1. Chi Alpha Chapter

3.  The MISSION of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians for the rural and medically underserved areas of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Appalachian Region, and to improve human health especially of those most in need.  VCOM-Carolinas Campus opened it’s doors for the first class of students in 2011  Class size: 162 students

4.  President Tyler Cecil  Vice-President Jason Djohn  Secretary Chelsea Porter  Membership Chair Stuart Drew

5.  Matthew Cannon, DO Undergraduate- Clemson University Medical school- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine South Carolina Delegate to the AOA South Carolina Osteopathic Medical Society- President Family Medicine Chair – VCOM Carolinas

6.  Class of 2015 33 members  Class of 2016 28 members

7.  Must have a 3.8 GPA or higher at VCOM at end of block 3 or block 7.  After induction, must maintain a 3.65 GPA  Must have no current or pending academic deficiencies.  Must be in good standing with VCOM, (ie, no current or pending behavioral infractions, no academic probation, no failing grades, etc).  Recommended minimum service hours:  2 nd year- 20 hrs/year  3 rd &4 th years- 10 hrs/year  Must have all Honors and High Passes with no more than one “pass” on rotations.  Must submit a one time membership fee of $50 ($35 for national & $15 for local chapter).

8.  Students who do not meet the requirements for continued membership will be placed on probation and go under a review by the Sigma Sigma Phi faculty advisor, Dr. Matthew Cannon, D.O.  All members of SSP Chi-Alpha Chapter shall demonstrate the qualities mentioned in both VCOM’s mission and the purpose statement of the national Sigma Sigma Phi honors fraternity.

9.  Academic Writing Internship  Board Preparation  Community Service Events

10.  Osteopathic Family Physician The Official Peer-Reviewed Publication of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians  Members work via weekly video conference with editors of the journal through the entire journal process, including reviewing & selecting articles to be put into print.

11.  As OMS II’s, SSP members gain the sought after experience of being involved with publication. 5 members from each class of SSP inductees are selected.  This is a wonderful opportunity to work at a high academic level very early in one’s osteopathic career.  Students are involved in the peer-editing of the journal on a monthly basis, resulting in their acknowledgement in the publication.

12.  Board questions Members write board style questions to share with all students as an encouragement to review previous material and begin studying early for board examinations.

13.  “Preview” courses for OMS I students The purpose of “preview” courses would be to familiarize students with the terminology and basics of subjects before they are taught by faculty. Weekend “classes” led by members of SSP who are strong in the subject.  Through teaching, members will solidify material.

14.  Sharing Success Similar to mentoring, members will be paired with SSP members in the OMS III/IV class. The more senior members can share the techniques that helped them score well on their board examinations as well as provide information of the best way to prepare for clinical rotations.

15.  Contact: Tyler Cecil wcecil@carolinas.vcom.edu