The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) proudly announces Nicole Heath Bixler, DO, MBA, FACOFP, dist., as the recipient of the AOF 2025 Educator of the Year Award, one of the Foundation’s highest honors. Dr. Bixler will be formally recognized on stage at the AOF Honors Gala on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, held in conjunction with the American Osteopathic Association’s annual OMED conference.
Dr. Bixler is a family physician and a lifelong educator. Currently, she is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at NOVA Southeastern University, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at LECOM-Bradenton, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and an Inpatient Family Medicine Coordinator and Preceptor at Oak Hill Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Spring Hill, FL. She is an alumna of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“As a fellow educator, it gives me a deep sense of joy to announce that Dr. Nicole Bixler will receive this year’s AOF Educator of the Year award,” said Scott Cyrus, DO, President of the AOF Board. “Her mentorship has helped hundreds of students. She is also an incredible role model for female Osteopathic leaders, enabling an environment of diverse perspectives and more inclusive approaches to healthcare.”
The Educator of the Year Award, one of the AOF’s most prestigious annual awards, recognizes one Osteopathic professional each year who has served in the educational space for a minimum of ten years and has shown they consistently uphold and raise the standards of Osteopathic medical education.
“We are looking forward to celebrating Dr. Bixler at our Gala this September,” added Rita Forden, CEO of AOF. “She has spent her career promoting family medicine while educating and inspiring future physicians. The Foundation supports, encourages, and empowers Osteopathic medical students through various stages in their academic journey. It is our privilege to recognize a physician who embodies that mission and who is dedicated towards making a lasting, profound impact on future generations.”
For over 75 years, the American Osteopathic Foundation has invested in the Osteopathic profession through scholarships, grants, research funding, and global humanitarian outreach. The AOF Honors Gala has raised and distributed millions of dollars to support DOs at every stage—from medical school through practice.
Sponsorships and Ticket Information
To recognize Dr. Bixler, attend, or sponsor the 2025 Honors Gala, please contact Terry Sanders, Director of Development, at tlsanders@aof.org or 312.202.8230.
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Established in 1997, the AOF’s Educator of the Year award recognizes the critical role educators play in the development of Osteopathic medical students, residents, and the profession. The national recognition award honors and recognizes professionals who dedicate their lives to teaching and the pursuit of advancing the Osteopathic profession through educational activities.
The recipient of this award is nominated by three individuals who may include: a current or former employer, board member, or senior official, a current or former student, and/or a current or former colleague.
