Candidates for Region V Representative

Andrew Gelis, OMS III, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine              

As a California-native and a medical student who is currently completing their entire core clinical rotations in California, I would be honored to represent Region V for ACOI. I have additional personal and professional ties to other states in Region V, including Utah, Montana, and Nevada. Since RVU also has campuses in Montana and Utah, I have made and maintained connections with many students and medical professionals from the area. Growth in medicine relies on mutual support and guidance. My journey through various leadership positions has equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively represent and support our region. 
At Rocky Vista University, I founded the Medical Specialty Committee with the support of faculty and peers. This initiative brought numerous national speakers to share insights on competitive fellowships in highly specialized medicine. Through the committee, my board members and I were able to represent the interests of the student body. We were able to host speakers who had shattered glass ceilings and encouraged students to do so as well. 
Concurrently, as Vice President of the ACOI-affiliated Internal Medicine Club, I honed my leadership skills and learned the balance of guiding and collaborating with others. This past year, we were able to host Dr. Kellee Randle on our campus who delivered a didactic and encouraging speech to our students on behalf of ACOI. My passion for internal medicine was further strengthened by understanding the necessity of a holistic approach to patient care. Internists, among other internal medicine physicians, require a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical needs, including their lifestyle and psychosocial factors, in order to inform other members of medical teams of that patient's care requirements. 
As a dedicated ACOI member, I value the relationships I have built with members and staff, including Kara Kerns. My communications with Cheyanne Izon, the previous student regional representative in ACOI, has made me further understand the requirements of this position. I am excited to attend the annual ACOI conference in Scottsdale to expand my network and deepen my existing relationships with ACOI affiliates. Representing Region V would be a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to promoting ACOI on a national scale. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support and advance our shared goals.