I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the members. My name is Ahmed Siddiqi and I am a PGY-4 resident at PCOM in Philadelphia. I am serving as this year’s RAOAO President. Ever since medical school, I sought the opportunity of getting involved in the SAOAO chapter of the organization having served as the National Communication Chair and the National Vice-President. Having served as the RAOAO National Vice-President last year, I am eager to take this opportunity to make further strides and help solve challenges that are facing this organization on a resident level.
I am happy to introduce John Ross Burge, DO as our national Vice-President. Dr. Burge is a PGY-4 resident at Community Memorial Health in Ventura, CA. I have known Ross for the past 6 years dating back to second year in medical school having been heavily involved in the SAOAO organization. We are excited to be working together on a resident level to continue the work set forth by our predecessors. James Phillips, DO is our national Secretary/Treasurer. Dr. Phillips is a PGY-3 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He comes with great leadership experience and research as we are excited to have him as part of the national board.
The AOAO Annual Meeting that was held in Chicago on October 12-14 was an overwhelming success. The incorporation of digital e-posters garnered a lot of interest and was a great way to learn about all the projects residents are involved in across the country. I would also like to extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s FAOAO recipients as it is a great honor to be awarded fellow status of the academy.
At this year’s Board of Directors meeting, I was able to present the result and feedback from the national resident survey that was administered last spring by our former president, Dr. Ryan Eschbaugh. The board was happy to hear the feedback and offered some insight and solutions. Some updates include:
- The AOAO Board discussed the possibility of developing a board preparation course for the AOBOS exam.
- The AOAO Board voted to financially support the AOAO Foundation for its Virtual Library with electronic journals.
- The AOAO Board is supporting the AOAO Foundation for the creation of research grants for residents.
I will continue to provide updates and continue to address resident thoughts and concerns throughout the next year.