Three Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) DO students — Student Doctors Celine Zalamea, Amber Kisielewski, and Kathryn McCoy (all Class of 2028) —recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent PNWU at National DO Day on Capitol Hill.
As leaders in the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), the students joined peers from across the country to advocate for healthcare policies that impact the future of medicine, rural communities, and underserved populations.
An annual event hosted by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), DO Day offers osteopathic medical students and physicians an opportunity to engage with lawmakers on healthcare reform. During DO Day, students met with congressional representatives to advocate for physician reimbursement reform, the protection of telehealth access, investment in rural residency programs, greater recognition of the osteopathic profession, and more.
“It was a meaningful moment to align our advocacy efforts with PNWU’s mission on a national stage.”
“As PNWU students, DO Day was especially important,” said Student Doctor Celine Zalamea, SOMA President at PNWU. “We shared our experiences serving rural communities and emphasized the importance of training physicians to serve in underserved areas. It was a meaningful moment to align our advocacy efforts with PNWU’s mission on a national stage.”
The group also participated in SOMA’s Spring Conference and House of Delegates, where they debated, edited, and voted on over 50 proposed policies related to osteopathic education, research, and equity. A record 17 new policies were passed, ranging from expanded ultrasound training to excused absence policies for medical student parents.
Among the most impactful policies, Student Dr. Amber Kisielewski, SOMA National Liaison, highlighted a resolution advocating for standardized education on the termination of pregnancy. “This policy helps reduce disparities in reproductive healthcare access and ensures students receive equitable training, regardless of the laws in their training states,” said Student Dr. Kisielewski. “We want our peers to be prepared to offer safe, evidence-based care to their future patients, no matter where they practice.”
During their Capitol Hill meetings, the students found surprising common ground with lawmakers.
“It reminded me that sometimes we all want the same thing—we just differ on how to get there.”
“One of the things I learned is that face-to-face meetings with constituents are the most influential way to impact congressional decision-making,” said Student Dr. Kisielewski. “We found that even when we didn’t fully agree, members of Congress were open to listening. It reminded me that sometimes we all want the same thing—we just differ on how to get there.”
Student Drs. Zalamea and Kisielewski expressed admiration for each other and their fellow classmate, Student Dr. Kathryn McCoy, noting the courage and clarity with which they represented their school and peers.
“Just showing up to advocate while balancing the demands of medical school is incredibly impressive,” said Student Dr. Kisielewski. “PNWU should be proud of the way these student leaders represented our mission and values.”
As passionate advocates, both Zalamea and Kisielewski hope to see more PNWU students participate in state and national advocacy events.
“What we advocate for now will shape the healthcare system we’re stepping into — and the communities we hope to serve.”
“We are the future of medicine,” said Student Dr. Zalamea. “Our voices matter because we’re on the ground, seeing the challenges firsthand. What we advocate for now will shape the healthcare system we’re stepping into — and the communities we hope to serve.”
Student Dr. Kisielewski echoed that sentiment and invited peers to get involved in SOMA’s future policy development efforts.
“Everyone in the COM is already a member of SOMA,” she said. “We want to hear what matters to you. Come write a policy with us. What we do here can directly influence the AOA — and national healthcare policy.”
