Emmie Strassberg, DO, FACOOG (Dist)

Committee Advisor · MFM

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician, OBTelecare

“Advocacy—through education, policy engagement, and community support—is essential to our work as physicians.”

Pooja Mhatre, MPH

OMS-III · NSS Past President 2025–26

Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA)

“My passion for women's health and my background in public health have always gone hand in hand. I want to care for individual patients, but I also want to help change the systems, policies, and barriers that affect their health long before they walk into a clinic. Advocacy gives me the opportunity to do both.”

Zenia Lakhani

OMS-II

PCOM South Georgia

“I don't just want to study the gaps in women's health, I want to close them. Research tells me where to look; advocacy is what I do next.”

Ashley Lauver

OMS-III

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM)

“Health is impacted by factors beyond the walls of the exam room, and advocacy gives us a way to address them.”

Halle Mitchell

OMS-III

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn (VCOM-Auburn)

“To me, advocacy is turning a voice into action, and breaking barriers so every person can feel seen, heard, and cared for. I hope to leave healthcare better than I found it, creating a clearer path to health for those I serve and those who come after.”

Quinn Kanner

OMS-II

NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa Bay

“Being a physician is more than providing healthcare; it requires recognizing structural patterns and advocating for change to ensure every patient receives the exceptional care they deserve.”

Brittany Boyer

OMS-II

NYITCOM at Arkansas State University

“My ‘why medicine’ has always been rooted in advocacy and leadership! I believe effective healthcare requires the realities of the patients we serve to be represented at the table—and I hope to be the one who pulls out the chair.”

Jodi Benett, DO, FACOOG (Dist), FACOG

Physician Mentor

Chair, ACOOG Government Affairs Committee

“Advocacy is empowering! I want to have a say in improving health care for my patients. By being involved in advocacy, I can believe that I am making a difference!”

Hailey Martin, MPH

OMS-IV · GAC Student Liaison

University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

“I believe that we have a duty to ourselves and to our patients to advocate for the future of the profession and for equitable, evidence-based, and compassionate care for all individuals. As students, we have the opportunity to use our voices in a powerful way, and advocacy is the first step in contributing to our future profession and community.”

Sylvie Kimpton, MBS

OMS-II

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Colorado

“I'm passionate about using my voice to advance women's health, address maternal health disparities, and improve access to care—especially in rural and underserved communities.”

Pari Kapila

OMS-III

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Virginia (VCOM-Virginia)

“To me, advocacy means being the older sister I've always been—looking out for others, understanding their needs, and making sure they have someone in their corner to speak up for them.”

Know Your State

Look up reported cases, trafficking types, and local resources for the state where you live or rotate. Committee members are compiling state snapshots to share with chapters.