Upon returning from my vacation (a week of hiking in Yosemite, which was fabulous), I received some exciting news about one of our CCOM students who has been elected to a very prominent national position. The following news release is from the American Osteopathic Association:

Christopher Messana, a fourth-year osteopathic medical student at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, IL, was recently elected as the student representative to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Board of Trustees during its recent House of Delegates meeting in Chicago.

"I am honored to represent the interests of my fellow ostoepathic medical students as a member of the AOA Board of Trustees," said Student Doctor Messana.

In addition to his involvement with the AOA, Student Doctor Messana served as the president of CCOM's Class of 2008 and is the National Chair of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP). He also donates his time to the Community Health Clinic in Chicago where he helps to perform medical exams and diagnose patients who are in need of free medical care.

Prior to beginning medical school, Student Doctor Messana graduated from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School. He has family in Florida, Michigan, Milwaukee, and Chicago and is pursuing a career in dermatology.

Congratulations to Christopher Messana and this impressive accomplishment. We know he will represent all osteopathic students well on the AOA Board and continue to make MWU/CCOM proud!