By Samuel Baule, OMS-2 丨 May 14, 2025
Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to attend the ACOS-MSS (American College of Osteopathic Surgeons–Medical Student Section) Spring Conference. As a student pursuing a future in surgery, this experience provided far more than just professional development. Over the course of the weekend, I gained insights into the match process, picked up technical skills in hands-on workshops, and heard from experienced surgeons and residents about what really matters during training. Whether it was through one-on-one conversations, panel discussions, or time spent learning from other students, this conference gave me a deeper understanding of the field, and a clearer picture of the kind of physician I hope to become.
The biggest takeaways from the conference could be summed up in three traits: emotional intelligence, initiative, and mindset.
Multiple speakers emphasized how crucial emotional intelligence is on clinical rotations. It’s not just about what you know, but how you interact. That includes knowing when to ask a question, when to step in and help, and when to stay quiet and observe. One phrase that stuck with me was, “Just be a normal person.” That means you don’t need to show off your textbook knowledge during a trauma or ask a resident about their favorite ice cream spot during a consult. These moments require self-awareness. Emotional intelligence, or the lack of it, can shape how others perceive you, and that perception can carry weight.
Initiative is another quality that’s hard to demonstrate as a medical student, but critically important. On surgical rotations, helping with OR turnover or understanding the “ritual” of the OR are ways to show you're tuned in and useful. Learning what matters most to your team, whether it's your resident, attending, or even the scrub tech, and tailoring your efforts to support them, goes a long way. This can apply to any rotation: if you understand what your preceptor values during patient evaluations, you’ll naturally find ways to contribute meaningfully.
Lastly, mindset was mentioned throughout the weekend. An audition rotation is exactly that, an audition. It’s your opportunity to show who you are, how you think, and how well you adapt. One of the best pieces of advice I heard was to approach each rotation with a plan to strengthen one of your weaknesses. For example, maybe you struggle with patient presentations. Even if you’re aiming for cardiothoracic surgery, and you're on a family medicine rotation, honing that skill can elevate your performance across the board. A growth mindset, where you're eager to work, learn, and improve, is what will ultimately shape you into the best version of the physician you want to become.
Beyond the lectures and panels, the ACOS-MSS Spring Conference offered a range of hands-on and networking opportunities that made the experience especially worthwhile. I participated in several clinical workshops, where I learned the basics of chest tube placement, ultrasound-guided procedures, and joint reductions. These were incredible experiences, especially since, at this stage of medical school, hands-on exposure to procedures like these is still limited. Conferences like this, particularly those focused on specific specialties, almost always offer workshops like these. They’re not only fun, but also valuable chances to build confidence and skills.
Networking was another major benefit. For students at smaller or less research-heavy institutions, it can be difficult to find specialty-specific research opportunities. At this conference, I connected with multiple individuals who offered both project collaboration and the potential for future poster or oral presentations, a huge boost for any student looking to build their CV.
One of the unexpected highlights was the opportunity to speak with students from other schools about their club-led volunteer work. Marian places a strong emphasis on service, and I came away from the conference with several new ideas I’m excited to share with our community. For example:
Hearing about these organizations and the meaningful work students are doing alongside them was incredibly inspiring. I hope Marian’s clubs will consider partnering with some of these efforts in the future to expand the reach of their impact.
As a national organization, ACOS brings together leaders from across the country, and that was reflected in the caliber of speakers we had the privilege to learn from. Many shared advice not only on how to succeed in medicine, but also how to stay grounded in your purpose along the way.
One of the most memorable talks came from Dr. Raji Gill, who spoke about the importance of wellness throughout training. He introduced the idea of maximizing three pillars in your career: happiness, success, and freedom. He emphasized that while you may not be able to prioritize all three at once, the key is to never lose sight of your personal values. As your journey unfolds, you'll be forced to adapt, but maintaining a healthy balance between your goals and your well-being will keep you focused and fulfilled. His message was a powerful reminder that becoming a good physician means taking care of yourself, too.
This conference was a pivotal moment in my medical education. I left with actionable advice for rotations and the match process, hands-on experience with core procedural skills, and a deeper understanding of what kind of physician I want to become. I would strongly encourage any medical student pursuing a surgical specialty to attend the ACOS-MSS conference. The opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally, are invaluable.
Samuel Baule is a second-year medical student at Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. With a background in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa, his academic interests span STEM education, trauma care, and the integration of osteopathic principles in clinical training. Sam is passionate about mentorship, research, and empowering future physicians through service, innovation, and reflection.
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