Established in 1997, the AOF’s Educator of the Year award recognizes the critical role educators play in the development of Osteopathic medical students, residents, and the profession. The national recognition award honors and recognizes professionals who are dedicated their life to teaching and the pursuit of advancing the Osteopathic profession through educational activities. 

Purpose

The Educator of the Year Award, one of the AOF’s most prestigious annual awards, recognizes one (1) Osteopathic professional who, throughout their esteemed career,  has shown they consistently uphold, and raise the standards of Osteopathic medical education. 

Award 

A recognition award will be presented to one (1) individual who exemplifies the award’s purpose.

Eligibility

• Nominee has been serving in the educational space for a minimum of ten (10) years.
• Nominee must have direct impact on, and educational oversight of, Osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows, and/or physicians.
• Nominee must be associated with and currently involved in Osteopathic medical education
• Nominee has  demonstrated a  significant impact on students, educators, their academic institution, the Osteopathic profession, and/or the general population.
• Nominee has made long-standing contributions to Osteopathic medical education and demonstrates commitment to Osteopathic medicine and the profession.
• Nominee demonstrates compassion and leadership in their role as an educator.
• Nominee exemplifies and encourages Osteopathic principles in their teachings.
• If an Osteopathic physician, the nominee should be a current member of the AOA, state association or specialty college.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination form – self nominations not accepted
• Three letters of recommendation to include: one (1) letter of recommendation from the nominator and two (2) additional letters of recommendation from the following list:  current or former employer, board member or senior official, current or former student, current or former colleague.
• The nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume that demonstrates their recent body of work supporting Osteopathic medical education (include current memberships, Osteopathic or other)
• Proof of AOA, state association, or specialty college (if nominee is an Osteopathic physician)
• Optional: Supporting documentation in the form of formal commendations, citations or awards, newspaper or magazine articles, or other media-related profiles will be accepted, but shall serve only as evidence to support the nomination 

Review Process

Nomination period opens March 16, 2026  and closes April 30, 2026.  The award winner and their nominator will be notified by May 31, 2026. Upon notification, the AOF will work with the Awardee to conduct a site-visit to film a video to commemorate this achievement. The 2026 Educator of the Year will be awarded their recognition at OMED, during AOF’s Honors Gala, on Friday, October 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Award winner 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.

Click here to access the nomination portal.