The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) Outstanding Resident of the Year Award (OROTY), established in 1997, recognizes Osteopathic medical residents who exemplify altruism, while demonstrating clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication to Osteopathic, patient-centered care. This prestigious award highlights residents whose commitment to Osteopathic principles distinguishes them within their program and the profession. 

Over time, OROTY has evolved to include a financial component to support professional development and conference participation.  

Purpose

In partnership with participating Osteopathic Specialty Colleges, OROTY annually honors one (1) resident per participating specialty to acknowledge excellence within the Osteopathic medical profession.

Award

One (1) Outstanding Resident of the Year Award recipient will be recognized per participating Osteopathic Specialty College. Each Award recipient will be recognized in a national publication and featured in both AOF and Specialty College publications and announcements. 

Eligibility

Nominees for the 2026 OROTY must meet ALL OF the following criteria at the time of nomination:

• Be an Osteopathic physician in training who has completed at least one (1) full year of an accredited residency program.
• Demonstrate a sustained commitment to Osteopathic medicine and its philosophy and principles through comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Be recognized as a leader within their residency program.
• Demonstrate meaningful dedication to community service through documented actions and involvement.
• Demonstrate ongoing investment in education and enrichment of self and others, including but not limited to continuing education, teaching, scholarly activities, and publication. 

Multiple nominations may be submitted for a single individual; however, only one (1) recipient will be selected per specialty. Former OROTY recipients are not eligible to receive the award a second time.

Nomination Requirements

• Completion of the official online nomination form (self-nominations will not be accepted).
• One (1) letter of recommendation submitted by the nominator.
• Two (2) additional letters of recommendation: one of which must be submitted by the nominee’s Program Director.  Preference may be given to nominees who are supervised by, and have who have received recommendations from practicing Osteopathic physicians.
• A personal statement from the nominee describing specific activities, achievements, and experiences during residency that demonstrate eligibility criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume, including permanent contact information (email and telephone number).

Incomplete or late submissions may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the AOF.

Review Process

Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, May 29, 2026, via AOF’s Scholarships, Grants and Awards portal. AOF reserves the right to extend or modify submission deadlines if necessary. Nominees and their Program Directors will be notified of award determination no later than July 31, 2026. 

Each OROTY award recipient will receive a $5,000 travel stipend credit voucher, placed in a restricted savings account, to be used to attend two (2) Osteopathic conferences (OMED and one specialty-specific conference) over the next 24 months, subject to applicable policies and available funds. 

In addition to the travel stipend, each 2026 Outstanding Resident of the Year recipient may have access to mentorship opportunities with past awardees, specialty fellows, or other qualified Osteopathic leaders, subject to availability. 

Recognition includes AOF and partner Osteopathic Specialty College publications and social media announcements, and one (1) non-transferable ticket (estimated value: $500) to the 2026 Honors Gala, scheduled for October 23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

AOF reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the OROTY program at any time, subject to applicable law.

Click here to access the nomination portal.