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
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.
January 2026
Katia Castillo, OMS-IV (VCOM-Louisiana)
Student Doctor Castillo exemplifies the definition of an inspiring and dedicated medical student. Throughout her four years of medical school, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving her community, advocating for women in healthcare, and uplifting her classmates.
Before medical school, Katia managed an OB/GYN clinic, where she organized care for high-risk pregnancies and provided mothers with information on safe living spaces and essential supplies. Early in medical school, she organized multiple health fairs in rural Louisiana, bringing vital care to minority communities. From the start, her heart for service has been unmistakable.
As a fluent Spanish speaker from a Latino background, Katia uses her skills to benefit others. Each year, she coordinates and teaches seminars in medical Spanish for classmates preparing for mission trips to Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. She has also attended these trips herself, providing care to at-risk populations. Her dedication extends beyond medicine: she has created gift baskets for Muslim holidays, raised funds for Christmas toy drives in the Dominican Republic, and given tours to local high school students to inspire future physicians. As a member of Louisiana Families for Vaccines, she attends community events to educate families on immunizations and provide vaccines in partnership with local health departments. She has also organized physician panels from Latino communities at VCOM, enriching cultural awareness within the student body. Read more.