As Parliamentarian of the nation’s longest-standing and largest independent network of osteopathic medical students, Student Doctor Ketchum will help to advocate for the collective interests of more than 15,000 of her osteopathic peers.
Monica Ketchum, OMS III, was recently elected as Parliamentarian of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), the student arm of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
As Parliamentarian, Student Doctor Ketchum will chair SOMA’s resolutions committee, which evaluates submitted resolutions, receives feedback from members, and provides recommendations to the AOA’s House of Delegates on the best course of action for resolutions.
“We want to make sure that resolutions that become policy are well-written, researched, and purposeful,” Ketchum explained. “We also advocate to other organizations based on passed resolutions, so we want to make sure our best foot is forward when going to these other stakeholders. The goal is to have policy that helps enact meaningful change.” In addition to her role as Parliamentarian, Student Doctor Ketchum will also serve as SOMA’s delegate to the AOA House of Delegates.
“I knew the other people also running, and they were immensely qualified,” said Ketchum, reflecting on the news of her election. “It’s wonderful to know the chapter leaders thought I was the best person for the job, and I’m looking forward to living up to those expectations.”
Student Doctor Ketchum hopes to use the role to get other osteopathic medical students excited about advocacy and being involved in their professional organizations. “Whether you’re in your local, state, specialty, or national organization, there are always laws or issues that need input from the medical community,” she explained. “By getting students involved early in their medical career, it should carry into their professional careers.”