The Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association (Pre-SOMA) chapter at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) earned its official charter from the National Pre-SOMA organization marking a significant milestone for aspiring osteopathic students on campus. This recognition grants LMU-DCOM's Pre-SOMA chapter expanded access to resources that will enhance students' connections within the osteopathic community, support their leadership development and help them advance toward their goals of becoming physicians.
Achieving official chapter status required months of diligent work by student leaders to meet National Pre-SOMA requirements, including organizing events, recruiting members and securing LMU-DCOM faculty support.
“This recognition is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our members and leadership team. It allows us to further our mission of supporting and inspiring future osteopathic physicians through enhanced resources, professional development opportunities and collaboration with the broader SOMA community,” shared Jacob Combs, Pre-SOMA secretary and social media manager.
As an officially chartered chapter, LMU-DCOM’s Pre-SOMA can now offer members exclusive benefits like participation in regional and national SOMA conferences, mentorship programs and admissions workshops. These resources are designed to prepare students for medical school and deepen their understanding of osteopathic medicine’s holistic approach to health care.
The new chapter designation amplifies Pre-SOMA's impact on campus by strengthening its connections with faculty, current osteopathic students and professionals in the field. This network will help nurture future medical leaders and provide students with avenues to explore osteopathic values through educational events, hands-on workshops and community outreach. Planned initiatives include osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) workshops, guest lectures from practicing DOs and service events aligned with osteopathic philosophy.
With its new charter, LMU-DCOM's Pre-SOMA chapter aims to expand its membership and continue developing programs that support aspiring physicians. The chapter views this recognition as both a celebration and an invitation for students interested in osteopathic medicine to join a vibrant community dedicated to service, leadership and professional growth. The charter marks a promising chapter in LMU-DCOM’s impact on the osteopathic community.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this accomplishment,” Combs added. “Together, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation of osteopathic medical leaders at LMU-DCOM and beyond.”
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
