From September 25–28, members of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) community joined osteopathic physicians, educators, and students from across the nation in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED)—the largest annual gathering of its kind.
Among the many PNWU representatives in attendance were student leaders Kirsten Huhl (SGA Executive COM President), Sabrina Vuong (SGA Executive COM Vice President), Celine Zalamea (SOMA President), and Amber Kisielewski (SOMA National Liaison), along with faculty members Dr. Joe DiMeo, Dr. Jessica DiNizio, and PNWU-COM Dean Dr. Thomas Scandalis.
“It was a privilege to attend OMED ‘25 alongside fellow student leaders and inspiring osteopathic physicians,” said Student Dr. Sabrina Vuong. “Among the highlights, it was such a pleasure to meet PNWU alumna Dr.Suk-Lin Zhou, who is currently an Internal Medicine resident at WSU and serves as the Postdoctoral Trainer Member on the AOA Board of Trustees. Her dedication to equity, advocacy, and advancing osteopathic medicine truly reflects the spirit of service we strive for at PNWU.”
During her tiDuring her time in Music City, Student Dr. Kirsten Huhl participated in national student leadership conversations, serving on the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) Public Relations Committee.
“It was an honor to work alongside members of the national PR committee and COSGP’s National PR Representative,” she said.
Keynote speaker Dr. Karen Nichols—a past president of the American Osteopathic Association and several other national organizations—left a lasting impression on attendees. One of her statements particularly resonated with Student Dr. Huhl.
“‘Put your own mask on first before you help others.’ Drawing from the airplane safety briefing, Dr. Nichols used this metaphor to emphasize that leadership begins with self-care,” she explained. “It powerfully highlights the truth that we cannot pour from an empty cup, and that self-care is a vital part of effective leadership.”
OMED 2025 gave PNWU students and faculty the chance to learn, connect, and strengthen their voice in the national osteopathic community.
“It was a privilege to represent PNWU alongside such dedicated peers and mentors,” added Student Dr. Huhl. “The conference showed me the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in ourselves so that we can serve others more effectively.”
