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
August 2026
Ranjit Virk, OMS-III, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) - Virginia.
Student Doctor Virk was nominated in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to his school, community, and osteopathic internal medicine.
In the realm of leadership, Student Doctor Virk holds several local, state, and national leadership roles, including as Co-Lab Manager of the Student Research Connect at VCOM, and National Coordinator for the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO). He has also served as National Liaison Officer for the VCOM - Virginia chapter of SAAO, and as an OMM Facilitator at VCOM - Virginia. Read more.
July 2026
Marisela Benitez, OMS-III, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) - South Georgia.
Student Doctor Benitez was nominated in recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to her school, community, and osteopathic internal medicine. As President of her campus SOIMA chapter, Student Doctor Benitez led and coordinated important initiatives for students, including a residency match panel, career and scholarly development discussions with internal medicine physicians, and an internal medicine speaker series. She also served in several other leadership positions at PCOM South Georgia, including as Vice President of the Cardiology Club and American Women's Medical Association; the Secretary of the Latino Medical Student Association; and the Treasurer of the Family Medicine Club. Read more.