Lijah Vann Gardner, OMS-III, has been chosen as Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Student DO of the Year for 2021.

Student Doctor Vann Gardner, who currently serves as Class President of ICOM’s inaugural Class of 2022, has been instrumental in the establishment of the College’s student organizations — including its Student Government Association (SGA) — off the ground.

“I’m happy to be in an environment surrounded by people who push each other to be lifelong learners and encourage being active in the community,” said Student Doctor Vann Gardner.

Student Doctor Vann Gardner is currently a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and in addition to many other community service projects, volunteers at the Boise VA Hospital.

Each year, the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents organizes a national award for “Student DO of the Year.” Each osteopathic medical school’s students, faculty and staff nominate medical students who they believe represents the following ideals: leadership, commitment to community service, dedication to the profession, professionalism, and embodiment of the osteopathic philosophy.