The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) welcomes Larry Wickless, DO as the organization’s Board President for 2016.

Dr. Wickless, currently the program director of internal medicine at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL, has served on the AOF Board of Directors since 2011. He became president on Jan. 1, 2016 and will complete his term at year end.

During his tenure, Dr. Wickless aims to focus on fundraising through matching grants and major donors, and doing more projects that benefit the profession. “The AOF supports good ideas and good projects,” said Dr. Wickless, adding that he’s proud of the great care the AOF takes in finding the right people and right projects to fund.

“Dr. Wickless I a change agent who has held many leadership roles in the osteopathic profession. We are honored to tap his expertise to help grow our donor base and our impact,” said Stephen S. Downey, CAE, CFRE, executive director, AOF.

The new AOF Board President hopes to increase awareness about the service projects AOF sponsors, especially in the United States. “It’s interesting to go to other countries to volunteer, but here at home, there are so many things you can do, so many people you can help,” said the sponsor of the AOF Caring for Communities Award, established in 2014.

During his tenure as AOA president in 2009-10, Dr. Wickless’ theme was “leading change.” He feels it’s better to give anonymously and says of the Caring for Communities Award, “It’s not important to have my name attached to it. It allows the award to be carried on by someone else.”

Growing up in a small, rural town near Kirksville, MO, the epicenter of osteopathic training and care, Dr. Wickless uniquely understands the healthcare needs of underserved communities and how DOs can make a difference.

The son of a school superintendent and elementary teacher, Dr. Wickless was the only boy among three sisters, one of which was his twin. After working on his 700+ acre family farm through college, Dr. Wickless went on to earn his osteopathic medical degree from ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Wickless completed an internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, his residency at the former Zeiger Botsford Hospitals in the Detroit area and a GI Fellowship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He then established a gastroenterology practice in Michigan for more than 35 years.

Among his greatest professional accomplishments is helping start a gastroenterology fellowship program in Farmington Hills, MI that trained more than 50 doctors. He also has served as president for influential osteopathic organizations including the AOA, the Michigan Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Internists.

Now living in Sarasota, FL with wife Carole Crosby, a lawyer, Dr. Wickless has two grown sons, one a DO and one a lawyer, and two grandchildren. He also is the president of the foundation of the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay in Sarasota and serves on the Board of Directors for the Ringling Bros. Museum Foundation.