The Outstanding Resident of the Year (OROTY) award was established in 1997 to recognize and honor  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, OROTY awards are given annually to recognize one (1) resident per partnering specialty and acknowledge excellence within the profession.

Award

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

Eligibility

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

• Osteopathic physicians in training who have completed their first year or more of residency at the time of nomination.
• 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 per specialty. Former recipients are not eligible for a second award.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination form (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 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, with permanent contact information (email, phone number).

Review Process

Nominations will open April 1, 2026 and close May 29, 2026. Nominees and their nominators will be notified of award decisions by July 31, 2026. In addition to the financial award, recipients will receive a commemorative certificate 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 2026 Honors Gala on the Friday of OMED, October 23, in Las Vegas, 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.