The Outstanding Resident of the Year (OROTY) Awards program was established in 1997 to recognize and honor those residents who embody a great spirit of altruism and whose combination of clinical promise, leadership, dedication, and commitment to Osteopathic--centered patient care distinguishes them from their peers. Over time, this recognition program has grown to include a financial award to help defray expenses associated with graduate medical education. 

Purpose

In partnership with participating Osteopathic specialty colleges, the OROTY Awards are given annually to recognize one (1) resident per partnering specialty and to acknowledge excellence within the profession.

Award

A monetary award of $5,000 will be given to one (1) Outstanding Resident of the Year per partnering specialty.

Eligibility

Nominees for the 2025 OROTY Award must meet the following criteria:

• Osteopathic physicians in training who have completed their first year of residency.
• Demonstrated commitment to Osteopathic medicine and its philosophy and principles through comprehensive patient care. 
• Recognized as a strong leader within their program.
• Demonstrated dedication  to the community through actions and involvement. 
• Invests in the education and enrichment of self and others including continuing education, teaching, research, or publication. 

Note: Multiple nominations may be received; only one resident will be chosen from each specialty. Former award recipients are not eligible for a second award.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination form from an Osteopathic specialty college or residency program (self-nominations not accepted)
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the nominator 
• Two (2) additional letters of recommendation: one letter must be from the resident’s Program Director.  Preference may be given to nominees who are supervised by, and have recommendations from, practicing Osteopathic physicians. 
• One (1) -page personal statement from the nominee citing specific activities and experiences during residency. 
• Current curriculum vitae or resume, contact information (work and personal email, cell phone number).

Review Process

Nominations will be accepted March 3 - May 19, 2025 via AOF’s Scholarships, Grants and Awards portal. In addition to the financial award, recipients will receive a commemorative plaque highlighting both partners, and be recognized in written publications and social media announcements by AOF and the partnering specialty. The AOF will provide each  awardee with one (1) non-transferable ticket (valued at $500) for the 2025 Honors Gala on September 26 in Nashville, Tennessee, and travel stipend up to $1,000 to defray travel and hotel accommodations associated with attending the event.   

Click here to access the nomination portal.