ACOS-MSS Leaders

2023-2024



Chair

Samantha Santora
Email: [email protected]
OMS-IV
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine-Colorado
Surgical Interest: General Surgery


I am passionate about mentoring and advocating for osteopathic students interested in pursuing a surgical career. ACOS has provided me opportunities for mentorship, resources, and networking. As Chair, I want to continue advancing the success of osteopathic medical students applying for surgical specialties. This mission is one I feel strongly about as ACOS-MSS has made a difference in my medical career, and this position will provide me the platform to pass it forward to the next generation of medical students.


Vice Chair

Olivia Panchal
Email: [email protected]
OMS-IV
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical Interest: Orthopedic Surgery


I am passionate about medical education and furthering the success of osteopathic medical students in the surgical match. I’ve gained a tremendous number of opportunities through membership in ACOS-MSS. As the Vice Chair, I want to provide similar opportunities to other osteopathic students interested in surgery, particularly in research and mentorship.


Technology Coordinator
Connor English
Email:
[email protected]
OMS-III
A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical Interest: Trauma and General Surgery


ACOS-MSS is the only national organization that provides consistent resources and advocacy to osteopathic medical students interested in all surgical specialties. I'm passionate about mentorship, networking, and knocking down current barriers that stand between osteopathic students and their pursuit of surgery. As Tech Chair, I look forward to connecting people all over the country and making our organization's great resources more accessible to student members.



Conventions Coordinator
Allie Heineman 
Email:
[email protected]
OMS III
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine - Tampa
Surgical Interest: Neurological Surgery


ACOS-MSS has made a huge impact on my medical school journey. I am excited to advocate for future osteopathic surgeons and expand the reach of this organization to include more students, residents, and physicians. As Conventions Chair, I am organizing conferences so that aspiring osteopathic surgeons will have more networking opportunities, gain clinical skills, and the opportunity to explore different surgical specialties.


Communications Coordinator
Bebe Eke
Email:
[email protected]
OMS-III
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia Campus
Surgical Interest: Urology


ACOS-MSS has played an integral role in my journey to become a competitive surgical candidate and successfully match into a surgical residency. The organization's resources and education have been invaluable in increasing my knowledge and skills in various aspects of the surgical field. I am deeply committed to promoting the success of osteopathic medical students in surgical specialties. As the Communication Chair, I am dedicated to expanding the reach of the organization so that even more students can benefit from the fantastic resources and education that ACOS-MSS provides.


Research Coordinator
Kevin Seely
Email:
[email protected]
OMS-IV
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine-Utah
Surgical Interest: General Surgery


My clinical and research interests are broad, and I have published on topics including gastrointestinal malignancies, trauma and acute care, and patient safety in surgery. I also write a monthly column for the AOA's informal publication, "The DO," covering topics of interest to medical students. Outside of medicine and academics, I am an avid mountain biker and endurance sport enthusiast. I aim to mentor and provide the resources and platform for ACOS students to be successful at publishing research.


Secretary
Courtney Merwin
Email:
[email protected]
OMS-III
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical interest: General and Orthopedic Surgery


ACOS-MSS has provided research, personal and professional development, and lifelong friendships. I am passionate about mentorship and medical education, and hope to further these in order to help osteopathic medical students achieve their personal and professional goals. As Secretary, I hope to promote opportunities and engage students on their paths to surgical residencies.


Treasurer
Richie Cannella
Email:
[email protected]
OMS-IV
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia
Surgical interest: General Surgery


I am passionate about furthering surgical education and increasing mentorship opportunities for osteopathic students. ACOS-MSS has allowed me to grow my skills, professional connections and establish a large network for mentoring opportunities. It is important to give back to the next generation of DO surgeons and share the knowledge we have learned along the way. As Treasurer, I strive to improve access to scholarships for our members and strive to improve inclusivity and diversity at conferences by providing funds to those who are in financial need.