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 Surgery
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).
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!
Jacob Meier
Secretary
OMS-III, A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical Interest: General Surgery
I grew up in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” where I found a passion for spending time outdoors, whether that was hiking, ice skating, skiing, or camping! I love a good cup of coffee, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Nic Ritcheson
Treasurer
OMS-III, Duquesne University Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical Interest: Transplant/Trauma Surgery
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.
Olivia Simcox
Communications Chair
OMS-III, Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
Surgical Interest: Trauma Surgery
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!
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).
Ben Galinson
Technology Chair
OMS-IV, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Old Westbury
Surgical Interest: Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
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.
Harrison Dean
Research Chair
OMS-IV, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine – Jonesboro
Surgical Interest: Cardiothoracic Surgery
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.
ACOS-MSS NATIONAL SUBCOMMITTEES TO BE ANNOUCED