SAOAO 2024-2025 Leadership
President: Rachael Larkin
Rachael is an OMS-III at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. She served as Conference Chair for the organization last year and looks forward to serving as President for the 2024-2025 term. An active and sports-centered childhood led her to pursue a bachelor’s in Exercise Science at the University of Mississippi. Her involvement in kinesiology research and shadowing orthopedic surgeons sparked the desire for medical school. Upon graduating, Rachael spent a year as a Medical Assistant in pediatrics, where she gained foundational insight to the dynamic of a successful healthcare team and relationship with patients. Outside of medical school, she is outside on a walk, working at her family’s distillery, or cooking something Italian.
Vice President: Sarah Willard
Sarah Willard is a registered dietitian and an OMS-III at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. After two decades of military relocations with her high school sweetheart, Derek, she is fulfilling her dream to attend medical school and become a surgeon. The combination of biomechanics, hands-on creativity, and power tools secured orthopedics as the perfect fit for Sarah. Her hope is to embody the principles of her Catholic faith in her daily work by restoring functional mobility through surgery and providing osteopathic care in rural areas. Outside of medical school, Sarah has an active lifestyle as a homestead farmer. You will often find her weightlifting, meat processing, cooking, and volunteering with her husband and three children.
Secretary: Carly Horne
Carly is an OMS-II 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.
Treasurer: Christian Castillo
Christian is an OMS-III at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, NC. Originally from Miami, Florida, he’s lived in 5 states and now calls Aiken, South Carolina home. A 2022 graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science, Christian’s introduction to orthopedics came through his father, a DO as well. His interest solidified during his senior year of high school when he underwent a Hip labral repair, ending his senior season of lacrosse. In the future, he aims to help patients return to their daily activities and empower them to continue pursuing their passions. Outside of medical school, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and trying out new sports like pickleball.
Conference Chair: Nikolas Vukotic
Nik is an OMS-II at Kansas City University in Joplin, MO. He was born in Chicago, IL and found his passion for orthopedics after working as an EMT during his undergraduate time at Loyola University Chicago. At KCU, he serves as an Anatomy TA for the first year’s cadaver lab dissection course, and is now thrilled to organize and plan the upcoming SAOAO conferences alongside the new eboard team. Outside of academics, Nik enjoys spending time with family, working on his golf game, and learning about new cultures through food and language.
Recruitment Chair: Daniel Baka
Daniel Baka is between his 3rd and 4th year of medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently on a research year at Cooper University Hospital working on clinical and translational orthopaedic studies. Born and raised in the small town of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, Daniel attended Penn State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2020. Prior to attending medical school, he spent a year working in a wet lab at Penn State, where he studied RNA polymerase. Daniel always thought he was going to be a cardiologist, but after an orthopaedic rotation during his third year of medical school, he soon realized that the combination of working with his hand, building relationships with patients, and experiencing the instant gratification of improving someone’s quality of life resonated deeply with him. He quickly became passionate about orthopaedics and immersed himself in the field. Outside his academic and professional pursuits, Daniel enjoys staying active through weightlifting, playing soccer and skiing. He also has a love for cooking and experimenting with different recipes.
Membership Chair: Caitlin Wetzel
Caitlin is an OMS-I 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.
External Affairs: Emma Roccaforte
I grew up playing soccer and was lucky enough to play in college. I was a goalkeeper so I have always wanted a field that I could use my hands in and ortho was the perfect fit! I spend my free time training for half-marathon’s, spending time with loved ones/ cats, and teaching myself how to cook!