Students

Networking

Ohio Osteopathic Symposium 

Each spring, DOs from across Ohio gather for the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium and the Ohio Osteopathic Association House of Delegates. Medical students play an integral role in this premier event by participating in the annual research poster competition and attending student-focused programming.

Students are invited to attend lectures and practice management workshops at no cost and to benefit from networking, leadership development, and firsthand exposure to the profession’s policymaking process. During the Symposium, the OOA House of Delegates convenes to elect officers, debate resolutions, and address key issues facing osteopathic medicine at the state and beyond.

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Events

The OOA Board of Trustees actively engages osteopathic medical students across Ohio through campus-based and statewide programming. The Board hosts receptions at the OU-HCOM Athens, Dublin, and Cleveland campuses, as well as events throughout the state. These popular “study break” receptions allow students to connect directly with OOA Board members, learn about District Academy activities, and build early professional relationships. OOA Districts further support this engagement by hosting dinner meetings and other activities with OMS III and OMS IV students.
 
In addition, the OOA Board collaborates closely with the OU-HCOM Student Government through leadership forums and training opportunities. This commitment to student leadership development continues to expand with new initiatives, including the 2025 OOA Strategic Plan, the inaugural White Coat Leaders Retreat, the 2025 Ohio DO Day at the Statehouse, and informal receptions following Board meetings, all designed to strengthen mentorship, advocacy awareness, and lifelong involvement in organized osteopathic medicine.
 
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Emerging DO Platform

The Emerging DO Platform is a digital community built by DOs, for DOs. Through Residency Insights, mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and specialty discussions, the platform helps osteopathic physicians and trainees connect, learn, and grow throughout their careers.

Members can also access DORA (Doctor of Osteopathic Resources Assistant), an AI-powered tool that provides trusted osteopathic information, educational resources, and career guidance, as well as the updated Career Center, featuring contract negotiation resources, resume/CV review services, career coaching, and additional tools to support career advancement.

Visit www.emergingdo.org to learn more and join the community.

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State Science Day  

Science Day
Each year since 1988, the OOA has presented six Osteopathic Medical Awards across two grade categories at the Ohio Academy of Science’s State Science Day, which draws more than 1,000 junior and senior high school students from across Ohio. In partnership with OU-HCOM’s Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), osteopathic medical students are encouraged to volunteer as judges to evaluate projects focused on medical, health, and behavioral research.  

A call for volunteers will be sent to all OOA members in the late spring.  Contact Heidi Weber at hweber@ohiodo.org if you are interested in volunteering. 

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