Welcome from National IRAA!

Hello Oklahoma!!

When I was asked to contribute to your site, I was very excited for a multitude of reasons! First of all, I love to write and spread the word about the Intern & Resident Advocates Association (IRAA). Secondly, I have a passion for helping those who are in the same shoes as myself. And, last but not least, how could I say no to the first-ever state chapter of IRAA?!?

In case you are not yet familiar with the history of IRAA, I will give you a brief overview. A little over two years ago, I was approached by members of the AAOA Board to serve in a new position that supported those at the intern and resident level. My husband was just finishing up his final year of medical school and we were patiently awaiting the results of where we would end up next. I had been involved in my local chapter of SAA, including after we left our home base, and continued my work of spreading our experiences by starting a site with my husband sharing Our Medical Lives with those who were interested. When I was offered the position, I was very excited; however, there was one obstacle that had to be passed first . . . the approval of the new bylaw by general membership to implement my position at OMED 2009.

I traveled to New Orleans that year to sit as a guest in convention, and I silently cheered when the motion passed with flying colors. I have firmly believed that this has been a missing link between SAA and AAOA across the country, and a population that desperately needs support during some very tremulous years. Since that day in November 2009, I have worked to spread the word across the country about IRAA. A few local chapters have been brought on board, a Facebook group has been established, and I have been writing a quarterly newsletter since the existence of this new organization. I have established connections with the Council for Interns & Residents (the AOA equivalent of our group) and have begun working with some amazing committee members (namely your very own Jammi!) in compiling resources for those up-and-coming chapters.

The last two years have been a lot of work, and as my term comes to a close, I have bitter sweet thoughts. I have loved seeing the growth of this organization from literally the ground up. I have loved meeting so many amazing people from Washington State to Pennsylvania and everything in between. However, life has just become too busy with my children getting older and their activities filling the calendar, one that I too often manage alone because my dear doctor husband is working long hours. In addition, this Fall I have taken on another position that is helping me to achieve my dreams, resulting in technically working a total of three jobs. It is sad to leave AAOA, but I do not believe it is a final goodbye. I will continue to support this group through my own home state. I will continue to write on our own site, and hopefully, more frequently! And, who knows . . . maybe once our lives begin to calm down a bit in a few years with my husband out of residency, I will return to the AAOA Board. Only time will tell! In the meantime, I will enjoy supporting you and your’s in whatever way I can . . . cheering you on, providing a virtual shoulder to cry on, or lending you an ear to vent about the difficulties of these years. Afterall, it is YOU that makes IRAA such a success!

If you wish to contact me personally, my email address is whimsicalmsw at gmail dot com. I am always happy to chat, answer questions, and support fellow advocates!

Sending Warmest Wishes & Best of Luck,
Tif :)

Meet and Greet

Join us for the first annual OK IRAA Meet & Greet. Meet DOs and their families while enjoying lunch.

Saturday, September 17

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Hideaway Pizza

8204 S Harvard | Tulsa, OK

OK IRAA is a organization for the families and friends of Oklahoma’s Osteopathic Interns and Residents. The focus is on supporting and education for the osteopathic profession, interns, residents, fellows, families, hospitals and each other.

Announcing IRAA!

The Intern and Resident Advocate Association (IRAA) is a new organization under the Advocates to the American Osteopathic Association. Oklahoma is the first state level IRAA in the nation. A group of dedicated individuals will be spearheading the new organization with the help of AOOA members Janet DeLaughter, Beverly Harjo and Darrica Reeves.

 IRAA will act as a stepping stone for the members in the Student Advocate Association to join the Advocates to the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association. It is our goal to support the significant others, families, interns and residents of Oklahoma osteopathic programs by coordinating a membership drive, planning activities for the families and working within the communities of Oklahoma to promote osteopathic medicine. IRAA will provide support and encouragement to the families on the intern/resident journey by building lasting friendships. We feel it is in the interest of Oklahoma to have this support organization available for new doctors and their families to encourage them to stay in Oklahoma once their residency is over.

We look forward to working with the osteopathic organizations in Oklahoma to promote medicine and support the osteopathic family. Also, we have an open membership and invite you to take part in this group. If you would like to learn more about IRAA please don’t hesitate to contact Jammi Bailey jammi_bailey@hotmail.com.