Since 1993, the American Osteopathic Foundation and the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association have partnered to extend the AOF/AAOA Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award to spouses of graduating Osteopathic medical students from across the country. This award was created in honor of the beloved late wife of Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, a former Deputy Surgeon General of the United States, retired military physician, nationally recognized public health expert, and former AOF Board member.
This award honors spouses of graduating Osteopathic medical students who exemplify immeasurable support and have made significant personal and professional sacrifices that have contributed to their partner’s success.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 recipients!
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ryan Capote, partner of Melissa Capote
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Kevin Kayser, partner of Sara A. Kayser
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael Bacani, partner of Farin Bacani
A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Annabella Shields, partner of Tanner Shields
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Danish Ghazali, partner of Sarah Khan
Burrell College of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine
Anahi Angelia Ladd, partner of Kevin Ladd
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sunny Tang, partner of Cathy Tran
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Ayah Syeed, DO, partner of Ameer Qadri
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jacquelyn Henderson, partner of Christian Low
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn
Lauren Thigpen, MS, RDN, CDCES, partner of Chase Thigpen
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas
Kayci Prugue, MA, BS, partner of Cesar Prugue
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana
Lauren Garvie, partner of Michael Garvie
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia
Tyrell Moorer, partner of Emma Vargas
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Brett Pendleton, partner of Mary Pendleton
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Yesenia Munoz, partner of Bryan Munoz
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Grace Escueta, partner of Francis Ricardo Kayanan Escueta
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael Gallagher, partner of Mackenzie Sivilli
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Zyniah Dazo, partner of Eric Liou
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Clearwater
Christian Krzykwa, partner of Emily Krzykwa
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Chelsea Bray, MD, partner of Ryan Lair
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation - Tahlequah
John Van Nortwick, partner of Stephanie Van Nortwick
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kayla Mullen, partner of Joseph Mullen
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Christopher Lewis Orme, PhD, partner of Amanda Orme
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Harlem
Nathaniel Thompson, partner of Sofia Cristovao Lucio
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California
Trevor Gudmunsen, partner of Rasha Kiwan
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jessica Fondaco Mullaly, partner of Austin Joel Mullaly
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Payton Black, partner of Bailey Kemme
UNT Health Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rachel Oldham, partner of Jake Oldham
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Kyle Campbell, partner of Giliene Gabrielle Campbell
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Aniya Gill, partner of Omar Demachkie
