AOF 2025 National and State Emerging Leader Awards
In partnership with Osteopathic State Affiliates, the AOF proudly recognizes exceptional new physicians in practice who provide service to others through Osteopathic tenets and principles, advocacy efforts, community service, and philanthropic spirit.
All Osteopathic State Affiliates are invited to recognize and advance one DO each year who are in their first 10 years of practice. From this group, one is selected by Osteopathic peers and industry leaders across the country to receive the coveted National Emerging Leader Award.
Each year, the AOF features all State Emerging Leaders in an advertisement in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals edition.
National Emerging Leader Award
The American Osteopathic Foundation honored Lindsey Van Duyn, DO with the National Emerging Leader Award at the AOF 2025 Honors Gala in Nashville, TN, on September 26, 2025. She was selected as the State Emerging Leader for Iowa by the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association (IOMA).
Chosen from an elite group of State Emerging Leaders from across the country, Dr. Van Duyn represents the best of the next generation of Osteopathic physicians—one whose vision, compassion, and innovation are already transforming lives and reshaping the profession.
Beyond her service to the profession, Dr. Van Duyn has demonstrated groundbreaking innovation in patient care. In 2020, witnessing a mental health crisis among adolescents, she founded Immersive Medical Therapy (IMT), a pioneering venture that leverages virtual reality to provide evidence-based treatments for teen depression. True to the Osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person, IMT bridges mind and body through accessible, tech-integrated care models that are both clinically sound and deeply empathetic. The initiative has already begun transforming care delivery in primary care settings.
A mother of twin girls, Dr. Van Duyn balances her roles with humility and tenacity. Her impact is felt not just in Iowa, but nationally—through her work in education, patient advocacy, and healthcare innovation. She has served as a medical director, researcher, volunteer, and mentor, and continues to be a source of inspiration for both her patients and her peers.
State Emerging Leader Awards
ALABAMA
MAJ Mike Brisson, DO
The AOF and the Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association (ALOMA) are proud to name MAJ Mike Brisson, DO, the 2025 Alabama State Emerging Leader.
A decorated Army veteran, former MEDEVAC Blackhawk pilot, and flight surgeon, Dr. Brisson has over 2,100 hours of military flight time and earned the Combat Medical Badge and Army Air Medal for service in Afghanistan. A board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician, he serves across emergency departments, VA clinics, and as EMS Medical Director at Enterprise State Community College. Widely published and nationally recognized, Dr. Brisson exemplifies servant leadership and the Osteopathic commitment to treating the whole person.
ARIZONA
Ross Christensen, DO
The AOF and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) are proud to name Ross Christensen, DO, the 2025 Arizona State Emerging Leader.
An emergency medicine physician and faculty member at A.T. Still University, Dr. Christensen practices at Valleywise Health and the Phoenix VA, where he also serves as ICT Coordinator training Intermediate Care Technicians. A past Vice Chair of EMRA’s Medical Student Subcommittee, he is deeply committed to mentoring future physicians. His research focuses on opioid risk reduction and medical education and medical education advising, and he continues to present at national academic conferences.
ARKANSAS
Jesse Abeler, DO
The AOF and the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) are proud to name Jesse Abeler, DO, the 2025 Arkansas State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Abeler is a board-certified orthopedic and hand surgeon at Bowen Hefley Orthopedics in Little Rock, specializing in hand and upper extremity care. He completed his residency at St. Anthony Hospital, serving as Chief Resident, and a hand fellowship at the University of Massachusetts. An active researcher and mentor, he has published on surgical outcomes, supports local high school athletes with sideline coverage, and is engaged in national orthopedic organizations, exemplifying leadership and dedication to advancing Osteopathic medicine.
CALIFORNIA
Natalie Wessel Bulock, DO
The AOF and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) are proud to name Natalie Wessel Bulock, DO, the 2025 California State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Bulock is a dual board-certified OB/GYN in Sacramento, CA, where she serves as Chair of Women and Children’s Services for Mercy Medical Group and Medical Director for Obstetrics at CommonSpirit/Dignity Health. Holding both DO and MPH degrees, she integrates public health principles into her clinical and administrative roles. She has led initiatives in safety, peer review, and DEI, contributes to medical education, and advocates nationally for women’s health and equitable, whole person care.
DELAWARE
Victor Rendon, DO
The AOF and the Delaware State Osteopathic Medical Society (DSOMS) are proud to name Victor Rendon, DO, the 2025 Delaware State Emerging Leader.
An attending psychiatrist at Christiana Care, Dr. Rendon provides outpatient and consult-liaison services while mentoring residents and medical students. A graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with a Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware, he integrates clinical care with systems-level thinking. His work includes quality improvement projects, research on virtual supervision and opioid use, and community engagement, reflecting a commitment to advancing behavioral health and whole-person care.
FLORIDA
Janae Marracino, DO
The AOF and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) are excited to name Janae Marracino, DO, the 2025 Florida State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Marracino is an emergency medicine physician and core faculty member at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Residency, where she chairs the Global Emergency Medicine program. A former chief resident and recipient of the Frist Humanitarian Award, she is recognized for patient advocacy and leadership. She co-founded Friends of Chogoria Hospital and volunteers annually in Kenya. Through clinical care, education, and mentorship, she advances compassionate, patient-centered care and global health initiatives.
ILLINOIS
Curtis L. Johnston, DO
The AOF and the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) are excited to name Curtis Johnston, DO, the 2025 Illinois State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Johnston is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Osteopathic Education at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine, where he develops curriculum, leads resident didactics, and mentors medical and PA students. A graduate of A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and SIU’s Family Medicine Residency, he is active in professional leadership as Treasurer and Membership Chair of IOMS and a delegate to the AOA and ACOFP Houses of Delegates, advancing Osteopathic education and whole-person care.
LOUISIANA
Alexis L. Cates, DO
The AOF and the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association (LOMA) are excited to name Alexis L. Cates, DO, the 2025 Louisiana State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Cates is an Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology physician at Ochsner Medical Center, where she serves as Interim Assistant Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency. A Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland–Ochsner Clinical School, she co-leads research on maternal opioid use disorder and is widely published in toxicology and advocacy. Her national lectures, publications, and multiple teaching awards reflect her dedication to advancing patient care, mentoring future physicians, and shaping health policy.
MAINE
Breanna M. Glynn, DO
The AOF and the Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) are excited to name Breanna M. Glynn, DO, the 2025 Maine State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Glynn is a hospitalist at Maine General Medical Center and a graduate of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, with dual residencies in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine at Maine-Dartmouth. She has developed inclusive sexual health curricula, researched OMM for substance-exposed infants, and presented nationally on topics from headache management in pregnancy to cranial OMM. Dedicated to health equity, she provides care for migrant farm workers and supports harm reduction initiatives.
MISSISSIPPI
Maj. Ryan A. Anderson, DO
The AOF and the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association (MOMA) are excited to name Maj. Ryan A. Anderson, DO, the 2025 Mississippi State Emerging
Leader.
Dr. Anderson is an emergency medicine physician and Flight Commander at Keesler Medical Center, where he directs the ultrasound program and formerly served as EMS Medical Director. A U.S. Air Force veteran with service in Afghanistan, he has earned the Meritorious Service and NATO Service Medals. He teaches at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, has published in leading journals, and is recognized for advancing medical education, clinical excellence, and mentorship in both military and civilian settings.
MISSOURI
Christopher Paynter, DO
The AOF and the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) are excited to name Christopher Paynter, DO, the 2025 Missouri State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Paynter is a family physician at Tipton Clinic–SSM Health Medical Group, Regional Assistant Dean at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Associate Medical Director for Central Missouri Hospice. A past president of MAOPS and MSACOFP, he advances Osteopathic medicine through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. His research includes work on cancer screening disparities and maternal health, with multiple peer-reviewed publications. Named 2024 MSACOFP Physician of the Year, he is dedicated to clinical excellence and community service.
MONTANA
Michael T. Groover, DO
The AOF and the Montana Osteopathic Medical Association (MOMA) are excited to name Michael T. Groover, DO, the 2025 Montana State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Groover is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction who has served the Billings community since 2019. A graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he graduated first in his class, he completed residency at Grandview Medical Center and practiced at the Cleveland Clinic before relocating to Montana. An active MOMA supporter, he presents at CME conferences and champions Osteopathic distinctiveness through patient-centered care, education, and innovative surgical techniques.
NEVADA
Ryan Huang, DO
The AOF and the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association (NOMA) are excited to name Ryan Huang, DO, the 2025 Nevada State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Huang is a board-certified family medicine physician and wound care specialist in Las Vegas, where he serves as Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency at Valley Hospital Medical Center. He is Medical Director of Humanity Health Center and Advanced Wound Care at Centennial Hills Hospital and chairs NOMA’s Research Committee. An adjunct faculty member at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Huang is committed to mentoring, culturally competent care, and advancing Osteopathic principles through leadership and innovation.
NEW JERSEY
Hetal R. Patel, DO
The AOF and the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (NJAOPS) are excited to name Hetal R. Patel, DO, the 2025 New Jersey State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Patel is a board-certified family physician and Associate Medical Director at Capital Health, where she oversees clinical operations and quality initiatives. She serves as Treasurer on the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners Executive Committee and is a past president of NJAOPS. A former Assistant Professor at Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, she is dedicated to advancing hospital medicine, public health, and mentorship, making a lasting impact on Osteopathic medicine in New Jersey.
NEW MEXICO
Giselle Irio, DO
The AOF and the New Mexico Osteopathic Medical Association (NMOMA) are excited to name Giselle Irio, DO, the 2025 New Mexico State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Irio is an internal medicine physician and Vice Chair of Critical Care at CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico. A graduate of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), she founded the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Track at MountainView Regional Medical Center and serves as adjunct faculty at BCOM. A Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) Fellow, she has held leadership roles with SOMA and the AOA, co-founded an overdose prevention task force, and is dedicated to advancing equity and whole-person care.
NEW YORK
Alexander S. Ford, DO
The AOF and the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society (NYSOMS) are excited to name Alexander S. Ford, DO, the 2025 New York State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Ford is a board-certified family physician and registered dietitian with Community Care Physicians in New York, specializing in weight management, nutrition counseling, and Osteopathic manipulative treatment. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and the Cleveland Clinic Family Medicine Residency, he is a published author and national speaker on nutrition, health equity, and diversity. Recognized among the AOA’s Influential Black DOs, he is committed to culturally competent care, mentorship, and advancing community health outcomes.
NORTH CAROLINA
Kaitlin M. Bowers, DO
The AOF and the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA) are excited to name Kaitlin M. Bowers, DO, the 2025 North Carolina State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Bowers is Chair of Emergency Medicine and Assistant Professor at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she develops curriculum, mentors students, and leads simulation programs. An attending physician with Wake Emergency Physicians, she has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and pioneered innovations in clinical education. A longtime leader within ACOEP, she has held multiple board and committee roles. Her work reflects a commitment to education, advocacy, and advancing Osteopathic emergency medicine.
OHIO
Katherine Hovsepian Eilenfield, DO
The AOF and the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) are excited to name Katherine Hovsepian Eilenfeld, DO the 2025 Ohio State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Eilenfield is Director of Regional Inpatient Palliative Medicine for Cleveland Clinic’s West Submarket, where she launched consult services at Avon and Lutheran Hospitals. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine, she mentors residents and fellows and serves as Clinical Associate Professor at Ohio University-Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM). A Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and past president of the Cleveland Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, she advances Osteopathic education, ethics, and whole-person care statewide.
OREGON
Hunter C. Spencer, DO
The AOF and the Oregon Osteopathic Association (OOA) are excited to name Hunter Spencer, DO, the 2025 Oregon State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Spencer is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and Core Faculty at Hillsboro Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency. He founded the Cascade Clinic, Washington County’s first academic HIV prevention and treatment program, expanding access for underserved patients. His research addresses HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and health disparities, and he is a national speaker on trauma-informed care and PrEP/PEP access. Dr. Spencer’s work reflects a commitment to education, equity, and whole-person care.
TENNESSEE
Tyler McCurry, DO
The AOF and the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) are excited to name Tyler McCurry, DO, the 2025 Tennessee State Emerging Leader.
Dr. McCurry is a board-certified family physician and founder of the Tennessee Osteopathic Center, integrating Osteopathic principles with holistic care. He serves as Associate Medical Director for Hospice of Chattanooga, supporting patients and families through end-of-life care. A graduate of Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and former Chief Resident at East Tennessee State University, he also teaches as adjunct faculty at LMU. His work spans primary care, wound care, and hyperbaric medicine, reflecting a commitment to whole-person treatment.
TEXAS
MAJ. Matthew Esposito, DO
The AOF and the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (AMOPS) are excited to name Matthew Esposito, DO, the 2025 Texas State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Esposito is a board-certified emergency medicine and EMS physician and U.S. Army Major serving as Medical Director of the Tactical Medical Readiness Division at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence. A former flight surgeon and EMS medical director, he has deployed globally, trained in combat casualty care, and led humanitarian operations. Named the 2023 Theodore Lyster U.S. Army Flight Surgeon of the Year, he is a mentor, educator, and innovator in operational medicine.
VERMONT
Allyson Bazarsky, DO
The AOF and the Vermont State Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (VSAOPS) are excited to name Allyson Bazarsky, DO, the 2025 Vermont State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Bazarsky is Division Chief of the Headache Program and Vice Chair of Quality at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. A fellowship-trained headache specialist, she has expanded acute headache services, developed inpatient consult pathways, and led clinical trials in pediatric migraine. She serves as President of VSAOPS, a delegate to the AOA House of Delegates, and a member of the American Headache Society’s Ethics Committee, advancing care, research, and education.
WEST VIRGINIA
Michael Louis Antolini, DO
The AOF and the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (WVOMA) are excited to name Michael Louis Antolini, DO, the 2025 West Virginia State Emerging Leader.
Dr. Antolini is a board-certified family physician serving as a primary care physician and medical director at Access Health and Genesis Healthcare, where he also teaches geriatrics and family medicine. A Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and Certified Medical Director in post-acute and long-term care, he is dedicated to patient-centered rural health. A past WVOMA president, he contributes to disaster response, youth health education, and scholarship focused on care transitions and community health.
