Club Description
ACOS-MSS is the official medical student section of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), and the local ACOS chapter at LECOM is one among the COM (Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine) that strive to promote the goals of ACOS at local and national levels. Our chapter aims to develop our student members’ knowledge of the field of surgery, develop technical and communication skills to contribute to success in rotations, residency, and beyond, and to deepen the passion for the field. Medical students who obtain membership in LECOM ACOS are encouraged to continue their interest in the surgical specialties, to become proactive in the surgical field, to participate in the ACOS activities and governance, and to promote the fundamental principles:
Stressing the understanding of osteopathic principles in relationship to disease in the practice of surgery;
Helping to promote education in the field of surgery, including gowning and gloving, scrubbing, sterile technique, suturing and tying techniques, operating room behavior, instrumentation, universal precautions, osteopathic manipulative management of the surgical patient, pre and post-operative management of surgical patients, and surgical documentation; and
Providing a forum for discussion amongst students and surgeons.
By becoming an ACOS member, medical students can gain access to national resources, such as research, scholarships, and other learning and professional opportunities.
Officers
President: Alyssa Zehner
Vice President: Brynlee Vermillion
Secretary: Madelyn Scarmack
Treasurer: Jacob Steinbeck
National Liaison: Marina Seheon
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brian Risavi
Advisor: Dr. Risavi

News & Events
- Surgery Club, Internal Medicine Club, and Oncology club are hosting a Spa Day volunteering event at the LECOM Senior Living Center. Residents will be able to get their nails painted, receive hand massages, and be provided with face masks. Spa water and…
- Dr. Risavi, along with the help of 3rd and 4th year residents, will be hosting a Knot Tying Clinic for members of surgery club. Learning how to tie 1 and 2 handed surgical knots is an extremely beneficial skill for medical students…
- ACOS will be working alongside Dr. Kulesza in setting up the third and final mock practical, with both a written and oral component for all MS1s to help prepare for their exam. Dr. Kulesza will be present throughout the day and will…
- The Surgery Club, Pediatrics Club, and Women’s Health and Medical Society plan to host a guest speaker event featuring Dr. Tiffany Deihl, M.D., who is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal Fetal Medicine practicing at UPMC-Magee Womens Hospital, and Dr….
