The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) launched the International Volunteer of the Year Award in 2025 to acknowledge the great service volunteers provide in bringing Osteopathic medicine to medically underserved communities around the world. 

Purpose

This annual award will recognize one (1) Osteopathic professional whose continued international outreach has enriched lives, improved patient-centered care, and has had a marked impact on the community in which they provided care. 

Award 

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

Eligibility

• Nominee has made demonstrated, significant steps in one or more of the following:
  • Provided Osteopathic medical treatment to an underserved international community for a sustained period of time
  • Established partnerships to foster continuity of care in underserved international communities
  • Served as a mentor, educator, or leader for medical students through international rotations.
• Nominee has successfully expanded international licensure and practice rights for U.S. educated and trained DOs.
• Nominee has demonstrated dedication and leadership that improved population health through the use of Osteopathic tenets and principles.
• Nominee exemplifies and encourages Osteopathic principles through both action and deed.
• Nominee has committed a minimum of 10 years of demonstrated excellence in International Medical Outreach. 

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination form – self nominations not accepted
• Three (3) 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, senior official, patient, or international organization.
• The nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume that demonstrates their recent body of work supporting global health outreach through the practice of Osteopathic medicine (include current memberships, Osteopathic or other)
• 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 17, 2025 and closes May 19, 2025. The award winner and their nominator will be notified by July 31, 2025. The 2025 International Volunteer of the Year will be awarded their recognition at OMED, during AOF’s Honors Gala on Friday, September 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Award winner will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to the Honors Gala, along with a travel stipend to defray travel and accommodation associated with attending the event.

Click here to access the nomination portal.