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 - BREANNE JAQUA, DO, MPH
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) have named Breanne Jaqua, DO, as Arizona’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Breanne Jaqua, DO, MPH is an urgent care physician at Dignity Health in Gilbert, AZ as well as Assistant Professor of Clinical Education at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA).
Dr. Jaqua is a graduate of ATSU-SOMA, having also earned a Master of Public Health degree from ATSU-College of Graduate Health Studies. She completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, OH, solidifying her expertise in the field of emergency medicine. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Health Professions at ATSU – College of Graduate Health Studies.
In addition to her clinical work and educational roles, Dr. Jaqua has demonstrated notable leadership at national and regional levels, including involvement in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), where she has been a key member of the Council of Review Committee Residents serving as Chair from 2021 to 2023. Locally, she is an active member of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA).
CALIFORNIA - NICOLE PEÑA, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) have named Nicole Peña, DO, as California’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Nicole Peña, DO is a licensed physician in California specializing in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (OMM/NMM). She is also on the faculty of Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine – California.
As Associate Professor and Chair of the OMM department, she teaches OMM to medical students, develops curriculum, serves as the Director of Distance Learning and Osteopathic Clinical Integration, and is the Healer’s Art Elective Course Director. She enjoys teaching and serving the community at TUCCOM’s Student Run Free Clinic where she volunteers her time to precept students.
Dr. Peña is a graduate of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Harlem Campus (TouroCOM-Harlem) and completed an OMM/NMM residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, NY, and was an OPP Teaching Instructor and Chief Resident at NYIT-COM in Old Westbury, NY.
DELAWARE - ANDREA DESIMONE, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Delaware State Osteopathic Medical Society (DSOMS) named Andrea DeSimone, DO, Delaware’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
DAndrea DeSimone, DO is a Staff Physician, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and Psychiatry Clerkship Director at Bayhealth Medical Center, in Dover, DE. Additionally, she is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania.
She has held several leadership positions at Bayhealth including serving as Psychiatry Clerkship Director and Chair of the Graduate Medical Education Committee’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee.
Dr. DeSimone is a graduate of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, serving as Chief Resident in 2019-2020. Additional postdoctoral training includes a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.
FLORIDA - CHANDRA MILETTA JENNINGS, DO, MPH
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) have named Chandra Jennings, DO, as Florida’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Chandra Jennings, DO serves as Medical Director and Staff Physician at Amillus Health Concern, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Miami, FL.
Dr. Jennings holds board certifications from both the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and the American Board of Family Medicine. Her diverse experiences and educational background reflect her passion for healthcare, community health, and patient well-being.Dr. Jennings graduated from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Spartanburg, SC. Prior to that, she earned a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Community Health Sciences from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, LA. She completed a Family Medicine Residency at Southern Colorado Family Medicine, St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident from 2019-2020. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Physician Executive Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
GEORGIA - R. STERLING HARING, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association (GOMA) have named R. Sterling Haring, DO, MPH as Georgia’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Sterling Haring, DO is a pain medicine physician at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, GA, and a doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
In 2022, he was named the National Academy of Medicine’s Osteopathic Fellow—an opportunity supported through funding by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Dr. Haring earned his DO degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Bradenton. He completed a medical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency and Pain Medicine fellowship at Vanderbilt University, where he served on opioid-related committees at the institution as well as for national organizations.
HAWAII - SHAUNA RABOTEAU, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Hawaii Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (HAOPS) have named Shauna Raboteau, DO, MPH as Hawaii’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Shauna Raboteau, DO is an Osteopathic Family Physician at Healing Tides Primary Care in Honolulu, HI with past professional experience as a Family Physician at Hawaii Permanente Medical Group in Nanakuli. She explains that through her Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) training, she can “diagnose and treat acute and chronic disorders and is better able to bring alignment back to the individual and restore balance in body, mind, and spirit.”
She is board-certified in Family Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Association of American Indian Physicians. Dr. Raboteau graduated from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM) – California. Prior to that, she earned a Master of Public Health with a focus on Public Health from TUCOM. She completed her residency with the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.
ILLINOIS - AMANDA KRUS-JOHNSTON, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) have named Amanda Krus-Johnston, DO as the recipient of Illinois’ 2023 State Emerging Leader award.
Amanda Krus-Johnston, DO currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. In addition to this role, she also holds the positions of Director of Osteopathic Education and Director of Educational Curriculum at the same institution. She is also a valued member of the Graduate Medical Education Wellness Committee, where they serve as the FM Wellness Champion, since 2020.
She is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, serving as an Alternate Delegate of Congress. She is also on the Board of Trustees of IOMS, serving on the education committee.
Dr. Krus-Johnston earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) and completed a Family Medicine Residency at SIU-Springfield in Illinois.
INDIANA - LINDSAY DIEMER, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Indiana Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) have named Lindsay Diemer, DO as the recipient of Indiana’s 2023 State Emerging Leader award.
Lindsay Diemer, DO is actively engaged in the field of psychiatry, specializing in inpatient and outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry in Anderson, IN. Her commitment to mental health care is reflected in her roles as a Board-Certified Psychiatrist at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson and Brightside Telepsychiatry. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist during her fellowship training at Cummins Behavioral Health in Avon, IN.
Dr. Diemer is a graduate of A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU KCOM) where she also completed a medical education fellowship that focused on curriculum development as well as professor and self-led research projects. She completed a general psychiatry residency at Detroit Wayne County Health Authority in Detroit, MI, and a child and adolescent psychiatry residency at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN.
MICHIGAN - RYAN SMITH, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) have named Ryan Smith, DO as Michigan’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Ryan Smith, DO, is a Family Physician with Ascension Michigan in Warren, MI, and serves as Director of Student Relations and Director of Osteopathic Education for Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital. He is also a member of the clinical faculty for A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Smith is board-certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and also holds certification in Family Medicine and osteopathic Manipulative Medicine from the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He has held numerous leadership positions with the Michigan ACOFP, the Michigan Osteopathic Association. Dr. Smith graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a Family Medicine residency at Ascension Providence Hospital in Michigan.
MINNESOTA - MATTHEW PUDERBAUGH, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society (MOMS) have named Matthew Puderbaugh, DO as Minnesota’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Matthew Puderbaugh, DO is a Brain Injury Physiatrist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, MN. He is also the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fellowship Site Director.
Dr. Puderbaugh gained experience through his service in the United States Air Force. He was a Flight Surgeon with the 88th Medical Group in Dayton, OH, and the 86th Operations Group in Ramstein, Germany. Most recently he was a Flight Surgeon with the 133rd Medical Group of the Minnesota Air National Guard.
Dr. Puderbaugh graduated from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by an Osteopathic Traditional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, and a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency at the University of Minnesota.
MISSOURI - PATRICK NAKASHIMA-MORAN, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) named Patrick Nakashima-Moran, DO as Missouri’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Patrick Nakashima-Moran, DO is a Family Medicine Physician at Esse Health, Shiloh Internal Medicine, in St. Louis, MO. He holds dual licensure in Missouri and Illinois.
Dr. Nakashima-Moran serves as the second vice president of the board of MAOPS. His professional engagement extends to organizations such as the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Osteopathic Association, underscoring his dedication to the Osteopathic medical community.
Dr. Nakashima-Moran graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in family medicine at St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis.
NEW YORK - PIYAL ALAM, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and New York State Osteopathic Medical Society (NYSOMS) have named Piyal Alam, DO as New York’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Piyal Alam, DO is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician serving as a Primary Care Physician at Yale New Haven Health – Northeast Medical Group in Rye Brook, NY.
Dr. Alam is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), serving on the New Physician Leadership Committee where he advocates for patients at a national level. Dr. Alam is always looking to improve health literacy for his patients and our community with scientific evidence-based community engagement through the use of digital media, radio appearances, and community lectures.
Dr. Alam graduated from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Medicine residency training at Northwell Health in Plainview, New York. He is a 2021 graduate of the Yale School of Management - Yale Medicine Physician Leadership Executive Education program.
NORTH CAROLINA - MARTA BRINGHURST, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA) have named Marta Bringhurst, DO as North Carolina’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Marta Bringhurst, DO is the Director of Osteopathic Education at Harnett Health Family Medicine in Harnett, NC. Board-certified in both Family Medicine and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMN).
Sharing her passion for teaching both medical students and residents in both primary care and specialty OMM settings, she is also an assistant professor of OMM at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM), where she directs the first year OMM courses and is core faculty at the CUSOM’s ONMM-3 Residency.
Dr. Bringhurst graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She went on to complete residency training in family medicine at Firelands Regional Medical Center and ONMN at Cleveland Clinic South Pointe. She is also a graduate of the Campbell University Masters in Health Professions Education program.
OHIO - DANIEL KRAJCIK, DO, MBA
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) have named Daniel Krajcik, DO as Ohio’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Daniel Krajcik, DO is a Family Medicine Physician at the Cleveland Clinic, Community Care Institute, as well as Osteopathic Curriculum Coordinator for the clinic’s Lakewood Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Krajcik assists with coordinating Osteopathic Recognition and the business curriculum at his program, as well as precepting both the outpatient and inpatient medical settings.
He currently serves as Chair of the American Osteopathic Association’s Professional Networking Committee. He was a founding member of the Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators (AOGME) Residents and Fellows Council, serving as secretary, and is now a current member of the overarching AOGME.
Dr. Daniel Krajcik graduated from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM), Athens, OH, and completed his residency at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, holding the title of Assistant Chief.
OREGON - TIM BEALS, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon (OPSO) have named Tim Beals, DO as Oregon’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Tim Beals, DO is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Sports Medicine Oregon. He is also team physician for the Portland Thorns soccer team.
His dedication to high-quality research has resulted in his placement on the editorial boards of The Journal of Arthroplasty and The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics. He is also a member of the American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Emerging Leaders, serving as chair of the Communications Work Group.
Dr. Beals graduated from Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City, AL, and a Hip Preservation and Reconstruction Fellowship at Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, CO.
TEXAS - OWAIS DURRANI, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) have named Owais Durrani, DO as Texas’ 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Owais Durrani, DO is an Emergency Medicine Physician with Christus Southeast Texas System at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Dr. Durrani frequently serves as a medical contributor in print media and is a frequent independent medical contributor on CNN, MSNBC, BBC, CBS, NBS, and other networks. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the American College of Emergency Physicians, Texas College of Emergency Physicians, and American Osteopathic Association – having served as co-chair of its Bureau of Emerging Leaders Advocacy workgroup.
Dr. Durrani graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an Emergency Room Residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.
WISCONSIN - CHRISTOPHER KORDICK, DO
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the Wisconsin Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (WAOPS) have named Christopher Kordick, DO as Wisconsin’s 2023 State Emerging Leader.
Christopher Kordick, DO is a board-certified Family Physician with ProHealth Medical Group and an Epic Physician Builder in ProHealth Care’s Health Informatics Department. As a former collegiate baseball player and strength coach, Dr. Kordick use a mixture of both traditional and integrative medicine styles in his practice.
He is involved in numerous organizations such as the American Academy of Osteopathy, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Kordick earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), and his Masters in Heath Service Administration from LECOM School of Graduate Studies, Bradenton, FL. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin.
