September Highlights

• Back-To-School Financial Guide
• ACOFP/AOA Annual Convention & Scientific Seminar
• Student Mixer for San Diego Convention Attendees
• Search for an ACOFP Osteopathic Family Physician Preceptor
• Professional Growth Opportunity – Become the 2008-2009 ACOFP Student Academic Board Member - Application deadline October 1st
• $1,000 Scholarships Available from ACOFP
• Spotlight on Strongest Link/Residency Program – WVSOM/United Hospital Center
• Be Sure to Keep Your Contact Information Current!
• Prescriber’s Letter – Act Now for Additional 20% Rebate

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Back-To-School Financial Guide

The cost of a college education is continuously rising and often requires the assistance of student loans. As a returning student, ACOFP wants you to be aware of all the financial aid options available to you. College Loan Corporation (CLC), ACOFP’s student loan partner, has developed a back-to-school financial aid guide to help ensure you get the money you need.

1. Complete your 2007-2008 FAFSA
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) each academic year to be eligible for financial aid. The FAFSA and the Renewal FAFSA for returning students can be accessed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

2. Sign and return your Award Letter
The Award Letter details your financial aid for the upcoming school year, including scholarships, work-study, grants, and federal loans that were awarded.

3. Apply for Free Monies
We know medical school scholarships are difficult to find, but here are a few tips for your search:

• Look into local businesses in your home town or college town to find out if there are any paid internships or award funds available to students in the medical field      
• Consult your college’s financial aid office - they are your personal resource for special options available through the school

5. Federal loans not enough?
Take advantage of the CLC Private Loan® and get up to $40,000 or as little as $1,000, based on your financial need. A check is sent directly to you to ensure you get the funds you need to cover all college expenses such as a new laptop, lab fees, and travel.

Call 800.863.8771 to speak with a loan consultant who is experienced in working with the specific financial needs of medical students. College Loan Corporation offers several options for health profession students to meet the high costs of completing medical school.

Plan Ahead – Managing your student loan debt after graduation
ACOFP and College Loan Corporation thought you might like to know that, six months after graduation, you will be required to start making payments on your student loans. The good news is that you are eligible to lock in an interest rate that is 0.60% lower if you consolidate your Stafford Loans during your grace period.

For more information about paying for school and saving on your student loans, call 800.863.8771 to speak with a personal loan consultant or log on to http://www.acofp.org/membership/students/collegeloan.aspx

ACOFP/AOA Annual Convention & Scientific Seminar

September 30 - October 4,
2007 San Diego, California

Learning Anew
In October, the ACOFP/AOA Annual Convention will offer a session on Recognizing Environmental Causes of Illness and Promoting a Healthy Workforce. Media often report the phenomenon of the "sick" workplace where employees report a higher-than-expected rate of illness or disease. Studies have shown that there are some common elements that are shared in these case reports. Family physicians are often the first contact for patients who have health concerns about their workplace. Register for the Convention today!

Download Registration Brochure
Register Online Today

Student Mixer for San Diego Convention Attendees

September 30 - October 4, 2007
ACOFP 45th Annual Convention & Exhibition
Hyatt Regency Denver/Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colorado
A student mixer will be held at the Altitude Sky Bar in San Diego on October 2, 2007 at 7pm for ACOFP student convention-goers.Click for full details.

Search for an of Osteopathic Family Physician Preceptor


Search for a board-certified osteopathic family physician for your family practice rotation by accessing the ACOFP Registry of Osteopathic Family Practice Preceptors. The Preceptors in this database have provided detailed practice profile information that helps you locate a Preceptor based on the criteria most important to you.

ACOFP Preceptorship Program Evaluation now available online at http://www.acofp.org/preceptor/evaluation.aspx

Please Visit ACOFP’s Preceptor Search
Once you have located potential Preceptor(s) please contact them directly to set up the rotation. If you have any questions, please contact tobik@acofp.org

Professional Growth Opportunity – Become the 2008-2009 ACOFP Student Academic Board Member – Application Deadline October 1st

Expand your professional opportunities by participating on the ACOFP Board of Governors. Many students who have served as the Student Academic Board Member did so to participate in developing ways to serve the needs of Student Members and to involve Student Members in ACOFP strategic initiatives and activities. Put your mark on the future of osteopathic medicine – serve as the 2008-2009 ACOFP Student Academic Board Member.

Applying is easy . . . Review the criteria for nomination of a Student Academic Member of the ACOFP Board, then review the Student Academic Board member responsibilities and submit the application with a one page personal letter of interest and current CV no later than October 1st.
Download an Application

Scholarships and Awards

Twenty-five $1000 Scholarships Available from ACOFP in 2008
The deadline to submit your application for one of the twenty-five $1,000 individual scholarships funded by the Auxiliary to the ACOFP is February 15, 2008.
Download the Scholarship Application Form

Namey/Burnett Preventive Medicine Writing Award Competition
Click here for complete details

Spotlight on Strongest Link/Residency Program

Program # 126330
WVSOM/United Hospital Center

Program Description:

Our residency program is located in a state-of-the-art community hospital set in the middle of beautiful West Virginia. We service a large, diverse patient population and have strong role models to provide an excellent foundation for training future family physicians. Our graduates develop valuable clinical skills as well as interpersonal skills while interacting with patients, helping them to become excellent family physicians. Our residents learn how to incorporate all aspects of patient care along with their own family/personal needs while enjoying the learning process. Location: Clarksburg, WV.

United Hospital Center provides services to a nine-county area with a population of approximately 200,000. Recreational and cultural opportunities include a well-developed park system, private and public golf courses, a performing arts endowment fund, and a myriad of historical sites.

Strongest Link: Shavon Frame DO is available to answer your questions via e-mail at dframe@wvsom.edu
View complete program descriptions including number of beds, stipend and vacation days.

Be Sure to Keep Your Contact Information Current!

With all of the excitement of school starting, it is easy to forget to forward your new address. But please remember to up date ACOFP! Review your current contact information and make any changes if needed. – It is as easy as one, two, three:

1. Go to http://www.acofp.org/
2. Login to the Members only section with your username (AOA/ACOFP ID Number) and password (last name and the year 2002 with no spaces; i.e. smith2002) Troubleshooting: Forgot your username and password or don’t know your ID number? No problem. Just enter your email address and ACOFP will instantly email you your credentials.
3. Once logged in, update your membership information on the left tool bar.

Update My Information

You can also contact the ACOFP Membership Department to update your information at:
Phone: (800) 323-0794
Fax: (847) 228-9755
Email: membership@acofp.org

ACOFP Student Membership Benefit – The Prescriber’s Letter

This is a trustworthy and useful service. It is worth your consideration.” ACOFP President , Steven F. Rubin, DO, FACOFP dist.

The Prescriber’s Letter gives you 100% unbiased recommendations and advice you can trust on new developments in Drug Therapy. Plus your subscription includes: