American Osteopathic Association president visits Campbell Medicine

AOA president encourages Campbell medical students to engage with their osteopathic medical family

Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed American Osteopathic Association (AOA) President, Ronald Burns, DO, FACOFP, and his wife, Janet, to Buies Creek on Oct. 11, for a campus visit with Interim Dean Powers, faculty, staff, and students.

One of the highlights of his visit was the opportunity for MS-I and MS-II students to learn more about the AOA and its support for the osteopathic physician and medical student community.

“This is your professional family,” said Burns. “The American Osteopathic Association is here to assist and support you throughout your journey.”

He encouraged students to eliminate self-doubt and self-imposed stress throughout medical school and, as they enter the profession, to always be present each step of the way.

“[Medical school] goes really fast,” he said. “Enjoy where you are and the relationships you have because at the end of the day that’s what’s really important.”

First and second year medical students with Dr. Burns during his visit to Campbell.

Photo: Shelley Hobbs

Burns also told students to always advocate for three things — the patient, the osteopathic family, and themselves — and to remember that they are never alone in the profession.

“The thing that most stood out to me about Dr. Burns’ visit was his referral to a professional family,” said Jessica Simmons-Josilevich, MS-II, and vice president of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), “and that’s what the AOA provides.”

Simmons-Josilevich further shared that when choosing Campbell, and now having been here for two years, her Campbell Family has been very important.

“It’s really nice and comforting to know that once I leave Campbell, I will still have a family looking out for me and all DOs!”

- Shelley Hobbs