SAOAO 2025 – 2026 Leadership
President: Nikolas Vukotic, OMS-III
Nik is an OMS-III at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Last year, he served as Conference Chair for the organization and now looks forward to serving as President for the 2026 term. Born in the Chicago suburbs to immigrant parents, Nik learned from a young age to value community, education, and a strong work ethic. With interests in movement and spatial perspectives to the human body (and a love for languages) he completed degrees in Biology and Spanish from Loyola University Chicago, where he also served as an EMT during the recent pandemic. During the years leading up to medical school, Nik built core insight into the functioning of an effective healthcare team, inspiring him to pursue the dual DO/MBA offered at KCU, and ultimately staying surrounded with strong-willed individuals who value these same principles. Outside of school, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and planning a Serbian-Greek wedding with his fiancée.
Vice President: Carly Hagler, OMS-III
Carly is an OMS-III at Lincoln Memorial Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she moved to Seattle, Washington to complete her Bachelors of Science in Microbiology at the University of Washington. Carly worked as an emergency room medical scribe during the COVID-19 pandemic and later moved on to become a medical assistant in an oculofacial plastic surgeons office. She also worked in an aging research lab during her undergraduate career. Carly always felt called to orthopedic surgery as she herself has undergone two spinal surgeries as well as two hip surgeries. These procedures introduced her to the impactful nature that orthopedics provides for their patients. To be able to help patients regain daily function and return to sports continued to spark her interest in orthopedics. Outside of academics, she enjoys working out with friends, playing with her dog, and baking.
Secretary: Michael Critelli, OMS-II
Michael is an OMS-II at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. A native of Houston, he completed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University. Before medical school, Michael gained experience working as a paramedic, responding to emergency calls and assisting patients in the Emergency Room. His interest in orthopedics is rooted in his lifelong passion for sports and athletics, developing a deep appreciation for musculoskeletal function, biomechanics, and the process of physical recovery. Michael is looking forward to serving the students of SAOAO, aiming to connect and support future leaders in the field of orthopedics. In his free time, Michael enjoys cooking with his wife, playing with his dog, and rooting for the Baylor Bears in all athletic contests. Sic ‘em!
Treasurer: Ryan Jordan, OMS-II
Ryan is an OMS-II at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Monroe, Louisiana. Originally from New Roads, Louisiana, he developed an interest in orthopedics while working at a surgery center during his undergraduate studies, where he observed adult reconstruction and sports medicine specialists. The restoration of function, excitement of the operating room, and strong sense of camaraderie within the field continue to motivate him toward a career in orthopedic surgery. He is excited to serve members across the country as they progress towards their common professional goals. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys weightlifting, spending time with friends and family, and being an LSU sports fanatic.
Conference Chair: Caitlin Wetzel, OMS-II
Caitlin is an OMS-II at Ohio University – Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dublin, Ohio. With a strong interest in sports medicine, she majored in athletic training at Ohio State University (go bucks!). There, she learned hands-on diagnostic and evaluation skills while working alongside collegiate, professional, and high school athletes. After undergrad, Caitlin moved to Alabama where she worked as an athletic trainer for Auburn University’s football team while pursuing her master’s degree in exercise science. Growing up with a connective tissue disorder and dozens of broken bones, Caitlin grew very interested in the medical procedures of orthopedic surgery. The combination of creativity, precision, and teamwork in orthopedics gives her the passion to provide the best possible care for her future patients. Her hobbies include working out, scrapbooking, and playing with her two kittens, Josie and Mila, and her puppy Saylor.
Recruitment Chair: Colin Emrich, OMS-III
Colin is an OMS-III at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Born and raised in Mechanicsburg, PA, Colin felt a call to serve others from an early age. His passion for service initially manifested as a desire to serve in the United States Army. Colin pursued this dream by attending the Virginia Military Institute and earning his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduation, Colin commissioned into the Army as an Infantry Officer. Throughout his five years in the Army, he was privileged to work with some incredible Soldiers, which enabled him to gain a robust understanding of what it means to be a servant leader. These experiences gave Colin a deep appreciation for the importance of physical fitness and its positive impact on one’s life. Orthopedics became a natural passion for him as he began his medical school journey. Colin saw the incredible impact Orthopedic Surgeons could have in patients’ lives by restoring the gift of mobility and immediately improving their quality of life. In his free time, Colin enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as weightlifting, running, skiing, and golfing.
Membership Chair: Jude Zeino, OMS-II
Jude is an OMS-II at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem. He grew up in Alpine, New Jersey before moving to Washington, DC to complete his undergraduate education at American University. Dreams of contributing to the field of orthopedics became apparent at an early age after a traumatic leg injury introduced him to the world of imaging, follow-up visits, and the long road of rehabilitation. As a lifelong athlete, he has always been drawn to the mechanics of movement and performance. Beyond his own experience, the son of Syrian immigrants, Jude’s dedication to orthopedics is also shaped by his deep desire to one day contribute to restoring function and mobility to communities affected by the Syrian conflict. In his free time, Jude enjoys cooking, triathlon training, tennis, aviation, soccer, and films.
External Affairs: Sydney Shindler, OMS-III
Sydney is an OMS-III at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Raised in Houston, Texas, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri to complete her undergraduate education at Rockhurst University. There, she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry and Biomedical Physics. Sydney played on the Rockhurst University Woman’s Lacrosse Team all four years of undergrad, where her passion for sports medicine and working with a team evolved. Sydney recalls her desire to become an orthopedic surgeon for as long as she can remember. As someone who is always on the move, she resonated with the field of orthopedics and the desire to help patients regain functionality and return to the activities they love. Outside of academics, you can find Sydney hiking trails, reading a book, and training for her next race.