Empowering Future Leaders: OCOM’s Medical Student Leadership Summit
At Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM), we recognize that leadership is more than just a title—it’s a skill set that requires continuous growth, self-awareness, and the ability to inspire others. That’s why, over the past four weeks, OCOM hosted its inaugural Medical Student Leadership Summit, designed to equip our students with the tools and insights necessary to lead effectively within their organizations, future medical careers, and beyond.
The Journey to Leadership
Leadership is a critical component of medicine. Physicians often serve as team leaders, guiding multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to deliver the best possible patient care. Understanding this, OCOM strongly encouraged all student club leaders to participate in the summit, and other interested students were invited to join as well. The response was overwhelming—each session was packed with engaged and motivated students eager to expand their leadership abilities.
Self-Discovery Through Leadership Style Assessments
A key component of the summit was self-discovery. Students took leadership style assessments that provided valuable insights into their natural leadership tendencies. These assessments helped participants understand whether they lead best through collaboration, decisiveness, strategic thinking, or relationship-building.
By analyzing their results, students gained clarity on their communication styles, how they handle conflict, and the ways they naturally influence those around them. Some discovered they were visionary leaders, excelling in big-picture thinking, while others found strength in being team-oriented, empathetic leaders who prioritize building strong relationships.
Key Takeaways and Skills Gained
Beyond self-awareness, students gained practical skills to enhance their leadership effectiveness. Some of the core topics covered included:
Effective Communication & Active Listening – Learning how to clearly convey ideas, resolve misunderstandings, and foster open dialogue within a team.
Conflict Resolution & Decision-Making – Developing strategies to approach difficult conversations and make informed, confident decisions in high-pressure situations.
Time Management & Delegation – Understanding how to prioritize responsibilities, avoid burnout, and empower others to contribute effectively.
Adaptability & Emotional Intelligence – Recognizing the importance of flexibility in leadership and how self-awareness plays a role in working with diverse personalities.
A Collective Effort in Leadership Development
This summit wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of our dedicated mentors: Dr. Robert Minkes, Dr. Amelie Oshikoya, James McKnight, Keymara Piquant, and Stefen Gage. Their expertise and passion for leadership helped shape an enriching and transformative experience for our students.
Leadership Summit Organization Team (from L to R): James McKnight, Stefen Gage, Dr. Amelie Oshikoya, Dr. Robert Minkes, and Keymara Piquant.
The Medical Student Leadership Summit was not just about teaching leadership—it was about empowering students to discover their unique strengths, enhance their communication skills, and prepare them for the challenges of leading in the medical field. At OCOM, we believe that every physician is a leader, and we are proud to cultivate a culture where students can grow into the future leaders of healthcare.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to build and strengthen our leadership development programs, we are excited to see how our student doctors apply these skills in their roles at OCOM, in clinical rotations, and, ultimately, in their future careers as physicians. The impact of strong, compassionate leadership in medicine is immeasurable, and we are confident that these students will make a difference in the lives of their patients and communities.
