Building clinical leaders: ATSU-SOMA prepares students for impactful careers in medicine

Building clinical leaders: ATSU-SOMA prepares students for impactful careers in medicine

Meet Leah Friedman, OMS I, of A.T. Still University's School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). Friedman has a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and business administration from the University of San Diego, and is a member of ATSU-SOMA's class of 2029.

Why did you choose ATSU-SOMA?

"I chose ATSU-SOMA because it offered the combination of a strong medical education and the opportunity to stay close to my hometown and family. I have always wanted to serve Arizona communities, and ATSU's mission and emphasis on whole person healthcare aligned with the kind of physician I aspire to become. I believed that ATSU-SOMA would give me the support, the mentorship, and the training needed to grow to become the best doctor."

What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-SOMA student?

"I enjoy the collaborative environment within my class and the many events happening on campus. There is always something to participate in and the community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. I love learning medicine alongside my classmates and engaging in activities where we support one another.

"Student life at ATSU is also enriched by the wide variety of clubs and events held throughout the year. There is always a club hosting something each week that adds depth and diversity to our medical education. These events include physician guest speakers, discussions on social determinants of health, skills labs such as suture clinics, volunteer opportunities, research involvement, and even sessions on business in medicine. There is always something new to learn, and these activities help us grow both personally and professionally while also building meaningful connections with our peers."

What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-SOMA helping prepare you for your career?

"I hope to become a physician who has a meaningful impact on patients' lives and helps improve their long term health and quality of life. ATSU's focus on whole person healthcare is helping me build the skills to understand patients beyond their diagnosis and to appreciate the broader context of their health. I hope to bring strong clinical ability, compassion, and leadership into my future work within the Arizona community."

Why did you choose to join the Internal Medicine Interest Group, where you serve as Journal Club coordinator?

"I joined the Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) because I have always been drawn to the wide scope of internal medicine and the strong clinical reasoning that the specialty requires. I recently began serving as the Journal Club coordinator, and although I am still new in this role, I am excited to work with our IMIG team to host programs that expose students to important clinical topics.

"I enjoy being part of an organization that brings students together around curiosity and shared interests. IMIG provides meaningful learning opportunities outside the classroom, including case discussions, faculty talks, and other collaborative events. I am looking forward to helping expand these opportunities through thoughtful Journal Club sessions and future activities that support student learning and professional development."

Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?

"I became a student ambassador because I had a very positive and welcoming experience during my own interview at ATSU-SOMA. The student ambassador on my interview day made me feel like I truly belonged here and helped the school feel like a second home. That personal connection meant a lot to me and it inspired me to provide that same sense of comfort and support to future applicants.

"I enjoy connecting with prospective students and helping them feel informed and welcomed. I love answering questions, sharing my experiences, and giving applicants a sense of the community they can look forward to. It is very meaningful to be part of someone's journey into medical school."

What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?

"Outside of school I enjoy golfing, hiking in the Arizona desert, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I also love traveling and am always planning a new trip whenever we have a break!"