Welcome to our Osteopathic Family!

AACOM's Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, 2023

Welcome all! The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) is not just another organization within the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). It holds a unique and significant position, bringing together presidents and vice presidents from all the colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) nationwide. Each COM contributes a voice that amplifies the volume of our organization, and we are deeply grateful for the support of AACOM and each individual school. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and it's a testament to our collective strength and dedication.

As osteopathic student doctors, we have encountered challenges and victories throughout the years. Victories like national recognition of COMLEX-USA from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation and psychiatry residency program. Other victories include a student-written policy passed at the House of Delegates, more osteopathic colleges opening each year, a record amount of TOUCH hours fulfilled and so much more. We have so much to be proud of as students of osteopathy. But these victories still don’t come without life's challenges. These challenges include taking two licensing exams to feel competitive, feeling overlooked because of our DO title and not getting that residency spot because the program “prefers” MD students. To all osteopathic medical students, we are here for you, as we are you. We will support your goals, help implement your dreams and be there when you encounter barriers. As an organization made entirely of students, we promise to work with you to whatever degree you desire and walk alongside you to become the best physician you can be. 

COSGP's 2024-2025 theme is “Building Bridges,” a powerful metaphor for leadership and connecting ideas. This theme speaks to the relations we are trying to construct with our student leaders and other DO and MD national organizations. Effective leadership bridges the divide between individuals, ideas, and goals, fostering a cohesive and inclusive environment, just as a bridge spans a gap to connect two separate lands. Leaders, like master bridge builders, craft pathways that unite different viewpoints, creating a shared understanding and collaborative network. This process involves bringing people together and integrating their unique ideas into a collective vision like a bridge harmonizes distinct shores into a single, continuous passage.

Moreover, bridges symbolize the trust and reliability inherent in strong leadership; they are built to support and sustain, ensuring safe and steady travel across obstacles. In essence, just as bridges facilitate the flow of people and goods, skilled leaders facilitate the exchange of ideas and the creation of connections, driving innovation and progress within their teams and communities. Let's embrace this theme and work together to build a stronger, more united osteopathic community.

COSGP is proud to serve the osteopathic community and strives always to be available to you. We invite you to join in “Breaking Ground” with creative ideas to “Bridge the Gap” with our newly found allies. As we continue “Pushing the Boundaries” to develop as leaders, we look forward to “Sustaining Connections” we have created within the year. We aim to create a lasting structure that unites our organization, with countless others willing to step up with us as we navigate our challenges. 

From everyone here at COSGP, we value your efforts and commitment to serving others and look forward to an incredible year ahead.