Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia Campus Blacksburg, VA Sigma Sigma Phi – Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity Chi Chapter Orlando, FL – OMED Conference – October 18, 2015

VCOM- Virginia Campus

Officers and Advisors  Outgoing President- Evin Guilliams  Outgoing Vice President- Michael Sternberg  Current President- David Klein  Vice President- Timothy Keegan  Secretary/Treasurer- Sarah Murphy  Membership Chair- Victoria Kelly  Advisors- Dr. Chris Reilly, Dr. Megan Thomas, Mr. Bill King, Ms. Julianne Jordan

Membership Criteria  Must have a 3.80 GPA or higher at VCOM at end of first year or second year  Must have no current or pending academic deficiencies  Must be considered in good standing with VCOM (e.g., no current or pending behavioral infractions, no academic probation, etc.)  Must be willing to provide advice or counsel to other medical students or potential medical students on the values and benefits of being an osteopathic physician

Maintaining Membership  Maintain GPA > 3.65  Students with a GPA below 3.65 after induction will go under probation and review  Complete Board Question of the Day Requirement  Attend SSP events  Recommended Service Hours  OMS-II – 20 hours/year  OMS III/IV – 10 hours/year

Activities Members Participated in  White Coat Ceremony and Graduation Ceremony  Peer Tutoring  Golden Apple Award  Dr. Eben Alexander presentation and discussion  Free physical exams at Apple Ridge Farm  Board Question of the Day  Medical Mission Trips  Morale boosting events during final exam weeks  “A Taste of Inspiration” fundraiser for the Special Olympics  DO Day on the Hill

About the Golden Apple  The purpose of the “VCOM Golden Apple” is to recognize those faculty members who are dedicated to educating, mentoring, and inspiring VCOM students.  Criteria Considered By Students (the Judges):  Faculty member’s teaching skills and style  Enthusiasm for teaching  Professionalism  Approachability and availability  One biomedical and one clinical faculty member are selected.

Dr. Sofia Abraham-Hardee Dr. Blaise Costa

Dr. Eben Alexander  Neurosurgeon and New York Times bestselling author  Gave an inspirational talk to VCOM students and faculty about his life, work, and books

Apple Ridge Farm  Members helped Dr. Megan Thomas, D.O. (SSP Advisor) provide free physical exams for children at the Apple Ridge Farm summer camp.  This camp was designed to help bring students from low income families together for a fun and educational summer.

Medical Mission Trips  Members have volunteered on Medical Mission Trips to Honduras, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. El Salvador

Special Olympics  Members volunteer at the annual “Taste of Inspiration” event supporting the Special Olympics.  Members volunteer at Special Olympics athletic events.

Board Question of the Day  Faculty members and SSP members compose board-style questions on various medical topics.  Questions are broadcast over our television system so that they can be seen throughout the whole building daily.

Future Plans  Maintain an active group of members  Provide more medical volunteering opportunities  Invite more inspiring speakers, like Dr. Eben Alexander

Questions?