News and Updates
The Council of Osteopathic Librarians (COOL) recently held its first joint meeting with the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) Osteopathic Librarians Special Interest Group (OLSIG) in Honolulu, Hawaii, in conjunction with the 2009 MLA Conference. Members discussed their continued involvement with AACOM’s annual meetings, specifically focusing on session proposals and collaboration with other councils on projects and presentations. COOL Secretary and OLSIG Chair Sharon Eckert, MLS, Director of Library Technical Services at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), attended several planning sessions for the 2010 MLA Conference and asked COOL and OLSIG members for suggestions. The council will meet again at MLA’s 2010 Conference (date and time to be determined).
The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Representatives (COSGP) met July 14-16 in Chicago, prior to the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) House of Delegates meeting. The group discussed many topics, including current major projects, such as leadership development for osteopathic students focusing on communication, resource utilization, professionalism and organizational advancement. In anticipation of their next meeting, the students considered the theme of “The Future of Healthcare.”
Throughout the year, council members utilize www.osteobook.net, a social networking site for osteopathic medical students, to enhance their communications.
The Council of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CSFAA) convened via conference call on June 30, led by Chair Otto Reyer (Director of Financial Aid, Western U/COMP). Members reviewed the results of a survey the council recently conducted to identify topics of interest. The council also discussed the Obama administration’s proposal to restructure federal student aid programs, loan repayment options, financial literacy courses, cost of attendance and budget and total indebtedness of medical students.
As a follow up to the council’s previous conference call, members provided Susan Eads Role, JD, MSLS, AACOM Vice President for Government Relations, with suggestions for the financial aid section of AACOM’s web site, focusing on resources that would be useful to students, such as a list of loan repayment programs that the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) has developed. Participants also discussed the council’s meeting at the 2010 Professional Development Conference for Health Professions. CSFAA’s next meeting will be held via conference call in September or October.
Upcoming Meetings
The Assembly of Presidents (AOP) will convene November 3, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the 114th Annual AOA Convention and Scientific Seminar in New Orleans.
The Council of Fiscal Officers (CFO) will convene November 2, 7:30 am – 1:00 pm, at the 114th Annual AOA Convention and Scientific Seminar.
The Marketing and Communications Advisory Council will convene November 2, 9:00 – 11:00 am, at the 114th Annual AOA Convention and Scientific Seminar
The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Representatives (COSGP) will meet October 30 – November 1 in New Orleans for its Fall Quarterly Meeting.
The Council of Development and Alumni Relations Professionals (Dev-Alum) will meet November 3, 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm, at the 114th Annual AOA Convention and Scientific Seminar.
The Council of Osteopathic Medical Admissions Officers (COMAO) will also meet at the AOA Convention and Scientific Seminar in New Orleans; date and time will be announced when they are confirmed.
The Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators (SOME) Steering Committee will meet on October 5 at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) in Chevy Chase, Maryland.