Medical Student Wins First Place in National Case Competition

Erika Levy, a third-year medical student at NYITCOM-Arkansas, won first place in the A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition at the American Academy of Osteopathy’s (AAO) annual conference held March 23 through 27 in Orlando, Fla.

The competition featured 15 students from osteopathic medical schools across the country. Students were required to demonstrate their understanding and application of osteopathic principles and treatment, their knowledge of pathophysiology and clinical aspects of their cases, and the impact of osteopathic care. Presenters were judged on their presentation style, skill, and slide design in addition to the students’ involvement in decision-making and delivering treatment.

“We are all incredibly proud of Student Doctor Levy for her work and for the exemplary way she represented our medical school,” said Regina Fleming, D.O., chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine. “This is a tremendous achievement that required a lot of work on Student Doctor Levy’s part, and we’re thrilled to see that work rewarded.”

Levy’s presentation was titled, “That’s the Last (Copper) Straw.” As part of the competition, Levy articulated her approach to treating a patient with uterine-induced lower back pain.

Levy worked with Assistant Professors Joy Skaug, M.D., and Amy Suessle, D.O., who helped her with her presentation. Skaug and Suessle provided Levy with feedback and enhanced her understanding of the pathophysiology behind the use of copper IUDs.

Levy received a $500 scholarship to be applied to osteopathic continuing medical education, a ticket to the 2023 AAO convocation in Colorado, and a percussion hammer (a tool used in osteopathic manipulative treatment).

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to share my hard work with so many physicians and students from around the country, but it is an even bigger honor to win first place,” Levy said. “I’m extremely grateful to our faculty for their support and for the prizes that will enable me to continue learning and practicing osteopathic manipulative medicine.”

Levy also won the opportunity to compete in the national event after finishing first in NYITCOM’s Stanley Schiowitz Case Competition in November 2021. Originally from Kansas City, Mo., Levy recently completed the NYITCOM Academic Medicine Scholars Program, which allows select students to add a year to their medical education to focus on teaching and research while earning a master’s degree in academic medicine.