Established in 2025, the AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award annually recognizes an Osteopathic physician whose pioneering work in ethical digital health integration has transformed patient care while reducing physician burden. This individual achieves excellence through evidence-based implementation, innovation, and makes a measurable impact on both patient outcomes and physician well-being.

Digital health integration is defined as the strategic implementation of evidence-based digital technologies that enhance patient care delivery, improve health outcomes, and reduce administrative burden. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic health record optimization, telemedicine platforms, clinical decision support systems, patient engagement technologies, health monitoring devices, artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, and digital therapeutics that align with Osteopathic principles.

Purpose

This annual award will recognize one (1) individual whose extraordinary accomplishments in digital health integration (over the past 12-24 months) have improved patient outcomes, reduced physician burden, or advanced implementation of digital health solutions within the Osteopathic profession.

Award

A recognition award will be presented to one (1) individual who exemplifies digital health leadership through evidence-based innovation and measurable impact.

Eligibility

• Nominee is an Osteopathic physician with a minimum of ten (10) years of practice;
• Nominee has successfully integrated evidence-based digital health technologies into clinical practice with documented outcomes;
• Nominee’s work demonstrates measurable improvements in patient care quality, accessibility, or outcomes;
• Nominee’s work shows documented reduction in administrative burden or improvement in clinical workflow efficiency;
• Nominee implements digital health technologies that are inclusive, equitable, and serve diverse patient populations while maintaining ethical standards;
• Nominees serve as leaders within their institution or community; and
• Nominee is a current member of the AOA, their state association, or a specialty college.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination form – self nominations not accepted;
• Three (3) letters of recommendation that highlight evidence of the nominee’s impact in patient outcomes, physician efficiency, or care delivery through digital health innovations: one (1) letter from the nominator and two (2) additional from the following list: current or former employer, current or past member of the AOA, AOiA, AOF or another Osteopathic organization's board of directors, a practicing DO, IT/digital health professional, or a current or former patient;
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae or resume demonstrates their current body of work in digital health integration, and leadership roles in digital transformation initiatives;
• Proof of AOA, AOiA, Osteopathic state association or Osteopathic specialty college membership; and
• Optional: Supporting documentation in the form of peer-reviewed publications, formal commendations, media coverage, patient testimonials, or institutional recognition. 

Review Process

The nomination period opens March 17, 2026 and closes April 30, 2026. The award winner and their nominator will be notified by May 31, 2026. Additionally, the winner's story and digital health innovations may be developed into a case study for potential publication in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (JOM). The AOF will promote the awardee’s achievements through various marketing channels. The 2026 Digital Health Excellence Award recipient will be awarded their recognition at OMED, during AOF's Honors Gala, on October 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awardee will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to the Gala, along with a travel stipend to defray travel and hotel accommodation associated with attending the event.

Access the award nomination portal here.