TOUCH Initiative

Student Doctors,

We are implementing a new program that recognizes students for their hard work and dedication to serving others during their years spent in medical school.  Please read.

 TOUCH – Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health

 TOUCH is a national program developed by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) to encourage medical students to preserve one of the basic tenets of osteopathic philosophy: a commitment to improving the health of our communities through service. 

 All osteopathic students who volunteer at least 50 hours of community service during the academic year are awarded the TOUCH pin in recognition of their commitment and a letter of commendation will be sent to Dean Stowers.

• TOUCH hours for 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th year students are from April 1, 2009 to March 31^st, 2010
• TOUCH hours for an entering 1^st year student begin when the student is officially enrolled in classes through March 31^st, 2010 (Exception: Medical mission trips the summer before medical school will count as TOUCH hours).   
• For the purposes of the TOUCH program, “community service” will be defined as any activity that works to improve the health and wellness of a community.  This includes local, state, national, and international activities.  Community service activities can be associated with both LMU-DCOM student organizations and external organizations.

 We will document LMU-DCOM’s annual effort to community service and public health.  Nationally, the school demonstrating the most participation by students, faculty, and staff, the most significant impact on the community and the greatest creativity in its programming will be presented with the national TOUCH award.  

“This is a noble effort that can shape the way medicine is practiced and your commitment has the potential to transform the health of your communities, our country, and the world.” – Dr. Richard Carmona, Former Surgeon General of the United States. 

 If you are interested, please contact the Student Government Association (SGA) leadership at LMUDCOM.SGA@gmail.com or Patrick Craig, Christopher.craig@lmunet.edu, and commit to giving 50 hours this year.  Anyone can TOUCH lives! If you see a need in the community please let the SGA know.  Ideas include health fairs and education programs, blood drives, charity runs, OMT at sports events, medical mission trips, educational materials for physicians in other countries, etc. 

 We will be holding a meeting in the near future to discuss all of the details of TOUCH.

Thanks,  SGA

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