Grants & Programs
This award was established in 1993 to honor the memory of Donna Jones Moritsugu, beloved wife of Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD. Dr. Moritsugu, Former Deputy Surgeon General of the United States, is a physician and public health administrator and was also a member of the Foundation Board.
While serving as Rear Admiral in the US Public Health Service, throughout medical school, and during practice, Dr. Moritsugu appreciated the many ways in which his wife "gave so much" and served as "the wind beneath his wings.”
In partnership with the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA), the American Osteopathic Foundation extends this prestigious award to spouses officially nominated by Osteopathic Colleges/Schools of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) across the country.
Eligibility
- One (1) legally recognized spouse of a graduating fourth-year Osteopathic medical student may be honored by each COM/SOM, branch campus, and location. If two or three candidates are nominated, AOF/AAOA will determine a winner via committee review.
- Nominees shall exemplify the role of a professional’s partner by providing immeasurable support of their partner, and the Osteopathic profession, while being an individual in their own right.
- Nominations should provide specific examples of this support.
- Marriages under 18 months are not eligible to receive this award.
- The award cannot be given posthumously.
- Students may not nominate their spouse directly through the AOF’s portal; they may, however, write to their COM/SOM administration for consideration.