PNWU student leaders recently represented the health sciences university and the next generation of osteopathic physicians at the American Osteopathic Association’s House of Delegates (AOA HOD) in Chicago, Illinois.
Executive Student Government Association (SGA) members Kirsten Huhl (Executive COM President) and Sabrina Vuong (Executive COM Vice President) joined national SOMA leadership — Celine Zalamea (President) and Amber Kisielewski (National Liaison) — at the annual gathering, which serves as the AOA’s primary policy-making body. Together, the delegates reviewed and voted on critical resolutions aimed at guiding the future of the osteopathic profession.
“It was an incredible opportunity to witness the process of policymaking and advocacy in action.”
“It was an incredible opportunity to witness the process of policymaking and advocacy in action,” said Student Dr. Huhl. “Being in the room where decisions are made, and seeing how student voices and perspectives can impact those decisions, was inspiring and so empowering.”
In attendance were also two of PNWU’s founding leaders: Dr. Monica Haines, DO, President of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association (WOMA), and Dr. Paul E. Emmans, DO, a WOMA delegate. Their continued leadership in state and national osteopathic affairs reinforces PNWU’s deep roots in advocacy and mission-driven service.
As future physicians, PNWU’s student leaders left the conference equipped with a stronger understanding of organized medicine, and a renewed commitment to shaping the health care systems they will soon lead.
“Together, our voices become a powerful force capable of truly creating change for the communities we come from and care for so deeply.”
“I encourage all PNWU students, and healthcare students everywhere, to seek out opportunities like this,” said Student Dr. Huhl. “Together, our voices become a powerful force capable of truly creating change for the communities we come from and care for so deeply.”
Photos courtesy of SGA and SOMA leadership.