Candidates for Secretary

Troy Holsworth, OMS I, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine 

As a dedicated student of osteopathic medicine with a deep passion for internal medicine, I am excited to run for the position of Secretary for the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (NSOIMA). I believe strongly in the power of mentorship, collaboration, and strategic communication to elevate our collective goals and individual growth as future physicians. 
If elected, I will bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a clear vision to the role. I see this position not only as a logistical responsibility, but as a strategic leadership role – one that will help guide the momentum of NSOIMA forward. As Secretary of NSOIMA, my goal is to help grow our organization into an even more robust, inclusive, engaged, and far-reaching network. By fostering connections between student doctors and established internal medicine and subspecialty physicians, I aim to expand opportunities for mentorship, research, and professional development - ultimately helping our members become stronger residency applicants and more well-rounded future internists.

To keep members engaged, I will create interactive platforms like polls and feedback forms to gather input on desired topics and events, ensuring our programming remains relevant and student driven. I also plan to launch an incentive series to recognize active members and enhance communication through a Digital Bulletin Board and a dedicated monthly email to NSOIMA members showcasing upcoming events, providing streamlined access to opportunities and updates. My goal is to be a reliable and enthusiastic leader who helps NSOIMA flourish - not just for today’s members, but for future physicians dedicated to internal medicine.
I would be honored to serve NSOIMA in this capacity and contribute to a national platform that empowers student doctors through connection, advocacy, and opportunity. Let’s grow this community together - for each other, and for the future of medicine.

Haley Schuster, OMS III, A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am Haley Schuster, a rising fourth-year medical student at A. T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am applying for the position of Secretary for the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association.

Why Me?
-Previous experience serving at the National Level as Secretary for the National Student Executive Board for the American College of Osteopathic Family Medicine
-Recently, decided to apply to internal medicine and want to apply my family medicine leadership experiences to the SOIMA
-Passionate about osteopathic medicine and integrating OMT into patient care
-Reliable, dependable, and takes initiative

My Ideas
-Host a Program Director Panel discussing the variety of internal medicine programs. I have hosted a similar webinar for Family Medicine, which was successful!
-Increase communication from the SOIMA officers to the general members by sharing updates in the Monthly Newsletter

Jessica Williams Vergara, OMS II, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine - Ft. Lauderdale

Mentorship has played an invaluable role in my medical journey. As I continue navigating medical school, I am motivated to help expand opportunities for other students to engage with mentors and leaders in Internal Medicine. I believe the NSOIMA Secretary plays a vital role in supporting these efforts through effective communication, strategic planning, and thoughtful coordination.
In my previous work as a consultant at the Pan American Health Organization, I gained hands-on experience organizing large-scale virtual events, including a 200-person webinar highlighting international research collaborations. I developed agendas, managed outreach, coordinated with speakers, and handled post-event communications—skills that directly translate to the Secretary role.

If selected, I will bring this same level of attention to detail and organization to NSOIMA. I will maintain clear and timely meeting minutes, ensure smooth communication between the board and student members, and support the advancement of NSOIMA initiatives. I’m also excited to contribute ideas for events—such as panel discussions, mentorship Q&As, and research webinars—that can help connect students with role models in Internal Medicine. I am committed to using my organizational and communication skills to strengthen the visibility and impact of NSOIMA’s work.