Candidates for Region IV Representative

Ahmad Alhamwi, OMS-II, University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

I'm Ahmad Alhamwi, a second-year student at TCOM running for ACOI Region IV Representative.

I got involved with SOIMA early in MS1, and it quickly became one of my most consistent commitments. This past year, I've helped organize events ranging from a GI and renal ultrasound workshop with USIG, to a MedPeds residency panel with Dr. Ariana Klein, to a field day co-hosted with Cardiology Club and Sports Club. I'm currently serving as Community Outreach Chair, where I've been building external partnerships and working to connect students with internal medicine in more hands-on, meaningful ways.

That experience showed me how much local chapters can accomplish with the right support; also, how much gets lost when communication with national leadership is inconsistent. As Region IV Rep, I'd be a reliable point of contact for chapter leaders across the region: someone they can actually reach, get updates from, and bring ideas to. I know what it's like to be in the early stages of building something without knowing who to ask for help. I want to be that resource.

Beyond SOIMA, I'm President of our Urology Student Association, an FYE Peer Mentor, and a volunteer with the Refugee Health Initiative, where I've provided care to immigrant and refugee patients in Fort Worth. I mention this not to list credentials but because I think it reflects how I work — I show up consistently, take on responsibility without needing a perfect structure, and care about the people around me. 

I also bring some personal context that feels relevant here. I immigrated from Syria and grew up navigating systems I didn't fully understand. I learned early how much it matters to have someone in your corner who knows the landscape. That's what I want to be for students in this region. 

I'm genuinely excited about the direction SOIMA is heading as a national organization and would be honored to contribute to that growth as your Region IV Representative.

Gia Calbaza, OMS-II, A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine            

My interest in serving as Regional Representative for SOIMA is driven by my commitment to pursuing internal medicine and my ability to translate leadership and advocacy experience into meaningful impact for the organization.

My upbringing in an immigrant family has given me a unique perspective on the socioeconomic barriers that shape a patient’s medical journey. Through both personal and clinical experiences, I have witnessed how language differences, financial constraints, and limited familiarity with the healthcare system can significantly impact patient outcomes. These experiences have reinforced a central truth that guides my path: illness is rarely just biological, it is shaped by access, understanding, and trust.

This perspective has strengthened my commitment to not only treat disease, but to understand the broader factors that influence its progression and a patient’s quality of life. Effective care requires more than diagnosing disease; it demands understanding the patient’s full story, including the barriers that shape their decisions and outcomes. Internal medicine, with its emphasis on comprehensive, longitudinal, and patient-centered care, reflects the physician I aspire to become, one who not only diagnoses, but also educates, advocates, and empowers patients to better understand and manage their health.

This goal has shaped my commitment to osteopathic medicine and to improving the systems that influence patient care. As Legislative Chair of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) at KCOM, I have engaged in policy review and helped keep students informed on legislative developments impacting osteopathic medical education and patient care. Through this role, I developed skills in advocacy, communication, and leadership that I am eager to apply on a broader scale.

As a first-generation American, college graduate, and medical student, I have developed a deep appreciation for mentorship and equitable access to educational resources. As Secretary of a First Generation Student Physician organization, I have been actively involved in outreach efforts connecting students with opportunities that support their academic and professional development, particularly those with limited access to mentorship.

My commitment to internal medicine, combined with my experiences in advocacy, mentorship, and outreach, has shaped my desire to contribute meaningfully to SOIMA at a national level. If selected as Regional Representative, I would work to strengthen student engagement by facilitating collaborative events across institutions, developing mentorship connections between students, residents, and physicians in internal medicine, and improving communication of ACOI and SOIMA opportunities to ensure students remain informed and involved. I am eager to contribute to a community that values collaboration, advocacy, and professional growth, and to support the next generation of osteopathic internists.

Timothy Lim, OMS-I, University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Hello, my name is Timothy Lim, and I am an OMS-I at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM). I have a long-standing passion for mentorship and resource development. During my undergraduate studies, I began as a volunteer organic chemistry tutor, creating practice materials and hosting class-wide review sessions. This experience inspired me to found the Organic Chemistry Excellence and Assistance Network (OCEAN). Through OCEAN, I broadened the scope of student support, improving access to academic resources, research and internship opportunities, and career guidance across various STEM fields, while also training our study group leaders in effective leadership and mentorship.

In medical school, I have continued this commitment to student support. I founded and currently lead the Allergy Immunology Student Interest Group (AISIG) to provide students at UNT Health with opportunities to explore asthma, allergy, and immunology. Through AISIG, I am developing a comprehensive program of educational events, clinical exposure, research discussions, and community outreach in collaboration with other student organizations. We have successfully partnered with the American College of Pediatricians (ACOP) and the Private Practice Interest Group (PPIG) to organize upcoming guest speaker sessions featuring insights from both private practice and academia. Additionally, through my involvement with Dr. Leslie Allsopp and the Asthma 411 program, I am working to expand our efforts into community health and outreach. Ultimately, AISIG serves as a forum to increase awareness of immunological disorders, facilitate networking with clinicians, and provide critical mentorship for students in the field.

Furthermore, as a recently selected Career Development Representative for the Advisory College Council, I serve as a primary point of contact for career guidance at TCOM. In this role, I direct classmates to essential resources and actively network with guest speakers and stakeholders to enhance our career development programming.

As a first-generation medical student, I know firsthand the difficulties of navigating medical education without built-in professional connections. I am running for Regional Representative to act as a liaison and bridge this gap for others across our region. By collaborating with local chapter leaders and advocating for our students to national leadership, I aim to provide easily accessible resources and promote the osteopathic values that prepare us to become exceptional physicians.

Erin Roulston, OMS-II, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

My name is Erin Roulston, and I am excited to apply for the position of Region 4 Representative for the Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (SOIMA) within ACOI. I am pursuing a career in internal medicine because I am drawn to its emphasis on critical thinking, continuity of care, and meaningful patient relationships. These are values that also shape how I approach leadership and collaboration.

What sets me apart as a candidate is my commitment to being both approachable and action-oriented. I believe an effective Regional Representative should not only communicate information but also actively engage with students and chapter leaders to understand their needs and turn feedback into meaningful initiatives. I prioritize being someone others feel comfortable reaching out to, whether it is to share ideas, ask questions, or seek support.

Throughout medical school, I have developed a strong appreciation for the role that mentorship, communication, and shared resources play in student success. These experiences have shaped my goal of making SOIMA more accessible and relevant to students across Region 4. If elected, I will work to ensure that chapters are consistently informed about ACOI and SOIMA opportunities and to create a more connected regional network where students can collaborate, exchange ideas, and support one another.

I am particularly passionate about strengthening communication between national leadership and local chapters. I plan to do this by maintaining consistent outreach to chapter leaders, sharing updates clearly and in a well-organized way, and advocating for the specific needs of our region. In addition, I hope to support and promote regional events that foster mentorship, professional development, and peer connection, helping students feel more engaged not only within their own schools but across the broader osteopathic community.

I aim to be a representative who listens, follows through, and genuinely advocates for their peers. I care deeply about creating opportunities for students to feel supported and inspired in their journey toward internal medicine. I would be honored to serve as your Region 4 Representative and contribute to a stronger, more connected SOIMA community.