AOF Award Announcements

2017 Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar Award Winner October 12, 2017 Leadership wasn't Student Doctor Juan Querubin's first priority when he began osteopathic medical school. He ranked his wife and daughter in that position, then school, leaving little time for anything else. Once he became familiar with the rural community around Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), however, he found the need for outreach "near...
2017 Burnett Osteopathic Student Researcher Award Winner October 12, 2017 Research--new discoveries, advances in knowledge--is the key to the future of medicine. The curiosity-driven professionals who dedicate their careers to research can turn that vitally important key. Brian Joseph Di Giacinto, DO, is one of those.  He demonstrates keen insight, superior problem-solving and exceptional dedication to his projects.  The Burnett Osteopathic Student Researcher Award...
2017 Caring for Communities Winner October 12, 2017 Metropolitan Detroit area has one of the highest rates of obesity in the United States, and Wayne County, in which Detroit is located, ranks last in the country in health outcomes. The Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center aims to change that.   A federally qualified health center, CHASS provides access to health care to southwest Detroit's primarily Latino population, serving more...
2017 AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Award Winner October 12, 2017 The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) established the Presidential Memorial Leadership Award with the AOF to honor the legacy of AOA Past Presidents and recognize current osteopathic medical students making great strides toward becoming one of the top student leaders. Student Doctor Kirby was nominated for this award by AOA Past President Norman E. Vinn, DO and Jan Wilcox, DO, VCOM Dean, who...
2017 Physician of the Year September 10, 2017 Ross Zafonte, DO, who is the Earle P. and Ida S. Charlton Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School (HMS), is the first DO to be a chair in any department at the school. He also serves as Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, as well as Senior Vice President...
2017 Lifetime Achievement Award Recognizes George T. Caleel, DO August 1, 2017 The AOF Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2006 to honor an individual who has made significant fundamental contributions to the osteopathic profession. In his 87 years, George T. Caleel, DO, has certainly made a lasting impact --notably on the countless students he taught throughout his astounding career dedicated to education and advancing the profession.  The American Osteopathic...

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