American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Medical Student Section
Student Organizations Athens
Our Mission
The American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), Medical Student Section at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to fostering interest in the field of surgery among osteopathic medical students. Our mission is to promote surgical education, skill development, mentorship, and advocacy within the osteopathic profession while supporting our members’ personal and professional growth as future surgeons.
We aim to empower medical students with the skills, connections, and confidence to excel in surgery while promoting the integration of osteopathic philosophy into surgical care. Whether you're curious about a surgical specialty or committed to becoming a future surgeon, ACOS provides the tools to help you thrive.
Officers, 2025-2026
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Dylan Baldy |
| Vice President | Dylan Place |
| Treasurer | Cheyenne Risner |
| Secretary | Gary Stoffer |
| Advisor | Kristen Conrad-Schnetz, D.O. |
Dues: $15 Annually
Services Provided
Service to the Community, College, and Osteopathic Profession
The ACOS-MSS Athens chapter is committed to advancing surgical education, promoting public health awareness, and fostering the next generation of osteopathic surgeons. Through partnerships with community organizations, our chapter organizes outreach initiatives to educate the public on common health conditions, their risk factors, treatment and surgical options, and the importance of early preventative care.
Within the college, we host interactive workshops, educational lectures, and hands-on skills labs covering essential surgical topics—such as scrubbing, gowning and gloving, suturing, and managing pre- and post-operative care. These sessions are designed to prepare students for core surgical rotations in their third and fourth years, while also offering unique opportunities to learn directly from experienced surgeons, residents, and fellows.
These activities not only support the professional development of our members but also uphold the osteopathic principles of holistic, patient-centered care. Our executive board remains dedicated to building a strong, collaborative community of osteopathic medical students and healthcare professionals while advocating for excellence in surgical education and the osteopathic profession as a whole.
Tentative Schedule for 2025-2026
Fall Semester:
- ACOS Kick-Off Social: Network with peers, meet the executive board, and learn what ACOS has to offer.
- Knot-Tying and Suture Workshop: Practice essential surgical skills with step-by-step instruction and feedback.
- Operation Game Competition
- Fundraiser: Anatomy-Themed T-Shirt Sale
Spring Semester:
- “Day in the Life of a Surgeon” Guest Panel
- Surgical Skills and Laparoscopy Clinic
- Community Outreach Event: Surgical Health Awareness Booth
- Panel Discussion with Residents & Attendings from Various Surgical Specialties
- Anatomy Boards Review