Each year, in partnership with state Osteopathic associations, the AOF recognizes one early-career physician in each state who is making a difference in health care and whose dedication has improved the lives of their patients. The award recognizes exemplary new physicians in practice who are poised to become the next generation of leaders in Osteopathic medicine.
ARIZONA - MARISSA K. JACOBS, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) have named Marissa K. Jacobs, DO, as Arizona’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Marissa Jacobs is a Family Medicine physician at Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health, a federally qualified community health center in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Jacobs attended Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWU-AZCOM) and completed a residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where she served as Chief Resident and was named the program’s Intern of the Year in 2018. She also completed a Primary Care Faculty Development fellowship at University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Dr. Jacobs is a member of the AOMA House of Delegates and served on the AOMA Board of Trustees for several years. AOMA Executive Director Josephine Zammuto says, “she is an all-around phenomenal physician, person, volunteer, and leader. We are proud to have this rising star in the Osteopathic profession as an active member of AOMA.”
CALIFORNIA - ELAINE HO, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) have named Elaine Ho, DO, as California’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Elaine Ho graduated from the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California (TUCOM) in 2016 and completed a Family Practice residency at PIH Health Hospital in 2019, where her peers elected her Chief Resident. As a resident, Dr. Ho served on the leadership team of OPTI-WEST, including terms on the annual Institutional Review Subcommittee and Resident Forum Taskforce, and
on her program’s Steering Committee. As a student, she was elected President of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians’ (ACOFP) National Student Executive Board.
Currently, Dr. Ho is the Associate Program Director and a core faculty physician for St. Joseph’s Family Medicine Residency Program as well as the Chair of the OPSC Bylaws Committee and a member of its Board of Directors, Education Committee, and Legislative Committee.
Additionally, she serves as Vice Chair of the ACOFP’s New Physicians Committee. Prior AOF honors include the AOF Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar award.
DELAWARE - ANGELA A. DEBO, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Delaware State Osteopathic Medical Society (DSOMS) have named Angela A. Debo, DO, as Delaware’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Angela Debo is currently Medical Director, Core Faculty, and Clerkship Site Director for the Bayhealth Medical Center’s Family Medicine residency program in Dover, Delaware. She previously worked
at Penn State Health as Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine and as its Clerkship Site Director. Dr. Debo graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2016 and completed a Family Medicine residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She previously earned a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at PCOM.
A former research assistant at PCOM, Dr. Debo has published numerous abstracts and made presentations at local, state, and national conferences. She is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Delaware State Osteopathic Medical Society, and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
ILLINOIS - BRYAN R. SWEENEY, DO (he/him/his)
The AOF and the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) have named Bryan R. Sweeney, DO, as Illinois’ 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Bryan Sweeney received his Osteopathic medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in 2014 and completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Presence Resurrection Healthcare in 2018. Dr. Sweeney was recognized as the 2018 AOF/ American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) Outstanding Resident of the Year the same
year he was named Intern of the Year in his program. In practice as an OB-GYN with Advocate Medical Group, Dr. Sweeney is Division Chief of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic and Robotic Surgery at Rush
Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois, and is an Adjunct Professor at Midwestern University.
Dr. Sweeny is active within IOMS, serving as a Trustee-at-Large before being elected Board Treasurer, and Chair of its Membership Committee this year. “In addition to his leadership skills, Bryan is an individual who has a mature outlook and genuine interest in impacting the future of the Osteopathic profession,” says Teresa A. Hubka, DO, his residency Program Director and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
INDIANA - CHRISTOPHER RYAN MUSSMAN, DO (he/him/his)
The AOF and the Indiana Osteopathic Association (IOA) have named Christopher R. Mussman, DO, as Indiana’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
After earning a Master of Science degree in biology from Western Illinois University, Dr. Mussman graduated from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWU-CCOM) in
2012. He completed a General Surgery residency at Franciscan Health Systems in Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he was elected Chief Resident.
Dr. Mussman has been honored with the Humanism and Excellence in Training Award for Outstanding Resident Role Model by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and is the recipient of the 2017 AOF/American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) Outstanding Resident of the Year Award. Dr. Mussman joined Indiana Surgical Associates in 2017 where he practices General Surgery and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery.
Dr. Mussman’s residency Program Director, Daniel Vera, MD, called him a natural leader, saying “Leadership is not telling people what to do; leadership is mentoring, supporting and helping others become the best they can be.”
KENTUCKY - SELENA MCGEE RAINES, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Kentucky Osteopathic Medical Association (KOMA) have named Selena McGee Raines, DO, as Kentucky’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Selena Raines graduated from the University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) in 2015 and completed a Family Medicine residency at St. Claire Regional Medical Center, where she was elected Chief Resident and won the Heart of Family Medicine Award in 2018. She also earned a Master of Public Health degree from American Military University in 2009.
A rising leader, Dr. Raines served on the KOMA Board of Directors and CME Committee, was elected Secretary in 2019, and recently completed her term as New Physician in Practice representative on the AOA Board of Trustees. She served as a Staff Sergeant healthcare specialist in the US Army Reserve. She is currently Director of Osteopathic Education and Associate Program Director for the University of Kentucky Rural Family Medicine residency program and is a practicing physician in eastern Kentucky.
“Having served in the military, with numerous awards and achievements, Dr. Raines continues to give back. It is now time to recognize all her achievements and her future as a leader in our profession,” said KOMA’s former Executive Director.
MAINE - ABBY RENEE SAPP, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) have named Abby Renee Sapp, DO, as Maine’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Abby Sapp earned her Osteopathic medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWU-CCOM) in 2013. After completing an Internal Medicine residency and a Gastroenterology fellowship through Franciscan Alliance, she completed an Interventional Gastroenterology fellowship through Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center. She was recognized as Chief Resident in her program and was named the 2016 AOF/American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) Outstanding Resident of the Year. Dr. Sapp also volunteers as a Guest Reviewer for AOF’s Scholarships and Awards Committee.
Dr. Sapp currently works as a Gastroenterologist at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Maine. Her leadership positions include terms on Franciscan’s Quality Improvement Subcommittee and CLASBI Task Force.
MICHIGAN - RACHEL A. YOUNG, DO (SHE/HER/HERS)
The AOF and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) have named Rachel A. Young, DO, as Michigan’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Both an educator and practitioner, Dr. Rachel Young served as Associate Program Director, Clinic Director and core faculty for the McLaren Greater Lansing Family Medicine Residency in Lansing as well as an associate professor for Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). She is currently Program Director of the Family Medicine residency at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and Assistant Professor, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
Dr. Young serves on MSUCOM’s Family Medicine Program Advisory Committee and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Conclave of Fellows, and recently concluded a term as President of the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians. She has been continuously involved with MOA, since joining during her residency, serving at the annual House of Delegates and as Chair of the Women in Excellence Committee. As Co-Founder of the MOA Women’s Leadership Institute, she seeks to give women physicians the tools to succeed in their careers, professional development, and in their personal lives.
A 2012 graduate of MSUCOM, Dr. Young was Chief Intern in her Family Medicine residency program at St. John Providence Macomb-Oakland. She received additional training as a Certified Physician Practice Manager from the American Academy of Professional Coders and in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) from the ACOFP.
MINNESOTA - ANDREW R. BADER, DO (he/him/his)
The AOF and the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Association (MOMA) have named Andrew R. Bader, DO, as Minnesota’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
A 2015 graduate of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), Dr. Andrew Bader completed a Family Medicine residency through the University of Minnesota, where he was elected Chief Resident. Prior to medical school, he spent three years working in Mayo Medical Center’s Molecular Hepatitis and HIV Lab under the department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.
Dr. Bader is currently practicing at Essentia Health in Baxter, Minnesota in Family Practice with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), where he started a new process for dermatologic procedures in his clinic. Recognizing the need in his community, Dr. Bader and a colleague secured a grant to fund a new Addiction Medicine practice and plans to certify in Addiction Medicine.
“He is very deserving of the state award as an Emerging Leader because he displays dedication to the Osteopathic profession, compassion for the needs of his community, and innovation in clinical practice to serve his patients,” says President Jamie A. Johannes, DO.
OHIO - ALEXANDRA M. MCKENNA, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) have named Alexandra M. McKenna, DO, as Ohio’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Alexandra McKenna is currently the Program Director for OhioHealth Doctors Hospital’s (OHDH) Family Medicine residency program, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUH-COM) and Medical Director for OHDH Family Practice.
A 2015 OUH-COM graduate, Dr. McKenna completed a Family Practice residency at OHDH as well as the National Institute for Program Director Development I: Fundamentals fellowship. Her extensive leadership service includes active memberships on OHDH’s GME Committee, Primary Care Education Council and Evaluations Committee; she Chairs its Primary Care Conference Planning Committee and Evaluations and Curriculum Committee.
Prior awards include the 2018 AOF/American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Outstanding Resident of the Year, the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the Ohio State Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians’ Family Medicine Resident of the Year Award.
OREGON - NICOLETTE O’DONNELL ROSENDAHL, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon (OPSO) have named Nicolette O’Donnell Rosendahl, DO, as Oregon’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Nicolette Rosendahl received an Osteopathic medical degree from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (WUCOMP-NW). She completed an Internal Medicine residency at Mercy One Medical Center – Iowa Medical Education Collaborative in 2019 and an Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine residency in 2020, where she was Chief Resident.
Currently, Dr. Rosendahl works as an Internal Medicine Primary Care physician in Corvallis, is a visiting faculty member at Western U and is national faculty for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), where she writes and reviews COMLEX questions. At the Corvallis Clinic, she was selected for the Emerging Leaders group, which plans advocacy and mentoring in the organization and community. She also serves on the Clinic’s EHR, Quality, and Professional Standards Committees.
Dr. Rosendahl is a prior recipient of the 2018 AOF/American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) Outstanding Resident of the Year Award.
PENNSYLVANIA - JAMES LATRONICA, DO (he/him/his)
The AOF and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) have named James Latronica, DO, as Pennsylvania’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
Dr. James Latronica is an Attending Physician at the Narcotic Addiction Treatment Program, Center for Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Services, and Complex Pain Collaborative at Western Psychiatric Hospital, as well as for the Medically Supervised Withdrawal Unit at University of Pittsburg Medicine Center - Mercy. He is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Dr. Latronica graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 2016 and completed a Family Medicine residency at Clarion Hospital in Pennsylvania and an Addiction Medicine fellowship through Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he received a grant for his work developing 3D printing of personal protective equipment, recording a tutorial, and providing this resource free online to download. He completed the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) Training in Health Policy Studies (TIPS) Fellowship funded in part by AOF and was previously received the 2020 AOF/American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM) Outstanding Resident of the Year Award.
TEXAS - JESSICA I. EDWARDS, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) have named Jessica I. Edwards, DO, as Texas’ 2022 State Emerging Leader.
A 2014 graduate of the University of North Texas Health Science Center– Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM), Dr. Jessica Edwards completed a Family Medicine residency at Care Point Health in New Jersey and a Maternal Child Health fellowship at University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Edwards is the Founder and CEO of Zara Medical, a private Family Medicine practice providing patients with a private, hybrid model focused on preventive, chronic and mental health care for adults, as well as an Adjunct Professor at TCOM.
Her leadership experience includes a term as National President of the Committee of Interns and Residents from 2018-2020. She was nominated for the Top Physician in New Braunfels award in 2020 and 2021 and was the 2016 awardee of the AOF/ American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) Resident of the Year Award.
WASHINGTON - PATRICIA EGWUATU, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association (WOMA) have named Patricia Egwuatu, DO, as Washington’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
After graduating from the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNUCOM) in 2016, Dr. Patricia Egwuatu entered a yearlong Obstetrics and Gynecology
internship at Hackensack University Medical Center and a Family Medicine residency through the University of Washington (UW). As a resident, she was awarded both the Rookie of the Year and Interns’Choice of the Year awards.
Dr. Egwuatu presently works at the Kaiser Permanente Family Medicine Residency Program in Seattle as Attending Faculty, Clerkship Director and Faculty Director for its Residents Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative.
Her active leadership throughout medical school and residency includes work on UW’s Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows, including a term as President, and on its Family Medicine Diversity Recruitment Committee. Currently she serves on the Washington Academy of Family Physicians’ Anti Racism Task Force and the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) Racial Affinity Caucus for Resident Physicians.
WISCONSIN - ALEXANDRA WOLF, DO (she/her/hers)
The AOF and the Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (WAOPS) have named Alexandra Wolf, DO, as Wisconsin’s 2022 State Emerging Leader.
A 2018 graduate of the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), Dr. Alexandra Wolf recently completed a Family Medicine residency with Osteopathic Recognition and Rural Pathway through the University of Wisconsin (UW) Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Northeast Family Medical Center, where she was also elected Chief Resident in 2020. She is currently a Family Medicine physician at Menominee Tribal Clinic in Keshena, Wisconsin.
Dr. Wolf currently serves on the UW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as well as its Resident OB Taskforce and is a member of ThedaCare Shawano Hospital’s Medical Patient Care Committee. She previously received KCOM’s Dr. Paul Teget Leadership Award as a medical student and UW’s McGovern-Tracy Scholar Award.
