ATSU-SOMA embodies its mission, provides students with caring, genuine support
Posted: February 12, 2025
Mentorship may help a person grow in different ways, and open their eyes to new opportunities. For Victoria Le, OMS I, it was a mentor who first introduced her to A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA).
“I had a really great mentor, Dharmpal Vansadia, ’DO, ’10, who graduated from ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and he put ATSU on the radar for me,” Le said. “After interviewing with ATSU-SOMA, I could tell how the institution really embodies their mission and emphasizes well-rounded, osteopathic care. The faculty and student ambassadors were so caring and genuine, and I knew that ATSU was the school that could best equip me to become the compassionate physician I aspire to be.”
Le is from Houston, Texas, and has a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry with a minor in anthropology from Baylor University. She serves as the Social Activities Coordinator for the Student Government Association class of 2028, the secretary for Anatomy Club, and a Mental Health Ambassador for the Department of Behavioral Health and Wellness.
“I love being a part of ATSU-SOMA’s Student Government Association because I get the opportunity to connect with all my classmates beyond just academics and work toward making our medical school experiences better,” Le said. “It has been so fun to host events like a movie night with blanket making for hospital patients through Project Linus. I loved seeing how we all came together to serve our community while also getting to enjoy each other’s company outside of class.”
Le also serves as an ATSU-SOMA student ambassador.
“I had a great experience with my student ambassador, Mariah Taylor, OMS II, during my own interview. She was very genuine and honest about her experience at SOMA, which felt refreshing compared to other schools I had interviewed at. She made me realize how important it was to choose a school that genuinely aligned with my mission and goals in medicine,” Le said.
“This reminded me that even as an applicant, I still had autonomy in my decision. It shifted my mindset to be confident in myself during the application cycle, since it felt very discouraging at times. Now as I serve as a student ambassador, I strive to remind every interviewee of what Mariah reminded me of a year ago – that getting an interview is a feat in and of itself and to not let the uncertainty of applications waver you. I love getting to meet my potential future classmates and hearing their stories.”
Outside of classes, Le enjoys weightlifting, pilates, yoga, running, pottery painting, travel, and exploring new restaurants.
On campus, she enjoys the relationships she’s establishing with her classmates.
“I love how welcoming and supportive my classmates are. I’ve been able to develop some of the closest friendships because SOMA brought together a group of people with similar mindsets and missions. Surrounding myself with these really great influences has allowed me to grow as a person and as a future physician,” Le said. “We support each other through our study sessions and dinners to celebrate our hard work. We know how consuming it can be to study as much as we do, so we make big efforts to be active and prioritize our overall wellness. I played on the SOMA flag football team and our entire cohort came to support us and cheer us on – that is how supportive SOMA is.”
Le is keeping an open mind as far as her future specialty, noting ATSU-SOMA has provided many opportunities to network with various physicians in several different specialties so far.
“Events like Dinner with Doctors with AOMA and Phoenix Children’s Hospital has opened my eyes to a number of specialties that I was not aware of as a first-year medical student,” Le said.
No matter what she chooses, she knows ATSU-SOMA faculty will be there to support her journey.
“I love the faculty open door policy because it has allowed me to make the most meaningful connections with my professors. I feel very supported and know that my professors are always willing to help if I need it, whether it is academic or personal,” she said. “This semester I had gotten sick and was having trouble finding a physician that was available to treat me. After speaking with a professor I was close with, he reassured me about my diagnosis and was able to get me the help I needed to be treated. Knowing that my professors care about me beyond just academics is what makes me feel at home here at SOMA.”