ACOS-MSS

The national medical student section of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (@ACOSurgeons).

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Interested in learning more about plastic and reconstructive surgery? Join us on October 27 at 8PM EST for the next installment of our Subspecialty 101 Series featuring Jaime Moenster, DO, DFACOS, FACS, and Tristan Palmer, DO, PGY-2!

Our panelists will share insights into their career paths, residency training, day-to-day practice, and the evolving landscape of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the specialty, ask questions, and gain valuable advice from physicians at different stages of their surgical careers!

We hope to see you there! 🩺👏

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

2026 ACOS-MSS FALL CONFERENCE RECAP! ⚜️🩺

It’s already been one week since the 2026 ACOS-MSS Fall Conference in New Orleans, and we’re still reminiscing about an incredible weekend!

From engaging educational sessions and hands-on experiences to networking opportunities and unforgettable memories, this year’s conference brought together medical students from across the country to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared passion for surgery.

A huge thank you to our speakers, organizers, volunteers, and attendees for making this conference such a success! Your enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to the future of osteopathic surgery made this weekend truly special.

And a special thank you to @curtis_sprague for taking these AMAZING photos of conference! 📸

Swipe through to relive some of our favorite moments from New Orleans! We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone at the next conference! 🎉

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Interested in surgical research? ACOS-MSS is excited to announce that applications are now open for our Research Project Proposal Competition! 🔬

This initiative is designed to support medical students in developing feasible, high-quality surgical research projects under the guidance of an experienced project lead or principal investigator. Whether you’re looking to expand your research experience or bring a new idea to life, this is a great opportunity to take the next step in your research journey!

Application deadline is October 30 at 11:59 PM EST. You can find the application link in our Linktree. We look forward to seeing your innovative research ideas! 🩺📚

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Congratulations to Tobias Fuchs, our September Student Researcher of the Month! 👏

Tobias, a third-year medical student at VCOM-Virginia, has built an impressive research portfolio spanning cardiothoracic surgery, congenital heart disease, mechanical circulatory support, and surgical simulation. Beyond his own work, he is passionate about expanding research opportunities for fellow medical students, serving on national research committees and founding VCOM’s Cardiothoracic Research Interest Group. His dedication to research, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others makes him a true leader in student scholarship. We are so proud to recognize him for his dedication to the field.

Congratulations, Tobias! 🎉

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Congratulations to September's Student Doctor of the Month, Michelle Azzi, OMS-II from UIW-SOM! 🎉

Michelle has distinguished herself through her exceptional leadership, dedication to surgery, and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for her peers and community. As President of her ACOS-MSS chapter, she has gone above and beyond to organize educational, interactive, and service-focused initiatives, including surgery simulation experiences, practice lab exams, fun surgical clinics, and a successful Teddy Bear Surgery Clinic with the San Antonio Ronald McDonald House. Through these efforts, she has supported students across multiple class years while also expanding her chapter’s impact within the San Antonio community. Beyond her accomplishments, Michelle is known for being a dependable, positive, and compassionate leader who is always willing to support her board and those around her. Her passion for surgery, dedication to service, and willingness to take on new responsibilities have made her an outstanding representative of ACOS-MSS.

We are proud to recognize Michelle for her leadership, hard work, and commitment to serving others! 👏

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Ready to strengthen your research skills? Join ACOS-MSS and ORIGINS for our upcoming How To: Research Statistics session with Audrey Vasauskas, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Research and Associate Professor of Physiology at Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine! This event will be on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 8PM EST 📊

Learn more about research statistics and gain practical insight to help you better understand and apply in your own research! We can’t wait to see you there! ���

[ACOS @ACOSurgeons]

👏 Congratulations to Benjamin Lam, D.O., DFACOS, FACOS, FACS, on his induction as President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons!

For more than 25 years, Dr. Lam has combined clinical practice with a deep commitment to surgical education, mentorship, and organized medicine. His extensive service to ACOS and his contributions to osteopathic surgical education have helped strengthen the profession and support future generations of surgeons.

As he begins his term as President, Dr. Lam shared a simple message that reflects his approach to leadership and service:

“Don’t Just Do Well. Do Good ... As Well.”

We look forward to his leadership and vision as he guides the College into its next chapter and continues his commitment to excellence, service, and the advancement of osteopathic surgery.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lam on this important new role!

#ACOSACA2026 #LightingTheFire

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

ACOS-MSS MERCH SALE IS HERE! 🛍️

Show off your ACOS-MSS pride with our latest merch! From Patagonia full-zips and vests to scrub caps, YETI cups, hats, backpacks, lunch boxes, and more, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to check out the available options and get your order in before the sale ends! Merch is only available for TWO WEEKS, so don’t miss out! 👀

Orders ship directly to you, and group discounts are also available for schools ordering together.

Scan the QR code on the graphic for more information and to place your order! 💙💛

We can’t wait to see you repping ACOS-MSS! 🩺

[ACOS @ACOSurgeons]

🔥 Welcome to ACA 2026! 🔥

We’re excited to welcome osteopathic surgeons to New Orleans for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons’ Annual Clinical Assembly!

This year’s theme, “Lighting the Fire: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation of Osteopathic Surgeons,” celebrates the knowledge, mentorship, leadership, and passion that connect generations of osteopathic surgeons and help shape the future of our profession.

Get ready for an exciting meeting filled with education, collaboration, networking, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the osteopathic surgical community.

Learn more and explore the full meeting details at https://t.co/Hf88IoBZIj.

📸 Share your ACA 2026 experience on social media using #ACOSACA2026 and #LightingTheFire for a chance to win a plush blanket!

We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans!

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Ready to make the most of your conference experience? We’re kicking off a Social Media Bingo Challenge during the 2026 ACOS-MSS Fall Conference! ⚜️📱

Complete the challenges throughout the conference and mark them off your bingo card as you go! For each social media square, post to your Instagram Story or feed, tag @acosmss, and complete 5 squares in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—to get BINGO! 👀

Once you achieve a BINGO, take a screenshot of your completed card and email it to Olivia Simcox, ACOS-MSS Communications Chair, at [email protected] to receive extra points in the race for the social media award🏆

Be sure to tag us in your posts and keep an eye out for opportunities to complete your card throughout the weekend! 🩺🎲

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

We’re highlighting an opportunity for medical students interested in pursuing neurosurgery: the Cincinnati Neurosurgery Gap Year Scholars Program. 🧠 This year-long program provides students from DO and MD programs without a home neurosurgery residency with additional research, clinical exposure, mentorship, and academic neurosurgery experience before applying for residency.

Interested in learning more? Visit the link in our Linktree to explore the program and application details! 🩺

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Looking to connect with a mentor who can help guide your journey toward a career in surgery? Join ACOS-MSS on September 21 at 8PM EST for our Mentor Match Overview with Dr. Michael A. Burchett, the ACOS Mentorship Committee Chair! 👏

Learn more about the Mentor Match program, how to build meaningful mentorship connections, and how mentors can provide valuable guidance as you navigate medical school, residency, and your future surgical career!

Come learn how you can get connected and take the next step in building your surgical network! 🤝

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Preparing for residency interviews? Join ACOS-MSS for an interactive session featuring Andrew Vogel, DO, Ishan Perera, DO, and Schafer Paladichuk, DO as they share their experiences and advice for navigating the residency interview process! 👏

Come learn how to prepare for interviews, present yourself confidently, and make a strong impression throughout the residency application season!

Whether you’re applying this cycle or just starting to think about residency, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from residents who have recently been through the process! 🩺

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Congratulations to August’s Student Doctor of the Month, Braden Young, OMS-II, from ACOM! 🎉

Braden has distinguished himself through outstanding academic performance, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout his medical education, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of pre-clinical concepts while consistently approaching his coursework with preparation, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to continually improve. Beyond the classroom, Braden is a supportive and respected member of his learning community, readily sharing his knowledge and contributing positively to his peers’ educational experiences. His humility, compassion, strong work ethic, and patient-centered mindset exemplify the qualities of an outstanding future physician, making him highly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, Braden! 👏

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Congratulations to Makalie Lackey, OMS-III from OSU-COM, on being recognized as ACOS-MSS August Student Researcher of the Month (SROM)! 🎉

Makalie's passion for innovative research projects and dedication to mentoring and expanding research opportunities for students at OSU-COM truly embody the spirit of osteopathic excellence. We’re excited to celebrate her achievements and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the field of surgery, as a researcher and mentor! 👏

[ACOS @ACOSurgeons]

Surgical training can teach you how to care for your patients, but some of the most important lessons are about caring for yourself. ACOS member Rebecca Douglass, D.O., reflects on the importance of emotional resilience and knowing when to ask for help.

What is one thing I wish u knew earlier in your surgical training?

"Emotional resilience and knowing when to ask for help is vital for a long and successful career as surgeon that I wish I realized earlier on. As surgeons, we see and do very difficult things on a daily basis. We are taught to be self sufficient and to sometimes ignore our own feelings to get through a hard day. It is vital that we learn early on how to process the emotional toll our jobs take on us and that it is ok to ask for help from your surgical colleagues, family, and friends."

Knowing when to lean on others is an important part of building a long and sustainable career in surgery. What’s one lesson you wish you had learned earlier in your training?

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

Join ACOS-MSS on September 8 at 8PM EST for the next installment of our Subspecialty 101 Series: Orthopedic Surgery! Hear from a panel of orthopedic surgery residents as they share their experiences and perspectives on pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery. 🦴

Our panelists will discuss their career paths, residency training, day-to-day practice, and the evolving landscape of orthopedic surgery, providing valuable insight for students interested in exploring the specialty.

Whether orthopedic surgery is already on your radar or you’re simply interested in learning more about the specialty, we hope you’ll join us! 👏

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

We’re kicking off our Chapters in Action series by highlighting Kansas City University – Joplin, whose commitment to service and community outreach truly sets their chapter apart. From volunteering in their local community to creating opportunities for their members to give back, KCU-Joplin consistently demonstrates the impact ACOS-MSS chapters can make beyond the classroom.

Their dedication to service earned them the Volunteering Award at the 2026 ACOS-MSS Spring Conference! 👏 We’re proud to recognize KCU-Joplin and celebrate the incredible work their members are doing in the community.

Keep an eye out as we continue highlighting ACOS-MSS chapters in action from across the country! 💙

[ACOS-MSS @ACOS_MSS]

🎺 ACOS-MSS Fall Conference Early Bird Registration is OPEN! 🎺

Join us October 2–3 in New Orleans, LA for the 2026 ACOS-MSS Fall Conference! This year’s conference will be held alongside the Annual Clinical Assembly (ACA), giving medical students the opportunity to participate in dedicated ACOS-MSS programming while also having the option to attend additional ACA programming and specialty tracks. Early bird registration closes August 24 at 11:59 PM EST!

Still have questions about the difference between the ACA and ACOS-MSS Fall Conference or how to attend additional ACA programming? Swipe through our FAQs for more information!

Don’t miss your chance to connect with fellow medical students, learn from osteopathic surgeons, and make the most of your conference experience! Register through the link in our bio!

[ACOS @ACOSurgeons]

Meet ACOS member Nicole Duskey, DO! 🩺

Dr. Duskey successfully matched into general surgery and shared her top advice for navigating the ERAS application as residency season approaches. Check out her tips below:

✔️ Use a blank document or piece of paper to brainstorm all of the things you’ve done and organize them
✔️ Use bullet points or concise sentences when describing your experiences, no long paragraphs
✔️ Do thorough research into the programs you’re applying to and whether they align with your scores and amount of research so you aren’t spending money on programs you aren’t a strong candidate for
✔️ Use signals strategically

Best of luck to everyone preparing their residency applications! What advice would you add for this year's applicants?