CONVOCATION
FIRST TIME PERSPECTIVES
Reflections and Inspirations of First Time Convocation Goers
by Jessie Davis, OMS I, PNWU-COM-National Liaison
“In the midst of experiencing first year burnout, I was lucky enough to have several classmates encourage me to attend Convocation. From the very first lecture at Convocation, I was immediately reminded why I had chosen Osteopathic Medicine. While the daytime lectures themselves were amazingly informative, practical, and interactive, I was completely stunned upon walking into the large halls for the Evening with the Stars. I recall sitting amongst my peers, professors, and mentors feeling like I was part of a very special kind of family. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this way before, and it is this sentiment that has stayed with me since returning home. “
By Kelly A Mackessy, OMS I, CCOM, Chapter Secretary
As a first year student, the thought of going to an actual medical conference was exciting and a little intimidating. Here I was, about to represent my school a thousand miles from our campus. Because CCOM encourages students to attend conferences, I had several options when thinking about where to go and what kind of conference to attend. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to attend something where I would be challenged and be around enthusiastic people. After speaking with several older students, there seemed to be only one option- Convocation. I have a passion for OMT and hope to use it throughout my career in some capacity no matter what specialty I decide on and going to a conference where I would get to learn from educators from around the world and practice new skills was extremely enticing. Turns out, all the advice I was given was correct and Convocation was one of the best experiences of my first year in medical school. Meeting new students and faculty, as well as getting to know those from my own school on a more personal basis, was incredible. Being around those with such eagerness to pass along their knowledge of OMT and osteopathic medicine was phenomenal for a first year student who was trying to find her identity as a future osteopathic physician in this world of medicine. After Convocation, I even decided to run for secretary of the SAAO chapter at CCOM. As a member of the SAAO board, I plan to use my new skills in our clinical opportunities and encourage more students to attend Convocation next year. Convocation was inspiring and that experience will stay with me forever as I continue on my journey to becoming an osteopathic physician.
“Being around those with such eagerness to pass along their knowledge of OMT and osteopathic medicine was phenomenal for a first year student who was trying to find her identity as a future osteopathic physician in this world of medicine.“
-Kelly Mackessy, CCOM
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"Hands on Learning at Evening With the Stars."
-Photo by Nari Corley-Wheeler, PNWU-COM