Grants & Programs
The AOF Thomas A. Quinn, DO, Osteopathic Scholarship was made possible through a generous contribution from Thomas A. Quinn, DO, and his beloved wife, Sissy. The Scholarship is intended to recognize Osteopathic medical students who exemplify the values, service, and whole-person philosophy that define an Osteopathic physician.
Purpose
This Fund provides up to three (3) annual scholarships of $8,000 to Osteopathic medical students in good academic standing (top 50% of class) who demonstrate a strong commitment to Osteopathic medicine., leadership, and service.
Scholarship
Up to three (3) educational scholarships in the amount of $8,000 each will be distributed in two equal payments over two consecutive years, provided the student remains in good academic standing and continues an Osteopathic medical career.
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.
- Noteworthy accomplishments, awards, honors, research, special projects, and extracurricular activities that reflect commitment to Osteopathic medicine.
- Hold leadership position(s) within the Osteopathic community at the local, state, or national level (for example: SOMA, SOMA Foundation, COSGP, SAAO, SAMOPS, SOPA, or similar Osteopathic organizations).
- Demonstrated participation in school and community activities outside of academic requirements; may include leadership or service in professionally related organizations during Osteopathic medical school.
- Current AOA membership is required to apply. (Complimentary AOA student membership available here).
Application Requirements
- Completed online application (students may apply directly).
- A Letter of Recommendation from the Dean, Dean of Osteopathic Education, or similar institutional leader verifying that the student is in good academics standing, confirming top 50% academic performance, and affirming that receipt of this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce total aid received.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following: an academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar a professional within the Osteopathic profession, describing how the applicant exemplifies the purpose of the scholarship. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
- A personal statement detailing how the applicant exemplifies what it means to be an Osteopathic physician.
- Current curriculum vitae or resume including all memberships and volunteer positions (Osteopathic or otherwise).
- Proof of AOA 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 recipients are selected based on the highest aggregate scores in alignment with the scholarship purpose and eligibility criteria. Applicants and their COM/SOM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2026.
The selected recipient(s) will 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 engage with leaders in the Osteopathic profession and will be recognized as 2026 AOF Thomas A. Quinn, DO, Osteopathic Scholarship recipients in the Honors Tribute Book.
The application portal is accessible here.