Since 1993, the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) and the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) have partnered to extend this prestigious award to spouses of graduating Osteopathic Medical Students from across the country who have been nominated by their Osteopathic Colleges/Schools of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs/SOMs) . The annual Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award honors the memory of the beloved late wife of Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD. Dr. Moritsugu, former Deputy Surgeon General of the United States, retired military physician, nationally recognized public health expert, and former AOF Board member. While serving as Rear Admiral in the US Public Health Service, throughout medical school, and while in practice, Dr. Moritsugu appreciated the many ways in which Donna served as "the wind beneath his wings.”

Purpose

This award honors spouses of graduating Osteopathic medical students who exemplify immeasurable support and have made significant personal sacrifices that have contributed to their partner’s success.

Award 

One (1) legally recognized spouse of a graduating OMS-IV may be honored by each COM/SOM, branch campus, and location annually.

Eligibility

• Each COM/SOM, branch campus, and location may nominate one (1) legally recognized spouse of a graduating OMS-IV who exemplifies the role of a loving, committed, supportive partner to their student physician. 
• Marriages under 12 months are not eligible. 
• The award shall not be given posthumously.
• Students may not nominate their spouse; they may, however, write to their COM/SOM administration for consideration.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination from the COM/SOM administration. 
• One (1) nomination letter (written or approved by the Dean) providing specific examples of the support provided by the nominee.
• Optional: one (1) letter submitted by the student on behalf of their spouse.
• Nominations may be submitted between February 14, 2025, and and April 30, 2025.

General Information

• Award Certificates will be sent electronically to the COM/SOM nominator for use on stage at graduation or award ceremonies. NOTE: We appreciate when COMs/SOMs acknowledge the annual partnership with the AOF and the AAOA during the award presentation, tagging AOF on social media posts, or other publications promoting the award by May 31 annually 
• Awards from the AOF and AAOA will be mailed directly to the recipient; OMS-IV and spouse’s personal email addresses, cell numbers, and forwarding address (as of June 2025) must be included in the nomination.
• All spouse awardees will receive a complimentary one (1) year membership to the AAOA.
• All spouse awardees will be recognized on AOF’s website, annual report, Honors Gala tribute book, and other publications and communications as appropriate. 

Click here to access the nomination portal.