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Students and faculty from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) made a powerful impact at the American Osteopathic Association's annual , held March 26-27, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A delegation of 24 medical students, ranging from first- to fourth-year, attended with a strong passion for engaging in medical advocacy on a national level. 

CCOM's Leadership in Health Policy

The (SOMA) chapter at CCOM organized the trip, with students representing states nationwide, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Missouri, Florida, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.

DO Day on the Hill is an annual event where osteopathic medical students and professionals advocate for policies that benefit physicians, students, and patients.

“This year, CCOM’s delegation focused on key legislative priorities, including protecting physician practices through Medicare payment reforms, securing funding for Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) programs, and expanding Medicaid and telehealth services,” said Vani Ganesh (CCOM ’27), SOMA National Liaison Officer. “Students also had the unique opportunity to educate and promote osteopathic medicine to legislators and congresspeople.”

Advocating for the Future of Medicine 

CCOM student doctors joined forces with fellow advocates to champion the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879). This critical legislation aims to prevent further reductions in Medicare physician payments, ensuring that osteopathic physicians, especially those serving in rural and underserved areas, can continue to provide high-quality care.

“One of the most important parts of medicine is being an advocate. We are future advocates to our patients and to the medical community as a whole,” Vani said. “Getting the opportunity to participate in events like D.O. Day on the Hill and using our voices to create change inspires us to be better future leaders and advocates. Being a part of something like this helps us to learn more about how policy impacts medicine and how we can be a part of the future of medicine in our country.”

During the day, the students collaborated with ������Ƶ faculty member Theresa Hubka, D.O., current President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Kevin Gordon, D.O., Gina Fournie, Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) Executive Director, and faculty mentors from ������Ƶ.

Celebrating Student Leadership

CCOM students were not only strong advocates but also received national recognition for their leadership. They earned a Golden Femur Award Chapter of the Year from SOMA for their commitment to continued activism.
Vani Ganesh (CCOM ’27) was named the National Director of Public Relations for SOMA, furthering her leadership in student advocacy. Kelly McGowen (CCOM ’27), CCOM’s chapter president, was honored as SOMA Officer of the Year, while Ava DiGirolamo (CCOM ’26) completed her term as National Junior Pre-SOMA Director, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.

Students who attended DO Day on the Hill were: Abby Anderson (CCOM ’28), Anya Athan (CCOM ’27), Noah Ben-Isvy (CCOM ’28), Miranda Debot (CCOM ’28), Quinlan Degnan (CCOM ’28), Ava DiGirolamo (CCOM ’26), Kristine Flanagan (CCOM ’27), Rebecca Furstenau (CCOM ’26), Vani Ganesh (CCOM ’27), Eriq Gasse (CCOM ’27), Isaac Johnson (CCOM ’25), Madison Katz (CCOM ’26), Grace Maloney (CCOM ’27), Grant Mauthe, (CCOM ’28), Safia Mohiuddin, (CCOM ’28), Trevor Naser, (CCOM ’28), Riya Patel, (CCOM ’28), Hannah Pugh (CCOM ’28), Chirag Shah (CCOM ’26), Dana Sheldon (CCOM ’28), Kaylee Stowe (CCOM ’27), Jackson Sweeney, (CCOM ’28), Zoe Trujillo (CCOM ’28), Mary Kate Whiteside (CCOM ’27), and Margo Winter, (CCOM ’25).
 
CCOM’s presence at DO Day on the Hill exemplifies the power of student engagement in shaping the future of medicine.