​UF PRE-SOMA
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UF Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Nicholas Morrell is the current Webmaster of UF Pre-SOMA. He is a recent graduate of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at UF and is pursuing his master's degree in Biomedical Engineering while awaiting acceptance to medical school. Additionally, he serves as the current President of the UF chapter of Global Medical Training, a non-profit local and international health service organization. Through Pre-SOMA, he hopes to inspire others to pursue careers as compassionate medical practitioners through osteopathic medicine.
Secretary - Katherine Gushanas
Katherine Gushanas is the Secretary of UF Pre-SOMA. She is a fourth-year Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major. Katherine initially wanted to become a veterinarian, but after working in an animal hospital she realized the field was not for her. She decided to pursue a career in the health care field as an osteopathic physician. Katherine has previously volunteered with the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens and AMSA Mentee Project. She currently volunteers at Rahma Mercy Clinic and is also a member of Global Medical Training and UF Premed AMSA. Katherine’s goals in Pre-SOMA are to create a welcoming environment where students can learn about osteopathic medicine and the osteopathic philosophy, to connect students that share similar goals with one another, and to assist students in finding volunteer and shadowing opportunities with osteopathic physicians.
Webmaster - Nicholas Morrell
Michelle LaMacchia is the Vice President of UF Pre-SOMA. She is a third year Nutritional Sciences major. Health has always been a hobby for her, and her passion resides in helping others help themselves function in full health and happiness. She is currently involved in research at UF studying the effects of aged garlic on immunity, as well as the relationship between excess body fat and cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors. Michelle is also a part time yoga instructor and voluntarily teaches free classes to community members who can’t afford regular classes. It is her life-long dream to incorporate the beneficial practices of yoga into her knowledge of osteopathic medicine as a holistic general practitioner of health and well-being. Through Pre-SOMA, Michelle wishes to educate students about the benefits of a more holistic approach to medicine, and to guide those students through the challenging process.
Nicole Saltiel is the founder and President of UF Pre-SOMA. She is a sophomore Health Science major and will apply to medical schools next year. Nicole started UF Pre-SOMA to create more awareness of Osteopathic Medicine, aid students in applying to Osteopathic medical schools, and form a community of students and Osteopathic Physicians on campus. She is drawn to Osteopathic Medicine because of its holistic nature and hands-on methods. Nicole currently volunteers and shadows at UF Health, and encourages other pre-med students to seek experiences that will prepare them for a career in medicine. She is also involved with UF Outdoor Adventure Recreation and the UF Neuroscience club.