NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Medical Student Government Association began celebrating its annual National Osteopathic Medicine Week on April 15 and will continue featuring a different activity each day until April 19 to educate the community about the osteopathic profession.
National Osteopathic Medicine Week is recognized by schools and associations across the nation. All NSU students, faculty and staff are invited, along with the general public. Osteopathic medicine focuses on muscle and skeletons treatment and recognizes the body’s ability to heal itself.
Trevine Albert, first-year student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and incoming president of Medical SGA, said, “I appreciate osteopathic medicine’s method to treat the whole individual, rather a specific illness. This medicine entails the mind, body and spirit. Everyone should be aware of it, because, from the way health care legislation is gearing toward, it is becoming more popular.”
On April 17 at noon, professionals in the field of health sciences — including Dean Anthony Silvagni, of NSU COM — will discuss their work experiences.
That night, a dinner and networking event called Osteopathic Night Out, will be held to benefit Can’t Stomach Cancer — a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness and funds for stomach cancer research — at the Quarterdeck restaurant in Davie, Fla.
On April 18, members of Medical SGA will table outside the Steel Auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. to demonstrate osteopathic manipulative treatments. Participants are encouraged to donate at least $1 and will receive an NSU National Osteopathic Medicine Week bracelet.
On the final day of the celebration, April 19, Medical SGA will host a carnival at the Terry Building patio from noon to 2 p.m. There will be free food snacks, games and a dunk tank, in which participants will have the chance to dunk professors and students.
Natalie Booth, first-year student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and incoming COM-SGA treasurer, said, “I’m looking forward to dunking my peers and professors in the dunk tank game. I also hope that students learn about and appreciate osteopathic medicine, and just how unique the profession is.”
The week of events was funded by Medical SGA and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, with support from the Student American Academy of Osteopathy.
Greggory Wilhoite, first-year student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and incoming Medical SGA parliamentarian, said, “I hope students become more aware of what osteopathic medicine encompasses. [The Healthy Professions Divison] has so many different professions under one roof but we should all learn as much as possible about each other. I hope the other colleges come out to learn about more us.”
For more information on National Osteopathic Medicine Week, email Trevine Albert at ta453@nova.edu.