AAAOM 2008 Chicago International Conference & Exposition
Student Caucus Preview

by Amanda Troelsen, AAAOM-SO Co-President

It is hard to believe that the 2008 AAAOM Conference is only one month away. Final preparations are being made, and finishing touches will soon adorn the conference site. A very exciting conference is planned; the highlight for students is the AAAOM-SO Student Caucus, scheduled from 10am-2pm on Saturday, October 18, 2008. This year’s Student Caucus will prove to be an informative and inspiring event for all in attendance. Highlights of the caucus include: introduction of the 2007-08 AAAOM-Student Organization Council (SOC), short lectures about practice and patient management, and the role of the AAAOM/AAAOM-SO and other AOM-related organizations in the AOM profession, raffles of AOM related prizes and scholarships, AAAOM-SO committee reports, a catered lunch, AAAOM-SOC elections, and other surprises.

Due to the amazing growth of the student organization, this year’s AAAOM conference includes events planned specifically with students in mind. Immediately following the Student Caucus, there is a student geared, practice-management class taught by Loni Anderson, LAc entitled “Strategic Planning-Building the Foundation of a Successful clinical Practice.” This class will be held from 2-6pm. Students looking forward to starting their own independent clinic won’t want to miss this opportunity to acquire the business acumen needed to succeed on one’s own.

But the conference isn’t solely about sharpening your professional tools. Meet other students at the first annual AAAOM-SO sponsored “Student Meet & Greet.” This event will take place at The Ram Restaurant and Brew Pub, just a couple of blocks from the hotel, from 6:30-9:00pm Saturday, October 18th. Don’t miss this chance to make new friends, connect with fellow AOM students, and get to know the newly elected AAAOM-SOC. Following the Student Meet & Greet, the annual AAAOM Banquet opens for free to all at 9:00pm for dancing at the Westin.

Student volunteer opportunities are still available, and volunteers are much needed. Generally, these duties include being a room monitor to collect signatures from attendees for CEU credits as they enter and exit the classroom. Students who volunteer will receive free admission to the classes for which they volunteer. Please contact Doug Newton at dnewton@aaaomonline.org for details and to sign up.

The entire AAAOM-SOC and AAAOM-Board of Directors looks forward to seeing students at the conference. You are the future of our profession!