The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholarship was established by Dr. Nichols to support, honor, and encourage Osteopathic medical students who show 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 AOA, former Dean of Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and first DO 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 proven in the classroom and community. 

Award 

A scholarship of $5,000 will be presented to one (1) individual who exemplifies the scholarship's purpose.

Eligibility

• Student in good standing at a College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the the fall of 2025. 
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominee must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school). 
• Displays Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication through the following characteristics:
  • Commitment to community and the Osteopathic profession 
  • Demonstrated leadership experiences within the classroom and community 
  • Noteworthy achievements, awards, honors, special projects, and extracurricular activities 
  • Excellence within multiple areas: personal, academic, and professional
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (You may register for complimentary AOA student membership here).

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – students may apply directly 
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification from the COM that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are receiving. An optional template is located here. 
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A one (1) page personal statement that outlines how the student exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Applications period opens March 3, 2025, and closes May 12, 2025. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel; the selected student will have the top aggregate score. The selected student and their SOM/COM will be notified by July 31, 2025. The recipient will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend AOF’s Honors Gala, on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, to meet leaders in the Osteopathic profession. The scholarship recipient will receive a stipend to defray travel and hotel expenses associated with attendance at Honors. 

Click here to access the application portal.