ALUMNA, REBECCA KASENGE, DO ‘06 PRESENTS AT PRE-SOMA EVENT
UNE COM invited pre-medical students and advisors to campus for the Northeast Pre-SOMA Conference 2019 to learn more about Osteopathic Medicine, Osteopathic medical schools and the benefits of participating in a Pre-Student of Osteopathic Medicine (Pre-SOMA) club. The conference included general information sessions, OMM demonstrations, medical student panels, and a Recruitment Fair with other Osteopathic Medical Schools from across the country. This year’s Keynote Speaker was alumna, Rebecca Kasenge, DO ‘06, who had not been involved with SOMA prior to the event.
Courtesy of UMASS Memorial Healthcare
Where are you currently working?
I am currently in private practice with UMass Memorial Hospital. I am an internist in Sutton, Massachusetts. I also help educate both medical students and residents.
How did you prepare for your keynote presentation?
I prepared by thinking about my earlier days prior to medical school and focused on information I would have wanted to know to make a decision as to whether to go to Med school or not.
What did you want to convey to those attending the conference?
I wanted to make sure the attendees were able to make a clear distinction between the DO and MD degrees. I wanted to stress that the DO degree gives you additional training in OMT focusing on the musculoskeletal symptom. I also wanted to focus on the similarities and limitations of any degree. Both degrees lead to a doctor of medicine (similar curriculum and certifications) however, DOs are specifically trained in OMT and the approach to whole-body healing with or without pharmacotherapy distinguishes us. The extra hours of hands on techniques, in my opinion, gives us an additional diagnostic tool to employ. Despite our visibility, I don’t believe DOs can practice in all specialties in all the 50 states as some states are much more accepting of our degree than others. In my opinion, it’s not the degree but lack of knowledge as to what it entails. In addition, the degree still generates a lot of conversation. Patients, other MDs and professionals still are intrigued as to what it is.
The conference was held on the UNE COM campus. What is it like for you to participate in recruiting events on campus as a practicing physician?
I was at the UNE campus about three years ago when my husband and I visited Portland for a meeting regarding a medical mission I was about to be involved in with Partners of Health. I was thrilled to help UNE COM in their recruitment efforts. I look forward to future collaborations together.