Osteopathic leaders: DO, student elected to top AMSA positions

Two DO students have been elected to leadership positions with the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Earlier this spring, Joseph (Joey) Johnson, OMS IV, was elected president-elect for 2016-2017; he’ll lead the organization as president in 2017-2018. Johnson attends Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. AMSA’s 2016-17 national president also attended osteopathic medical school: Kelly Thibert, DO, just graduated from the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In fact, three of the last four AMSA president-elects have been osteopathic medical students.

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine interviewed both students about their accomplishments. Johnson hopes to focus his leadership on social justice issues. “Specifically, I want to focus on the four issues of institutional discrimination, health care access, rural health, and mental health,” he told AACOM.

Thibert is also excited to assume her new role. “I am thrilled to have been elected to serve as president for this wonderful organization. AMSA is a place where I have been able to learn many competencies that are not taught in medical school,” she said.

To learn more, read AACOM’s article on the students’ election to AMSA leadership positions.