Reflections from the ACOS Fall Conference: Research, Mentorship, and Inspiration for the Future of Osteopathic Surgery

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons–Medical Student Section (ACOS-MSS) conference, held in conjunction with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress. This experience was both academically enriching and personally inspiring, offering me a chance to present my research, network with colleagues and mentors, and gain a renewed sense of direction in my surgical aspirations.

One of the highlights of my time at the conference was presenting research from my summer internship at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, where I worked on a project involving radiation dosing between angiography systems during mechanical thrombectomies in treating acute ischemic stroke (Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, 2024). Sharing this work with other medical students and surgeons not only solidified my passion for clinical research but also gave me an appreciation for the role research plays in advancing surgical practice. Fielding questions from both peers and faculty underscored the collaborative nature of medicine and reminded me how curiosity drives innovation in patient care.

Another transformative moment came when I had the opportunity to meet the newly appointed ACOS president, Nelly Fonte, DO, a female trauma surgeon. As someone who aspires to pursue a career in trauma and critical care surgery, hearing Dr. Fonte speak about leadership, resilience, and the future of osteopathic surgeons was deeply motivating (American College of Osteopathic Surgeons [ACOS], 2024). Seeing such a strong woman in this prominent leadership position reinforced my own confidence in pursuing this specialty.

Research shows that mentorship and visibility of role models significantly impact medical students’ specialty choice and confidence in pursuing competitive surgical fields (Salles et al., 2019). Mentors not only provide guidance on technical and professional skills but also embody what is possible, helping students envision themselves in positions of leadership and influence. Furthermore, role models provide an essential source of resilience during the challenges of medical training, showing that perseverance can lead to meaningful leadership and clinical impact. For me, meeting Dr. Fonte was not only inspiring but also affirming that the path I hope to take is both achievable and deeply needed.

The conference also fostered a sense of community among medical students, residents, and attending surgeons. Sessions on professional development, surgical innovation, and the future of osteopathic surgery provided me with practical tools and broader context for my journey in medicine. Most importantly, I left with new mentors, colleagues, and friends who share the same passion for surgery and service.

Attending the ACOS-MSS conference was more than just a chance to present my research—it was a pivotal step in shaping my professional identity. I walked away inspired by the leaders I met, energized by the conversations I had, and committed to growing not just as a student, but as a future surgeon. I look forward to carrying these experiences forward into my training, leadership roles, and ultimately, my career in trauma surgery.

References

American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. (2024). About ACOS. Retrieved from https://www.facos.org 

Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine. (2024). Research and education. Retrieved from https://www.goodmancampbell.com 

Salles, A., Awad, M., Goldin, L., Krus, K., Lee, J. V., & Greco, R. S. (2019). Estimating implicit and explicit gender bias among health care professionals and surgeons. JAMA Network Open, 2(7), e196545. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.6545

About the Author

Olivia Simcox is a second-year osteopathic medical student at the Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is involved in leadership through ACOS-MSS at both the national and chapter levels. She is passionate about general surgery and trauma/critical care. She recently completed a research internship at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, where she worked on multiple neurointerventional radiology-related projects. She looks forward to integrating her interests in research, surgery, and community service throughout her career.