ACOI Student of the Month Recognition Program
The ACOI Student of the Month Recognition Program is an opportunity to recognize osteopathic medical students who are outstanding members of their medical schools and their communities. ACOI wants to recognize these students and share their achievements with the ACOI community. Students who are recognized for this award will have demonstrated their commitment to their communities through community service, leadership, achievements in research, educational development, and personal achievement, among other things.
What are the criteria?
The ACOI Student of the Month Recognition Program is open to all current osteopathic medical students.
Who can nominate?
A student can be nominated by their fellow students, osteopathic physicians, and members of the medical school community.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for nominations is the 15th of each month.
How is the winner chosen?
ACOI will review all nominations and choose the winner each month.
What does the winner receive?
The winner of the ACOI Student of the Month recognition will be highlighted in the ACOI monthly newsletter and will receive a digital certificate signed by the ACOI President and the National Student Osteopathic Internal Medicine Association (N-SOIMA) President.
2026 Winners
March 2026
Angelo Monaco, OMS-II, VCOM-Carolinas.
Angelo Monaco was nominated in recognition of his outstanding commitment to osteopathic internal medicine through service, leadership, scholarship, education, and professionalism. He consistently demonstrates compassion and a patient-centered approach rooted in osteopathic philosophy. He volunteers at community health events offering blood pressure checks, diabetes counseling, and preventive care education to underserved populations. His approachable communication style helps patients better understand chronic disease management and empowers them to make sustainable health choices.
As an active member of SOIMA, Angelo leads by example. He organizes multidisciplinary case-based discussions that highlight the integration of osteopathic principles with internal medicine practice. He mentors first- and second-year students on clinical reasoning and professional development, improving the preparedness and confidence of those entering their first hospital rotations. Read more.
February 2026
Maria Fricko, OMS-III, CHSU-COM.
Maria Fricko is a deeply committed student doctor and natural leader who consistently demonstrates initiative, compassion, and a strong drive to uplift both her peers and her broader community.
Student Doctor Fricko currently serves as the Vice President of her school’s Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG), where she has organized impactful speaker events, hands-on clinical workshops, and leads the clinical skills mock practical for first-year students, helping her peers grow in both confidence and clinical reasoning. Her leadership extends far beyond campus: she is the Vice Chair of Chapter Development for the California Medical Association Medical Student Section (CMA MSS) and serves as her school’s delegate to the CMA House of Delegates, advocating for medical students across the state. She also serves as Vice President of her school’s Pathology Club, helping bridge the gap between foundational sciences and clinical medicine. Read more.