Spotlight

Tony, a first-year student at Meritus College of Osteopathic Medicine, brings a strong background in public health, mentorship, and community service to the Student Advisory Board.

Name

Garry Anthony Graham II, OMS-I

Medical School & Graduation Year

Meritus College of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2029

Areas of Interest

Undecided; currently exploring Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology. His primary goal is to become a compassionate physician who advocates for patients by continuously expanding his knowledge and seeking out real-world clinical experiences.

Leadership & Service

• Student Advisory Board Member (MAOP)

• Senator, United Student Movement, Oakwood University – represented the School of Arts and Sciences

• Member, Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)

• Volunteer, Helping Hands and church Youth Ministries – community food distribution, events, and youth mentorship

• Basketball Coach for boys ages 12–17, teaching teamwork, discipline, and resilience

• Mentor and Tutor, Oakwood University REACH Program and The Literacy Factory

Academic & Professional Preparation

• MPH in Epidemiology, Columbia University – Certificate in Health and Human Rights

• Coursework in Public Health Interventions, Health Systems, Environmental Justice, and Global & Developmental Perspectives

• Academic foundation rooted in equity, advocacy, and leadership

• Volunteer and shadowing experience at Harlem Hospital and NYC Health + Hospitals North Central Bronx, gaining exposure to the challenges faced by underserved patients

Community Involvement

• Mentor and tutor supporting literacy and academic confidence in children

• Active engagement in service projects including clothing drives, soup kitchens, and educational outreach

• Plans to begin volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club in Hagerstown to continue mentoring youth and supporting community-based initiatives

Why I Serve on the Student Advisory Board

“I want to be more than just a medical student. I want to be a voice, an advocate, and a connector for my peers. The future of medicine will be shaped by those who are willing to step forward, listen deeply, and fight for change—and I am ready to be one of those voices. My leadership and mentorship experiences have shown me that real impact happens when people unite behind a shared vision. On the Board, I hope to help amplify student voices, remove barriers, and create initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the osteopathic student experience.”

Unique Perspective

Garry brings the perspective of a Black medical student of Caribbean descent whose journey has been shaped by resilience, advocacy, and service. His background in public health, community engagement, and student leadership gives him the ability to approach challenges with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to equity.

What He Hopes to Accomplish

• Strengthen mentorship opportunities, particularly for underrepresented and first-generation medical students

• Amplify the student voice in decision-making, with a focus on wellness, professional development, and inclusivity

• Foster a culture of collaboration and opportunity that benefits both current and future osteopathic medical student

Name

Archita Padmanabhan, OMS-I

Medical School & Graduation Year

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2029

Areas of Interest

Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology

Leadership & Service

• Student Advisory Board Member (MAOP)

• Former State Parliamentarian (2017–2018) and Active Alumni Member, California HOSA: Future Health Professionals

• Former Vice President of Programming, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity – NJ Beta Chapter (Rutgers University)

• AMSA Member (undergraduate; supporting new chapter development at MSOM)

• Volunteer at Crisis Text Line, Medshare (CA), and various community health initiatives

Clinical & Research Experience

• Patient Monitor, Emergency Department, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ (2021–2022)

• Medical Assistant and Trainer, Clinilabs (Clinical Research Site) (2022–2023)

• Clinical Research Coordinator I, Clinilabs (2023–2025), managing 8 concurrent studies across multiple specialties

• Coursework in Systems Physiology, Immunology, Advanced Cell Biology, Psychology, and Sociology for Medicine and Healthcare

Campus & Community Involvement

• Volunteer at Abyssinian Baptist Church Food Share, Habitat for Humanity, and Medshare

• Mentor and advocate through Crisis Text Line, providing support to individuals in need

• Active participant in building new student-led organizations at MSOM to enhance medical student engagement

Why I Serve on the Student Advisory Board

“As a member of MSOM’s inaugural class, I’m excited to help shape a strong foundation for our osteopathic student community in Maryland. The SAB’s mission to advocate for students, connect them with resources, and strengthen relationships with physicians aligns perfectly with my own goals. I’m passionate about creating programming that encourages students to explore their interests, connect with mentors, and engage with Maryland’s diverse communities.”

Unique Perspective

Archita brings experience from leadership roles in pre-health organizations and clinical research. Her ability to connect student interests with organizational missions allows her to design impactful programming and advocate effectively. She has led teams, managed complex studies, and worked in diverse healthcare environments, giving her a practical understanding of collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

What She Hopes to Accomplish

• Expand networking opportunities across Maryland so students can explore specialties and community needs

• Promote student engagement in statewide wellness initiatives and advocacy

• Strengthen connections between medical students, physicians, and community partners to support osteopathic values

Name

Ianna Pirozzi, OMS-IV

Medical School & Graduation Year

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) – Class of 2026

Areas of Interest

Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine

Leadership & Service

• Student Advisory Board Member (MAOP)

• Events Coordinator, Anesthesiology Club at LECOM

• Member of Internal Medicine Club and ACOS-MSS (Surgery Club)

• Peer Advisor and member of LECOM Mentoring Club

• Former Chair of Special Events, Villanova University Campus Activities Team

• Editor-in-Chief of Layout, POLIS Literary Magazine

• Diversity Ambassador, Villanova Department of Chemistry

• Promoter Intern for the Ignatian Solidarity Network and Ethix Merch

Clinical & Research Experience

• Completion of all core clinical rotations: Surgery, Geriatrics/OPP, OB-GYN, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and Ambulatory Medicine

• Previous perioperative surgical support technician at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center

• Pre-medical shadowing at University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC)

• Research background with contributions to manuscripts and public health programming

• Completed COMLEX Levels 1 & 2 and USMLE Steps 1 & 2

Campus & Community Involvement

• Active volunteer with Schoolhouse Science and The Joy of Sox

• Habitat for Humanity and local community outreach volunteer

• Committee Member, Villanova COVID-19 Events Management Team

• Organizer of campus-wide initiatives such as CATchella Welcome Event, Merry Christmas Villanova Week, and Basketball Game Watches

• Service through bilingual public health education workshops and mentorship programs

Why I Serve on the Student Advisory Board

“As an OMS-IV preparing for residency, I’ve reflected deeply on my path in medicine and realized I flourish in advocacy and mentorship. Serving on the Student Advisory Board allows me to combine my passions for advocacy, leadership, and collaboration while supporting my peers and the osteopathic profession. I hope to build meaningful connections, expand mentorship opportunities, and represent student perspectives at the state level—especially as Maryland’s osteopathic community continues to grow.”

Name

Lavinia Harrison, OMS-I

Medical School & Graduation Year

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2029

Areas of Interest

Family Medicine

Leadership & Service

• Student Advisory Board Member (MAOP)
• Program Lead, Center of Excellence & REACH-HEI, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (2021–2024)
• Community Impact Grant Reviewer, Pocono Mountains United Way
• STEM Program Director, Building 21 High School
• Volunteer mentor and leader in multiple community-based outreach and service initiatives

Clinical & Research Experience

• Designed and implemented mentorship and pipeline programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine
• Developed and evaluated medical mentoring curriculum emphasizing cultural competence and leadership
• Organized physician shadowing opportunities, workshops, and health education sessions
• Research in health disparities and child death review policy during MPH training
• Scribe and research coordinator in clinical and academic settings

Campus & Community Involvement

• Volunteer with Abyssinian Baptist Church Food Share, “We Bloom” Annual Event, Broken but Healing Mentorship, and Habitat for Humanity
• Service with St. Christopher’s Child Life Department and Acumen Dental Community Outreach
• Organizer of bilingual health education workshops, public health events, and Girls in Science Day, a county-wide initiative inspiring young women in STEM

Why I Serve on the Student Advisory Board

“I joined the Student Advisory Board to merge my passions for community engagement, policy, and mentorship within the osteopathic profession. I believe student voices play a powerful role in shaping the future of medicine, and I want to help ensure osteopathic medical education reflects compassion, diversity, and innovation.”

Spotlight

Shivika, a third-year student at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, is passionate about student advocacy, clinical excellence, and mentoring peers while exploring General Surgery, OB/GYN, and Anesthesiology.

Name

Shivika Sekhri Gaind, OMS-III

Medical School & Graduation Year

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2027

Areas of Interest

General Surgery, OB/GYN, Anesthesiology

Leadership & Service

• President, Student Advisory Board
• Region III Trustee, Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
• Student Delegate, West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association
• Co-founder, Smiles from Miles Away nonprofit
• Member of Omega Beta Iota and Sigma Sigma Phi honor societies

Clinical & Research Experience

• Clinical rotations across WVSOM Sitewide Campus
• Research in exercise prescriptions, limonene-induced asthma, and neurobehavioral responses
• Clinical work as an Emergency Department scribe and cardiology medical assistant

Campus & Community Involvement

• Active member of the Surgery & Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine & Radiology, and OB/GYN Clubs
• Volunteer in hospice care, community tutoring, and nutrition outreach for children

Why I Serve on the Student Advisory Board

“I believe in the power of student-led change. My goal is to strengthen communication, equity, and support for students—especially during clinical years—while amplifying diverse perspectives in medical education.”