RVUCOM-Southern Utah Associations, Clubs & Organizations
Students of the American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO)
“We look at the body in health as meaning perfection and harmony, not in one part, but in the whole” A. T. Still MD, DO
What is SAAO?
The Students of the American Academy of Osteopathy club is dedicated to teaching, advocating and researching the science and art of osteopathic medicine. We emphasize the integration of osteopathic principles, practice and manipulative treatment into patient care by exploring the many facets of osteopathy. We explore osteopathy across multiple specialties, learn additional treatment modalities, analyze and present case studies, and further hone our skills.
What events does SAAO have?
Annual Events:
- Osteopathic Study Group: every Tuesday @ 12pm
- OMT and Pregnancy
- Incorporating OPP into your Practice:
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Family Medicine
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PM&R
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Sports Medicine
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Neuromuscular Medicine
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Pediatrics
- AAO Convocation​
- A. Hollis Wolf Case Study Competition
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Past Events​
- Pump It Up: Lymphatic Techniques
- Psychiatry & OMT with Dr. Huzij
- Neonatal OMM with Dr. Wolf
- Exercise Prescription
- Fall Festival Halloween Palpation
- Pelvic Floor Health and Manipulation
- Winter Hygiene Drive
- Fascial Distortion Model Workshop (COMING SPRING 2024!)
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Teams Code: edgobcl
Leadership
René Hooper / President
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Hi! My life started in Louisville, KY but I've lived in pretty much every state between here and there. Prior to medical school, I coached CrossFit. I've always been inspired by the human body and what it's capable of. Medical school, like CrossFit, is very stressful on the body. That stress or challenge is necessary to get to where we want to be. OMT teaches us the tools we need to ensure the stress of either allows us to grow rather than break us down. I'm excited to share what I've learned with all of you as I grow through this wild ride along side you!
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Madeline Harding / Vice President
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Born and raised in Colorado. Maddy is passionate about holistic healthcare. In her free time Maddy likes to do CrossFit, Olympic lifting, reading and cooking!
Christopher Abraham / National Liaison
christopher.abraham@ut.rvu.edu
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Growing up in St George it has been awesome to be able to come back home for medical school. Like many of you I did not know much about OMT prior to medical school, but it was something that has fascinating me from the very beginning of 1st year. My favorite thing about it is that we learn treatment techniques that we can start using right now. SAAO allows for weekly opportunities to practice the skills you have learned, as well as learning techniques that we may not have time to learn during the curriculum.
Dave Melanson/ Treasurer
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Hello and welcome, I’m Dave Melanson. I grew up in Portland Oregon but have loved living here in southern Utah’s desert. One of the things I have loved most is learning and using OMT techniques and developing an osteopathic perspective. In SAAO weekly study groups I have been able to practice OMT in real and applicable scenarios as well as learning new techniques that relate to specialities I want to pursue. The other thing I have loved about living in St. George is hiking and exploring the red rock surroundings. I also love playing basketball, pickleball, and most sports in between.
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Raili Jenkins / Secretary
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My name is Raili and I’m an OMS-II here at RVU! I’m from Salt Lake City and graduated from BYU in biology. I’m interested in anesthesiology and really enjoy OPP! In my free time I like to workout, play tennis, and read. I’m excited to work with everyone this upcoming year in SAAO.
OMS-I Liaison
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This could be you! We will be holding elections shortly after the ACO Fair
Join Today!
Join our MicrosoftTeams page using this code: edgobcl
Join SAAO National at www.academyofosteopathy.org
This is the list of discounts you get as a national member http://www.academyofosteopathy.org/saao-discounts
National is a paid membership / the school chapter is free
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