VCOM–Louisiana is proud to recognize Annie Pham, Class of 2026, as its Student Doctor of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The award honors a student who exceeds expectations through leadership, service, scholarship, and commitment to osteopathic principles.
The 2025–2026 selection committee noted in its nomination letter, “Annie’s unwavering commitment to service, paired with a remarkable story of perseverance, distinguished her immediately among an exceptionally competitive pool of nominees. Her sustained dedication to advancing patient care, uplifting her peers, and strengthening the osteopathic profession reflects the highest ideals of osteopathic medicine.”
Annie’s path to this recognition began long before medical school. Before joining VCOM–Louisiana, she spent four years as a critical care registered nurse in a medical intensive care unit, an experience that continues to shape her approach to medicine.
Transitioning from bedside nursing to medical school gave Annie a unique perspective on patient care and teamwork. “I have been on the nursing and medicine side now, so I try to understand where people are coming from and give grace, especially in busy or stressful situations,” she said, noting that her background also made her more comfortable stepping in to help wherever needed.
That mindset aligns closely with the osteopathic philosophy she has embraced at VCOM. “In the ICU, I quickly learned that patients do not deteriorate in isolation,” Annie explained. “Even small physiologic changes can ripple across multiple systems,” reflecting the osteopathic belief that the body functions as an integrated whole.
One ICU experience continues to shape how Annie views her role as a future physician. Caring for an anxious patient nearing the end of his life reinforced the importance of empathy and advocacy. “Putting myself in the patient’s shoes changed how I thought about the situation,” she said. “Those moments mattered, especially knowing they could be his last days.”
Annie’s Leadership, Service, and Advocacy
At VCOM–Louisiana, Annie has been deeply involved in peer tutoring, leadership roles within the American College of Osteopathic Students, community outreach, and national
advocacy. She says her motivation stems from a strong desire to advocate for both patients and the osteopathic profession.
After participating in Capitol Hill Day, Annie gained a deeper understanding of how healthcare policy shapes patient outcomes. “I learned that patient care is not only shaped in the hospital or clinic but also far away on Capitol Hill through policy and legislation,” she said. “Showing up, speaking up, and being involved at a national level is another way to protect patients and the future of our profession.”
Her leadership extends beyond campus through her role as education chair of the Radiological Society of North America, where she helps shape medical student education nationwide. For Annie, education and advocacy go hand in hand. “Medicine is a field of lifelong learning,” she said. “Staying current with guidelines allows physicians to provide the best possible care.”
On the Path to Graduating with Research Distinction
Annie’s commitment to improving patient outcomes is also reflected in her research, which is directly inspired by her ICU experience. She is on track to graduate with Research Distinction, with work focused on critical care and lung injury.
Under the mentorship of Sarah Voth, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology and physiology at VCOM–Louisiana, Annie’s research examines how bacterial toxins disrupt lung endothelial cell defenses in critically ill patients.
“My time in the ICU showed me how quickly patients can deteriorate from lung injury and how critical it is to intervene early,” she explained. “Ultimately, the goal is to identify pathways that could lead to therapies to prevent secondary lung injury from nosocomial pneumonia, improve patient outcomes, and potentially reduce mortality.”
Celebrating the Student Doctor of the Year
Being named Student Doctor of the Year is a meaningful milestone for Annie, one she views as a reflection of the people who have supported her. “I’m deeply honored,” she shared. “To me, it reflects the incredible community of mentors, professors, and friends who have supported and guided me throughout medical school at VCOM.”
As she prepares for residency, Annie plans to carry forward the values that have guided her journey. “One lesson I hope to carry forward is the value of hard work and perseverance,” she said. Her advice to future students is simple and sincere: “Stay committed, stay curious, and remember that the effort you put in now lays the foundation for the kind of physician you want to be.”
