Mopileola Tomi Adewumi, OMS III

Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mopileola Tomi Adewumi says that medicine has given him a voice, a platform, and an opportunity to give back to his community. Currently a third-year osteopathic medical student, he earned degrees in biomedical sciences and health care administration at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Health Sciences before enrolling in OSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He regularly volunteers in his community, including at local medical clinics, serving underserved residents, and food collection initiatives.

Student Doctor Adewumi founded OSU’s Tulsa Public Schools Minority Mentorship Program to expose minority high school students to medicine early and provide mentorship and guidance in applying to colleges and selecting a career. He also sits on the Digital Natives Advisory Board for Kaiser Permanente Bernard Tyson School of Medicine to discuss ideas to create the ideal medical school.

On campus, Student Doctor Adewumi leads several initiatives. He is President of OSU’s Business and Leadership in Medical Practice club and Vice President of OSU’s Global Health club. As President of the school’s Student National Medical Association chapter, he works to increase diversity in medicine and remove the barriers standing against minorities wanting to go into medicine.

“I believe Tomi is truly committed to eliminating health disparities and will continue to be a leader in addressing educational, societal and health needs of minorities,” said Nancy Van Winkle, Ph.D., Professor of Behavioral Sciences at OSU. “With his leadership skills and his commitment to service, I believe he will have a very positive impact on the medical profession in advocating for excellent care for underserved populations and diversifying medicine.”

Jamila Holston, OMS IV

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Jamila Holston is a fourth-year student at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where her leadership helps people reach their fullest potential. She served on RowanSOM’s Student Council and chaired its Wellness Committee. She expanded the Humans of RowanSOM blog to highlight student voices and strengthen the campus community. She also served a term as Co-President of the school’s Student National Medical Association chapter.

She is passionate about helping young women and families in her community through community outreach. As Manager of Community Relations for the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Rising Queens, she develops programs for girls ages 10-18 on leadership, self-esteem, health and wellness, and career development. Her efforts earned the Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (TOUCH) Gold Award in 2019 for 100+ hours of community service as well as several scholarships from RowanSOM.

As her school’s representative to the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) and a former Diversity Ambassador, she shares successful efforts to increase diversity at her school, gain insight, voice concerns and share the work of minority students on campus.

“I had the enormous pleasure of serving on the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Board of Directors with Dr. William G. Anderson for several years and he has been a guest lecturer at our school on numerous occasions. In my opinion, Jamila embodies the legacy of his dedication to the underserved, the disenfranchised and the advancement of the osteopathic profession,” says Millicent King Channell, DO, Assistant Dean for Curriculum at RowanSOM.

Giselle Irio, OMS IV

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Giselle Irio is a fourth-year osteopathic medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM). Prior to entering BCOM, she earned degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Public Health from the University of South Florida while working as a full-time Certified Nursing Assistant. An admired student leader, she serves on BCOM’s Student Honor Committee and was selected as the BCOM Student Doctor of the Year in the 2019-2020 school year.

Student Doctor Irio is extremely active with the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and currently serves as Vice-Chair of SOMA’s Overdose Prevention Task Force. During her term as President of her school’s SOMA chapter, she spearheaded recruitment efforts that led to the largest increase in membership that year. Her leadership resulted in the BCOM SOMA chapter receiving the Promotion of Osteopathic Medicine award and the SAM Award for outstanding state and national political involvement.

A dedicated volunteer, she has organized volunteer events to increase access to health care in her local community. She obtained a grant from the SOMA Foundation to hold a local health fair. She was inducted into Omega Beta Iota, the National Osteopathic Political Honor Society, because of her leadership and political activity.

“She is bilingual, of Ecuadorian and Cuban descent, and has a special understanding of the struggles minorities can face as they obtain an education and accomplish success in medical school,” says Scott S. Cyrus, DO, Associate Professor and Chief Pediatric Division at BCOM. “I see Giselle’s ability to lead by example and her dedication to work hard both locally and nationally.”