ACOS-MSS

We can’t wait to see you all in one week in New York! Here’s our schedule (subject to change). Please see our Know Before You Go Guide at our Linktree for complete details.

Beyond excited to be heading back to Cincinnati, my #1 choice, to become a neurosurgeon! 🧠 #MatchDay2026 #NeurosurgeryMatch

So excited to have matched at Sinai Baltimore for general surgery! The team there is absolutely stellar and I’m so happy I’ll be working alongside such great people. If you have any Baltimore recs, DM me!!!! WOOOOOOOOO!!!!! @ACOS_MSS

Blessed to have Matched General Surgery at the Mayo Clinic! Beyond excited and grateful for all those that helped along the way! #match2026 @ACOS_MSS

We’re so excited to see you all!

Conferences aren’t just about attending — they’re about connecting. We offer so many conference opportunities for you to connect with fellow students, residents, and attendings. Join us March 9th at 8 PM EST to learn how to make the most out of a conference with practical networking strategies. This event is designed specifically so you gain insight on how to expand opportunities, mentorship, and future collaborations. Your next opportunity could start with one introduction! Register Here: tr.ee/0qZfGp5-_y

ACOS-MSS is dedicated to supporting osteopathic medical students interested in pursuing surgical careers by providing opportunities to strengthen their academic and professional portfolios. Research plays a critical role in developing a competitive residency application. Our Peer-to-Peer Research Database was created to connect students, residents, and attending physicians seeking collaboration on scholarly projects. Whether you are an attending, resident, or student looking for assistance in advancing a project, or a student seeking new research opportunities, this database serves as a platform to promote communication, mentorship, and meaningful collaboration. Link: #gid=1379221211" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

Alyssa Francesca Ahorro, OMS3, has built a research portfolio spanning oncology, surgical innovation, and community health. She has coordinated Phase I–III cancer trials at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Southern California, contributed to published plastic surgery research presented at the American College of Osteopathic SurgeonsWinter Research Symposium, and is currently investigating novel cardiothoracic techniques through the ACOS ORIGINS Research Internship. Her additional work in glaucoma research and firefighter skin cancer outreach highlights her commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and patient-centered care.

Congratulations to our February Student Doctor of the Month- Nicolas Ritcheson! Nicholas was recognized by his peers for several characteristics including professionalism, initiative and service. He is extremely committed to ACOS-MSS, serving as Co-Chair of the HPSP Committee and being the founder of the Surgery Interest Group at his school. His commitment to surgery even extends to future classes as he strives to create opportunity for the next generations, so they may also gain support and skill in the pursuit of surgery. Congratulations Nicolas!

Please join us for journal club this Thursday for an incredibly important topic: future of robotics in surgery. PLEASE NOTE: there has been a time change to 7PM EST. us02web.zoom.us/j/84976100005?… Also- 2 lucky residents and 2 students in attendance will win a Starbucks gift card!

You won’t want to miss this conference, we have so many speakers and skills sessions planned to help you become the best surgical applicant possible! There are a few more spots remaining. Sign up fast.

We are SO excited for our upcoming conference that will be held at NYIT-COM in Old Westbury, NY! Good news: registration is now open! Spots fill up quick so be sure to jump on it. We have so many valuable speakers and skills sessions planned that you won’t want to miss. We hope to see you there 🗽

We have our countdown to the match going… do you? It’s always better to be prepared and we want to make sure you have all the information available to you, so what if you SOAP? Join us next Thursday at 8pm EST to hear how to be prepared. We will be joined by Dr. Megan Jenkins Turner. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

Our next highlight to the subspecialty series is Urology! We will be joined by Dr. Kyle Clouse, who has been a great mentor for our members interested in applying urology. We hope to see you Tuesday the 17th at 8pm EST! Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

We are pleased to present the next in our subspecialty series: Trauma Surgery! We will be joined by Dr. Bracken Burns to hear more about his experience as a practicing trauma surgeon and how to pursue the subspecialty. We hope you can join us. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

Having a strong and professional appearing CV is incredibly important. Not sure where to start or want some advice on how to improve what you have? We’ve got you covered. Holly Proffitt, PhD will be offering some excellent guidance Monday, February 9th at 8pm EST via Zoom. Please register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

Congratulations to our Student Researcher of the Month! Allison is a highly dedicated and thoughtful student researcher whose work centers on advancing surgical and emergency medical education through innovative, ultrasound-guided procedural training. Over the past year, she has led a comprehensive cricothyrotomy simulation project from concept to execution, independently designing and refining novel anatomical models and organizing multi-group studies to assess learning and long-term skill retention in medical students. As a first author and primary leader, she coordinated study design, recruitment, teaching, data collection, and analysis, while collaborating closely with faculty and clinicians. Her research has resulted in national presentations and extends into additional projects on osteopathic manipulative medicine and anxiety, supported by grant applications. Academically accomplished and deeply committed to mentorship, Allison is recognized for her curiosity, adaptability, and genuine passion for improving patient safety and clinician training, making her exceptionally deserving of recognition as Medical Student Researcher of the Month.

Congratulations to our January Student Doctor of the Month, Mehri Manouchehr-Pour! She was highlighted by her peers to be organized, hard-working, and consistent. She recently co-organized a great Surgery Olympics event at her school in which students competed and practiced skills while raising money for a local clinic. Thank you for your dedication to serving your peers and community!

Students and Residents: Don't miss the opportunity to present your research at the ACOS Mid-Year meeting this April! There's still time! Abstract submissions will be open until Saturday, January 31! Visit facos.org/GSMYabstracts for more information including submission requirements.

Next up in our DO You Know? series…. Dr. Benjamin Lam! He will share his journey to becoming a private practice plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as the details of his leadership role within ACOS! Tuesday, February 3rd at 8pm EST. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…