Samuel Loescher, OMS-III was recently appointed as a student member of the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).

Student Doctor Loescher was selected by AOA President Thomas Ely, DO to serve a two-year term, ending July 2022. This is the first time COCA has allowed student representation on the commission.

“I wanted to join COCA on behalf of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association. mainly to provide a student’s voice on issues that affect every student’s educational experience,” said Student Doctor Loescher. “I knew that my experience of being part of the inaugural class at ICOM would help me with starting this new position on COCA.”

In his role on the COCA, Student Doctor Loescher will uphold the core values of the osteopathic profession, help to advance osteopathic medicine, and strengthen the osteopathic community.

COCA is responsible for accrediting colleges of osteopathic medicine and maintaining the accreditation standards. Its authority is recognized by the US Department of Education and state licensing boards that condition licensure to practice as an osteopathic physician on a degree from a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine.