AOF International Medical Outreach Travel Grants provide travel stipends to Osteopathic medical students and residents who travel internationally to an underserved, underdeveloped or disaster-stricken area to provide medical coverage. 

Grant Funding

Rossnick Family Fund: Through a fund established by the Rossnick Family in honor of Joni B. Rossnick, DO, the AOF anticipates awarding approximately 100 grants of up to $1,500 each will be distributed to Osteopathic medical students traveling on COM/SOM-approved international medical outreach trips occurring through March 31, 2027.  

DOCARE International Fund: Through a fund established by DOCARE International, the AOF will provide up to 10 grants of up to $1,500 each to Osteopathic medical students or residents participating in DOCARE approved international medical outreach trips occurring through March 31, 2027.

Grant amounts may be adjusted based on the number of days the recipient will be providing direct clinical services during the outreach trip. Direct clinical services include, but are not limited to:

• Clinic set-up, clinic preparation;
• Medication and supply preparation;
• Patient check-in, registration, and triage;
• Direct, hands-on patient care; direct treatment including OMM/OMT; and
• Clinic tear-down and clean-up.

Application Windows and Award Notifications 

Applicants must apply during the window that corresponds with their outreach trip departure date. Applications submitted outside the assigned window will not be reviewed. 

• Outreach Trip Departure Date: May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
• Application Window 1: March 15 – April 17, 2026
• Award Notification: May 1, 2026
   
• Outreach Trip Departure Date: July 1, 2026 – August 30, 2026
• Application Window 2: May 1 – May 31, 2026
• Award Notification: June 15, 2026
   
• Outreach Trip Departure Date: September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
• Application Window 3: June 1 – June 30, 2026
• Award Notification: July 15, 2026
   
• Outreach Trip Departure Date: November 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
• Application Window 4: September 1 – September 30, 2026
• Award Notification: October 15, 2026
   
• Outreach Trip Departure Date: January 1, 2027 - March 31, 2027
• Application Window 5: November 1 – November 30, 2026
• Award Notification: Early in 2027

Eligibility Requirements

Rossnick Grants

• Must be an Osteopathic medical student in good standing.
• Must be selected or approved to participate in an international medical outreach trip that provides Osteopathic medical relief.
• Must be participating in a COM/SOM approved international medical outreach trip.
• ALL outreach trips must be overseen by an onsite DO.

DOCARE Grants

• Mustbe an Osteopathic medical student or resident physician in good standing.
• Must be selected or approved to participate in a DOCARE international medical outreach trip that provides Osteopathic medical relief.
• ALL outreach trips must be overseen by an onsite DO.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit:

• A completed online application
• One (1) letter on organizational letterhead from the practicing DO overseeing the trip, confirming: the applicant’s invitation to participate; that participation is for the benefit of the community; and that the applicant will be providing direct medical services.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume, including all current memberships (Osteopathic or otherwise).
• Active AOA membership at the time of application. (Complimentary AOA student membership is available; apply here.)

Additional Requirement for Students

• One (1) letter from a COM/SOM representative confirming: the student is in good academic standing; participation in the outreach trip is approved and appropriate for the student’s training; and that the trip is not otherwise funded by the school, or another grant.

General Information & Conditions

Funding limitations

• The AOF reserves the right to limit the number of grants awarded to specific destinations or countries.
• The AOF may reject one or more applications submitted for the same initiative.
• When multiple applicants from the same COM/SOM apply for the same trip or destination, priority may be given to:
  • First-time international outreach participants;
  • Applicants with relevant language skills; and
  • OMS-I and OMS-II students.

Travel Restrictions

• The AOF does not fund travel to destinations designated with a Travel Advisory Level of 4 (Do Not Travel). Check the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory page for information

Recipient Responsibilities

Grant Recipients

• May not receive financial compensation for participation in the medical outreach trip.
• Are responsible for obtaining any licenses, permits, or approvals required to perform medical services at the destination.
• Must secure and provide proof of medical and evacuation insurance prior to departure.
• Must return grant funds to the AOF if unable to participate in or complete the trip as approved.

Post Trip Reporting

• Recipients must submit a post-trip report within 30 days of trip completion, including:
  • A personal reflection on the experience; and
  • High-resolution photographs from the outreach trip.
• Failure to submit the required post-trip report will result in forfeiture of any remaining grant funds and may affect eligibility for future AOF awards. 

Use of Information

Information about grant recipient and outreach trips may be shared through AOF publications, the AOF website, social media, annual reports, press releases, and other communication vehicles.

Application available here.