STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Meet Our Student Leaders

Our leadership team is dedicated to achieving the goals of ACOS-MSS – to represent and educate future osteopathic surgeons through local chapters of ACOS-MSS. Learn more about our student leaders below.

Jia Yi Koh

Chair

OMS-IV, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Detroit Medical Center Campus

Surgical Interest: Cardiothoracic

Born and raised in Malaysia, I am a former collegiate athlete who traded her swim caps for scrub caps. During my downtime, I like unwinding with cozy indie games, getting lost in fantasy novels, or taking strategic cat naps with my two Maine Coon mix companions. I am currently learning how to play tennis (very enthusiastically though perhaps not yet skillfully).

Chair.StudentSection@facos.org

Hannah Valdez

Vice Chair

OMS-IV, Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harrogate Campus

Surgical Interest: General Surgery

I will always be a Georgia girl, but I’ve spent the last few years falling in love with Tennessee. As most retired collegiate swimmers do, I fill my spare time being active playing pickleball and golf or running with my doodle puppy. I was honored to serve as a volunteer firefighter the last 2 years during didactics. I do love to relax I swear, I usually wind down with a good crime fiction book or Bible study!

ViceChair.StudentSection@facos.org

Jackson Watson

Secretary

OMS-III, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Surgical Interest: Orthopedic/Critical Care

I grew up in St. Michael, Minnesota, but moved to Wisconsin for college. There I worked as an emergency room technician, where I quickly became drawn to the teamwork, adrenaline, and shared sense of purpose that come with caring for critically ill and injured patients. I also found myself increasingly fascinated by surgery and ultimately solidified my desire to pursue a surgical career. Outside of medicine, I enjoy weightlifting, cooking, and finding new ways to convince myself that long runs are a reasonable way to relax.

Secretary.StudentSection@facos.org

Nic Ritcheson

Treasurer

OMS-III, Duquesne University Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine

Surgical Interest: Transplant/Trauma

After growing up in sunny Southern California, I’ve steadily made my way east to the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh! I’m still getting used to the idea of seasons, but my upcoming rotations will let me be in denial for a little while longer (at least during the day). Outside of the hospital, you’ll find me exploring Pittsburgh’s food scene, adventuring with my dog, or planning my next trip abroad.

Treasurer.StudentSection@facos.org

Olivia Simcox

Communications Chair

OMS-III, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine

Surgical Interest: Trauma

As a Hoosier born and raised, I’m a Midwest girl who loves basketball and quality time with family, especially with my Calico cat, Bug. When I’m not studying (rarely), you can find me staying active by lifting weights or watching Law & Order: SVU on repeat. I love a good challenge, so I’m always up for learning something new and connecting with others along the way!

Communications.StudentSection@facos.org

Zainab Sayla

Conventions Chair

Research Year, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine – California

Surgical Interest: Neurosurgery

As a Chicago raised NYC convert, you can count on me to have opinions on your pizza preferences! When I’m off the clock, you can typically find me binge reading fiction and fantasy novels cuddled up next to my moody tuxedo cat or on a figure skating rink (falling a lot).

Convention.StudentSection@facos.org

Ben Galinson

Technology Chair

OMS-IV, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Old Westbury

Surgical Interest: Cardiothoracic

Born and raised on Long Island, NY, where we have the best bagels and pizza. I enjoy staying active, spending my free time skydiving, playing baseball and regularly working out at Orangetheory. When I am ready to relax, I like reading sci-fi and fantasy books, or finding a new show on one of the way too many streaming platforms I am subscribed to.

Technology.StudentSection@facos.org

Harrison Dean

Research Chair

OMS-IV, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Jonesboro

Surgical Interest: Cardiothoracic

I’m from Rogers, Arkansas, and grew up enjoying everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer, from great local coffee to time outdoors, especially on the golf course. Outside of medicine, I am deeply invested in card and board games and am always looking for a chance to spend time with friends and enjoy a great game together, and you can always find me cheering on the Razorbacks.

Research.StudentSection@facos.org

Manogna Nuthi

Member at Large

OMS-IV, Midwestern University Arizona college of Osteopathic Medicine

Surgical Interest: Plastics/General Surgery

Texan through and through, I grew up in Dallas and moved to Phoenix for medical school. I knew I wanted to do surgery after learning to do micro-device construction and implantation on animal models in my college research lab. Everything about surgery excites me, from the good ol’ Appy’s to the complex craniofacial reconstructions! Besides medicine, I’ve collected a range of hobbies from Indian classical dance to Costco weekend sampling (Yes, I go just for the samples sometimes). I also enjoy traveling, home organization, volleyball, and spending time with my German Shepherd, Leo!

MemberAtLarge.StudentSection@facos.org