The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar Award was established by Dr. Nichols to support, honor, and encourage Osteopathic medical students who demonstrate promise and exhibit the foundational leadership skills that will serve them and their communities now and in the future. Dr. Nichols was the first woman president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) (2010-2011), a retired Dean of Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the first Osteopathic physician to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Purpose

This educational scholarship is awarded annually to recognize an Osteopathic medical student whose Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication are demonstrated in both the classroom and the community.

Award                                                                                                

An educational scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to one (1) individual who exemplifies the scholarship's purpose of recognizing and promoting purposeful leadership.

Eligibility

• Students in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the 2026-2027 academic year.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, applicants must be in the top 50% of their class, demonstrating strong academic achievement while in medical school.
• Demonstrates Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication through the following characteristics:
  • Commitment to community and the Osteopathic profession
  • Leadership experiences within the classroom and community;
  • Holds national leadership position(s) within the Osteopathic community (ex: SOMA, SOMA Foundation, COSGP, or similar organizations);
  • Noteworthy achievements, awards, honors, special projects, and extracurricular activities
  • Excellence across multiple areas: personal, academic, and professional.
• Current AOA membership is required to apply. (Complimentary AOA student membership available here).

Application Requirements

• Completed online application (students may apply directly).
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the Dean, Dean of Osteopathic Education, or similar administrator verifying the student is in good standing, confirming strong academic standing (top 50% if ranked), and verifying that receipt of this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid or reduce total aid received.
• Two (2) additional letters of recommendation from the following: an academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession, describing how the applicant exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A personal statement outlining how the applicant exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (including all memberships and volunteer positions, Osteopathic or otherwise).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, February 23, 2026, and will close on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel; and the selected student will be the applicant with the highest aggregate score. Applicants and their COM/SOM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2026. 

The selected recipient will also receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend AOF’s Honors Gala, on Friday, October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they will have the opportunity to meet leaders in the Osteopathic profession, take a picture with Dr. Nichols, and will be recognized as AOF’s 2026 Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar in the Honors Tribute Book.  

Click here to access the application portal.