The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) is undertaking the biggest challenge in our history: To raise a minimum of $20 million.

The mission of the American Osteopathic Foundation is to support programs and services that promote Osteopathic Medicine and enhance patient-centered care. Since 1949 the AOF has supported Osteopathic medical students, residents, and physicians throughout their careers. The profession’s current, unprecedented growth presents us with extraordinary opportunities to shape our identity in a way that will resonate for decades to come. We are seeing a rising generation of patients who understand the value of the holistic, hands-on care that is a foundation of Osteopathic Medicine.

The time is right to support a larger vision. To address this, the AOF Board of Directors has approved the following priorities with extensive input from DOs across the country. We invite you to join the AOF in shaping the future of Osteopathic Medicine through our Hope, Healing and Health Campaign.

Campaign Priorities:

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS: The AOF strives to ease the financial burden of medical school and recognize excellence in future leaders of the Osteopathic profession at every stage of their career. The Hope, Healing and Health Campaign will build on the AOF’s long established scholarships and awards program by increasing both the number and the size of the awards. Independent impact studies commissioned by the AOF have shown that receiving an award from the AOF reinforces the recipient’s sense of commitment to Osteopathic Medicine and that many recipients of AOF awards go on to become leaders in the profession.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES: We offer grants to health centers serving disadvantaged communities in the U.S. and for Osteopathic medical outreach efforts around the world. We also provide stipends to Osteopathically-trained professionals to provide medical services to underserved, underdeveloped, or disaster-stricken areas domestically and internationally. These programs enable the Osteopathic community to provide hope, health, and healing to those in need while raising awareness of the unique value of Osteopathic care.

RESEARCH: Evidence-based research is critical to showing the benefits of Osteopathic Medicine and enhancing the profession’s profile in the medical landscape. The AOF will provide additional seed funding to develop innovative, patient-centered care models; and health-population research funding to show how Osteopathic Medicine impacts patient outcomes. Our intention is to increase seed funding for early-development research conducted through an Osteopathic lens. As more researchers are able to pursue their projects, more will be better positioned to apply for NIH or CDC funding.

MENTORING OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS IN TRAINING: Starting with their first day of medical school, the AOF is committed to supporting students and residents throughout their training. Building and deepening the connections medical students and residents have with the principles and practices of Osteopathic Medicine and their Osteopathic family is vital to the future of Osteopathic Medicine. The AOF is committed to creating more opportunities for residents and Osteopathic Recognition Residency Directors to access mentorship, training initiatives, and resources that foster a lifelong connection to the Osteopathic profession.

AOA BOARD CERTIFICATION EXAMS: It is critical that we maintain our distinctive identity. In the era of the unified accreditation system, the profession is seeing more Osteopathic residents opting to only take the American Board of Medical Specialty exams. Providing financial assistance will enable and encourage residents to take the AOA Board Certification Exams, increasing the number of DOs entering our profession with AOA board certification in their Osteopathic specialties, which will deepen their commitment to practice Osteopathic Medicine. We need your support now more than ever before. The Hope, Healing and Health Campaign gives us—and you—more opportunities to elevate DOs at every stage of their professional journey and shape the future of Osteopathic Medicine.

The AOF has invested in the profession for decades, enabling and encouraging each new generation to become the best DOs that they can be. We need to keep the legacy, and the heartbeat, of Osteopathic Medicine strong.

- Selena Raines, DO, AOF 2022 State Emerging Leader Award (Kentucky)

Hope, Healing and Health Campaign Leadership

Jeffrey S. Grove, DO, FACOFP*
Co-Chair – Hope, Healing and Health Campaign Cabinet
Co-Chair – Hope, Healing and Health Blue Ribbon Committee
AOF Board of Directors

Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, FACOFP*
Co-Chair – Hope, Healing and Health Campaign Cabinet
AOF Board of Directors

Norman E. Vinn, DO, MBA**
Co-Chair – Hope, Healing and HealthBlue Ribbon Committee
AOiA Board Chair

*Past AOF Board Chair    **Past AOA Chair