Internal Medicine Interest Group of the Month: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)
The Internal Medicine Club at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is proudly one of the largest and most active clubs on campus, extending memberships to 30% of the student body. Our mission is to bring together students who share an interest in internal medicine and educate them about the many opportunities available in this diverse field. The club promotes leadership, education, and service to the community to foster the development of skilled and compassionate osteopathic physicians.
Under the guidance of ACP Member, Patrick Ryan, MD, the club leadership includes Rebecca S. Barrett, OMS-II (President), Matt Pugh, OMS-II (Vice President), Calvin Yang, OMS-II (Treasurer), and Wynee Lou, OMS-I (Secretary).
This year we hosted our Second Annual Blood Drive open to WVSOM and the greater community of Lewisburg, WV. Dubbed "The Bleed Off", the blood drive was a competition between the first and second-year students for the most units of donated blood. Through the combined efforts of our volunteers, donors, and partnership with the American Red Cross, 75 units of blood were donated. The second-year students won the competition and received a pizza party on the house.
In October, a pioneering team of third-year students entered into the Medical Student Doctor's DilemmaTM competition at the 2009 WV Chapter Scientific Meeting of the ACP. Our students competed with fourth-year students from WVU and Marshall medical schools. This marked the first year that WVSOM was represented at the ACP statewide competition, and we hope to continue our participation at future meetings.
In November, we hosted our Second Annual Internal Medicine Club Week. In line with our mission, the week was comprised of a variety of activities to cater to students interested in internal medicine and to benefit the greater community. Dr. Ryan played Alex Trebek in a Jeopardy competition that was designed as a Step 1 Board Review for first and second-year students. We also hosted a chili cook-off, in which 26 chilies prepared by students, their families, and faculty were judged. Prizes were graciously donated by John Garlitz, DO and the WVSOM Bookstore. Proceeds were allotted to host future guest speakers and to benefit the local Children's Home Society. To conclude the week, we had the distinguished honor of hosting ACOI Board member John B. Bulger, DO, FACP, FACOI. Dr. Bulger's presentation was a case-based lecture that focused on analyzing liver function tests. He was highly energetic and his insight into the field of internal medicine was very beneficial.
The Children's Home Society (CHS) is our year-long community service project. The CHS is an emergency shelter for at-risk adolescents who are usually housed for no more than 90 days. Each week, volunteers go the CHS as mentors and engage the adolescents in learning activities to promote leadership, positive behavior, critical thinking, and communication skills.
students at WVSOM show an increasing interest in internal medicine each year. The spring semester looks promising, with several guest speakers and board review Jeopardy competitions being planned. It is our hope to continue to provide ample opportunities and resources to these students interested in such a diverse field.
Rebecca S. Barrett, OMS-II
President, WVSOM Chapter of SOIMA/IMIG
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2012
Email: rbarrett@wvsom.edu