The Presidential Memorial Leadership Scholarship was established nearly 25 years ago to honor the leadership, commitment, and philanthropic endeavors of Past Presidents of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) who proudly served the profession. This annual scholarship recognizes one Osteopathic medical student who embodies Osteopathic tenets through their outstanding character, service, and leadership.

Purpose

This scholarship was created to recognize Osteopathic medical students, actively involved in the AOA, who are committed to the principles of Osteopathic medicine and who have taken great strides toward becoming top student leaders. These individuals have been instrumental in motivating people, and they take conscious, well-calculated steps to develop themselves and inspire others.

Award

One (1) educational scholarship in the amount of $10,000 will be awarded to a student who exemplifies Osteopathic principles and best aligns with the scholarship purpose. 

Eligibility

• Osteopathic medical student in good standing at a College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-IV during the fall semester 2025.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominee must be in the top 25% of their class (displaying outstanding academic achievement while in medical school).
• Current AOA membership required. (Register for complimentary student membership here.)
  • Demonstrated commitment to the Osteopathic profession through word and deed.
  • Significant volunteer experience in the community (outside of COM/SOM requirements; volunteer experience need not be Osteopathic in nature).
  • Strong leadership skills, including leadership experience in an AOA, AACOM, State Association or Specialty College, or committee/workgroup experience in a national student medical organization (SOMA, COSGP, SNMA, MSPA, etc.) .
• Nominees should display the following characteristics and/or experiences:
• Noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects and extracurricular activities that demonstrate the nominee’s leadership abilities and experience.

Application Requirements

• Completed online nomination – COM/SOM nominations only (students may not apply directly)
• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean, or their designee, as an official document confirming the student’s outstanding academic standing. The letter should also confirm 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 from  the COM/SOM. 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, providing specific, detailed examples of the nominee’s characteristics and experiences (commitment to Osteopathic profession; significant volunteer experience; strong leadership skills) that make them uniquely qualified for this award.
• A one (1) page personal statement from the student nominee that outlines their exemplary leadership, service and character, as well as their commitment to Osteopathic medicine.
• Nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume (include all current memberships, Osteopathic or other).
• Proof of current AOA membership.

Note: COM/SOMs may nominate multiple eligible students for this scholarship.

Review Process

Nomination period opens February 23, 2026 and closes April 30, 2026 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 in July 2026. The recipient will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to AOF’s Honors Gala, on Friday, October 23, 3036 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The scholarship recipient will receive a stipend to defray travel and hotel expenses associated with attendance at Honors and a write-up in the Honors tribute book.

Click here to access the nomination portal.