Candidates for Region III Representative

Remy Mathi, OMS-III, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

To my fellow future osteopathic internists,

I am honored to be considered for the role of Region 3 student representative of the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association. My mission will be to support the American College of Osteopathic Internists by expanding meaningful opportunities for medical students to engage with internal medicine physicians, residents, and fellows to learn more about the field from practicing physicians.

As the Region 3 representative, I will work with leadership to create more opportunities for internal medicine clubs and students to connect with ACOI physicians and encourage interest in the field of internal medicine from the first year in medical school. I will work to increase opportunities for students to explore internal medicine opportunities within our region. I will work with program directors and other internists in the region to create mentorship opportunities for students.  I desire to create a culture that not only deepens understanding of the field but also inspires students to pursue careers in internal medicine.

During my tenure as President of the Internal Medicine Club at CUSOM, I had the privilege of connecting students with practicing internists and subspecialists who provided valuable mentorship and insight into the diverse career pathways within internal medicine. The mentorship of these internists and subspecialists provided insight into the day-to-day operations of the various internal medicine careers as well as the path to achieving the different careers in internal medicine. Leading the internal medicine club strengthened my commitment to advancing mentorship and professional development for osteopathic medical students. 

I will work to improve collaboration between Region 3 internal medicine clubs, students, and the ACOI by connecting students and clubs with ACOI physicians. I also desire to expand mentorship opportunities with residents in our region who can provide current, firsthand guidance on residency planning and the Match process as well as insight into their respective programs. Additionally, I will work to encourage participation with the ACOI both by osteopathic students, residents, and physicians in Region 3. Finally, I will prioritize developing resources that empower senior students to mentor those in their preclinical years, fostering a supportive community that encourages access to research, shadowing, and career-building opportunities within the field of internal medicine.

I would be truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our community.

Sincerely,
Remy Mathi
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine | Class of 2027

Christian Palmer, OMS-II, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas

As a former college athlete, college ministry leader, and EMT, I’ve seen firsthand what quality leadership and teamwork can accomplish. In each of these settings, goals were not achieved by individual competence and willpower alone, but through the combined and well-directed efforts of different people who shared the same passion. For me, one of the most gratifying pursuits in life is to walk alongside others who share my passions and to help them grow in these areas. For this reason, I am excited to pursue this role as the Region 3 Representative for the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

One of my favorite aspects of ACOI is the abundance of events and online content made available for free to osteopathic students. Amidst all of the studying for exams and preparation for clinical rotations, it's easy to become fixated on what's in front of you and lose sight of our not-too-distant future as physicians. The ability, therefore, to step back and gain career insight through SOLID sessions, watch lectures on developments in the field, or connect with practicing internists at the annual conference is an incredible investment in our futures.

In light of the value that ACOI brings to students like myself with a passion for internal medicine, it would be an honor to contribute in any meaningful way to its continued pursuit of that mission. If chosen for this role, I would prioritize maintaining regular communication with local leaders around Region 3 and organizing valuable events to facilitate both learning and connections between students. In this way, I will be best equipped to advocate for the needs of local chapters, as well as enhance the collaborative culture between schools in the region.

Although I would bring my own skills and insight to this role, I believe that the greatest value will come from the many ideas of students I’m able to bring together from across my region. As one who is incredibly excited for the future of osteopathic medicine, it would be an honor to contribute to ACOI's mission of fostering the growth and success of students in Region 3 and around the country. Thank you for your consideration for the role of Region 3 Representative.

Christian E. Palmer - OMS-II
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Carolinas)

Ian Smith, OMS-II, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine           

To the student members of the ACOI,

My name is Ian Smith and I am a second-year student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine who is running for Region 3 Representative of ACOI SOIMA. I am running for this position because I am passionate about the field of Internal Medicine and want to create a strong connection between the national ACOI and students in Region 3. As the Region 3 representative, I will focus on supporting and showcasing events and initiatives chapters in my region will be holding. Furthermore, I will act as an intermediatory and proponent for chapters in my region who would like to introduce change or new ideas to the ACOI. As the region 3 representative, I would like to introduce the idea of creating a centralized platform of information pertaining to how physicians build their own private practice. My vision for starting this centralized resource is to help guide students who are interested in opening their own practice, offering them a trusted base of information from physicians in ACOI who currently, or have owned, their own practice.

Given the responsibility of being a regional representative for SOIMA, effective team-based leadership will be essential. Through my previous leadership positions, I have developed strong collaborative leadership skills that have allowed me to make meaningful change in various programs. For example, as the President of my class at WVSOM, I have had the opportunity to work closely with my school’s pre-clinical faculty adjusting our new curriculum based on the feedback I receive from my class. These changes have led to an increase in students’ understanding of material, student morale, and student exam scores. Furthermore, during my undergrad at the University of Virginia I served as the President of College Council, a council that represents the interests, ambitions, and academic needs of students within the College of Arts and Sciences. In this role, I had the opportunity to work closely with other student organization leaders and the College of Arts Administration and Faculty to address any issues students may be facing, thus improving student academic life within the College. 

Lastly, my goal is to ensure that students in region 3 feel that their voices are heard and to create an environment that will uplift students who are pursuing a career in internal medicine or any of its sub-specialties. Thank you for taking the time to read my statement and for your consideration in voting!