OCOM opens doors for inaugural first day of school

To see view the original article, please click on the Orange Observer article here.

From a young age, Ashesh Soni was exposed to the field of medicine through his mother’s diagnosis of thyroid cancer. 

Each trip to the doctor’s office sparked his curiosity about how advanced medical technology continues to improve lives on a daily basis. Witnessing how multidisciplinary medical teams work together toward establishing diagnoses and providing therapeutics to patients inspired him. 

The concept of applying a foundation of knowledge on physiology and pathophysiology to serve as a patient advocate while working alongside a multifaceted team motivated him to pursue medical school and follow his dream of becoming a physician. 

OCOM OMS-I Student, Ashesh Soni, (center) during Welcome Week.

As of Monday, Aug. 5, Soni is one step closer to his lifelong dream, as he started his first day as part of the inaugural class at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine in Horizon West.

“I’m most excited to be part of the inaugural class, because it offers me the unique opportunity to help shape the school’s future and contribute to something that will make a meaningful positive impact on the Central Florida community for years to come,” he said. “The advanced technological resources and simulation tools available to students are key aspects that excite me, as they will prepare us exceptionally well for our future careers. I’m eager to be part of something so innovative and community focused.”

FIRST-DAY FEELS

Soni is one of only 97 students attending the new medical school in Southwest Orange County.

OCOM is more than an investment of $200 million into the community. Leaders expect it to have more than a $1.7 billion economic impact by 2045.

The mission of the school is to train caring and competent osteopathic physicians who will have an impact on the Central Florida community, the nation and the global community.

There are three main things Dean and Chief Academic Officer Robert Hasty is looking forward to this year: sharing in the joy of the loved ones of the medical students during the White Coat Ceremony, seeing the passion and love for teaching from the school’s faculty, and watching the professional growth of the school’s students as they take their first steps on their path toward transforming into caring physicians. 

Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Robert T. Hasty, speaking to the inaugural class of students at Welcome Week.

“I have thought of the day when the OCOM medical students would start for the past four years, and it was one of the best days of my life to see them here,” Hasty said of the first day of classes. “Our team has built the newest, best and most modern medical school in the nation, and I look forward to seeing all of the successes from the future physicians that we are training. The whole process gives purpose to my life.”

Michelle Wallen, founding clinical faculty member and director of emergency medicine and learning consolidation courses, said the first day of classes was amazing and filled with joy, anticipation and excitement. 

“All the staff and faculty have eagerly awaited their arrival, and it was fantastic to finally meet them,” she said. “I feel so honored to be a part of educating this inaugural class of medical students at OCOM.”

Wallen said she observed the students as being incredibly motivated and engaged on this first day.

“You can already feel the camaraderie and the strong determination to succeed,” she said. “It’s clear they are a hard-working group, committed to dedicating their time at OCOM to becoming outstanding physicians. We’re off to a great start, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will achieve.”

Robert Minkes, professor and chair of specialty medicine, also said the first day with the school’s inaugural class was a thrilling experience. 

“The excitement and energy were palpable,” he said. “It was incredibly rewarding to see our extensive curriculum planning and months of preparation come to life in such a dynamic way. … The students approached the virtual anatomy lab with impressive eagerness and curiosity. They quickly engaged with the new software and adapted well to the team-based learning environment. Their enthusiasm and proactive participation set a positive tone for the semester. The students are clearly ready to thrive in this innovative learning setting.”

Professor of Anatomy, Dr. Robert Minkes, shows students how to use a modality for virtual anatomy.

For Soni, the only word to describe the first day of classes at OCOM was fulfilling.

“I felt immense gratitude and pride as I took the first steps toward my career, surrounded by like-minded classmates who share the same passion for medicine,” he said. “The collaborative and supportive atmosphere made me feel right at home, and I was thrilled to be part of an environment that encourages adaptability and growth. The faculty’s warm welcome and genuine support made us feel not just like students, but like we truly belonged here. It reinforced my excitement and confidence in starting this incredible chapter of my career. It was the perfect beginning to an exciting and meaningful journey.”