the community. Among faculty, staff, and students, I have built friendships that will last a lifetime.

Why I love Region V: 

It is a privilege to represent Region V, which includes the West Coast, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest. Our region includes many newer schools and continues to experience tremendous growth. As our schools expand, we are building deeper relationships with our communities, impacting more lives, and creating more training opportunities for future physicians.

With confidence in your journey, 

Robert Burns, OMS-III 

Region V Representative  

National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association