TOUCH
Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health
Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (TOUCH) is a national initiative led by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP). The program encourages osteopathic medical students to actively serve their communities and extend the principles of osteopathic medicine beyond the classroom and clinical setting. Through meaningful service, students help bring awareness to the profession’s values, philosophy, and commitment to holistic patient care.
Rooted in the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person, TOUCH recognizes that community service extends far beyond health promotion alone. Volunteer efforts may include mentorship, outreach, education, advocacy, and other forms of service that create a meaningful and lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Why Participate in TOUCH?
Osteopathic medical students can participate in TOUCH-approved community service events and log their volunteer hours in a national database. Students are recognized for their dedication and impact through milestone achievements, including:
- Platinum: Student with the highest number of hours on each campus.
- Gold: Students who complete 100 hours of service over the year.
- Silver: Students who complete 50 hours of service over the year.
TOUCH provides students with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership, compassion, and commitment to service while positively impacting the communities they serve.
What qualifies for TOUCH?
Events that qualify for TOUCH must adhere to the guidelines and regulations established by COSGP under AACOM. Eligible activities may include volunteer medical services, political advocacy, global outreach initiatives, and other forms of meaningful community engagement.
If you are unsure whether your event or service activity qualifies for TOUCH credit, please visit the official TOUCH website or contact the Second Vice President for Student Affairs for additional guidance.
Register & Log Your Hours
COSGP uses GivePulse for tracking volunteer hours. Only hours that are logged through this platform will count towards your requirement.
- Go to AACOM Give Pulse and signup with a new account.
- You must use your EDU email.
- Once you create an account, select the “Schools” tab.
- Search for NYITCOM and click on NYITCOM Old Westbury.
- Below the school’s name, click “Request to Join.”
Once you’ve joined NYITCOM Old Westbury, return to the AACOM Touch landing page to find a list of potential TOUCH service opportunities.
- On the NYITCOM Old Westbury dashboard, select “Add Impact.”
- Complete the submission with all the required information.
- Once submitted, your submission will be reviewed.
Important Rules & Reminders
- Travel time does not count as service.
- Prep time can be counted, but only up to 50% of your total logged hours for that event.
- A maximum of 10 hours total can come from donation-based activities (fundraisers, drives, etc.).
- Service can be through NYITCOM-affiliated events or independent volunteering (e.g., soup kitchens, blood drives, mentoring) as long as it aligns with TOUCH guidelines.
- Some service may qualify for specific TOUCH Threads (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Advocacy; Mentorship), which highlight the broader impact of your work.