By Samuel Baule, OMS-2 丨 May 8, 2025
Medical students have countless opportunities to attend conferences, both local and national, but it’s often difficult to know which ones will provide the greatest value. I was fortunate to attend the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) annual conference this year as a second-year osteopathic medical student. I want to share why it was one of my most impactful medical education experiences so far.
The AMOPS conference offered a rare blend of academic enrichment, career development, and professional networking. I had the chance to present my research on young adult nicotine use perspectives, learn from high-ranking leaders in military medicine, and connect with program directors, residents, and fellow students from across the country.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the networking. Medicine is a small world, and military medicine is even smaller. With fewer residency positions available, building relationships early can make a significant difference in your future career. Additionally, I was able to reconnect with colleagues from undergrad, like 2LT Peter Dengler, now a medical student at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This conference created space for candid conversations with program directors and residents from various specialties, helping me narrow down where I want to do audition rotations and how to best prepare as an applicant. I personally connected with leaders in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pediatrics, and walked away with tailored advice on how to strengthen my application for each.
Research was also a major focus of the event. Over the course of three days, attendees presented posters and oral presentations spanning a wide range of topics. One of the things that set AMOPS apart was its broad acceptance criteria; any research with a connection to medicine was welcome. This inclusive approach encouraged students from all interests and specialties to share their work. Rather than feeling intimidated, the atmosphere was collaborative. Judges didn’t just critique, they offered constructive feedback aimed at growth. I left with many actionable ideas to improve my research protocols and future projects.
The keynote speakers were another highlight of the conference. High-ranking leaders from all three branches of military medicine shared insights, advice, and personal stories that left a lasting impression. Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre, the Surgeon General of the Army and an osteopathic physician, spoke about the vital role of DOs in military leadership and the importance of preserving osteopathic principles in military healthcare. Alongside her, Rear Admiral Kevin J. Brown (Director of the Navy Medical Corps) and Lieutenant General John J. DeGoes (Surgeon General of the Air Force), both allopathic physicians, offered invaluable perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of military medicine. Hearing directly from these leaders, regardless of their training background, reinforced the significance of unified, interdisciplinary care in the military setting and the unique strengths that osteopathic physicians bring to the table.
Another highlight was the exposure to unique military medical specialties that aren’t often discussed in civilian training—fields like Aerospace Medicine, Dive Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. I had the opportunity to speak with physicians practicing in these areas and learn about what their careers involve. One particularly memorable interaction was with COL (Ret) Kevin C. O'Connor, physician to the President and expert in special operations medicine. His depth of knowledge and willingness to engage with students was something I won’t soon forget.
For any student pursuing a career in military medicine, I can’t recommend the AMOPS annual conference highly enough. It was a phenomenal opportunity to network, share research, and gain firsthand insight from leaders shaping the future of military healthcare. Most importantly, it reminded me that while our paths in medicine may vary, we’re all part of the same mission: to serve, to grow, and to lead.
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. Baule is passionate about mentorship, research, and empowering future physicians through service, innovation, and reflection.
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