Embracing excellence: 128th AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, calls for a new era of osteopathic medicine

Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), FACOG, CS, was installed as the 128^th president of the AOA last week during the AOA’s annual House of Delegates meeting in Chicago. She delivered a resounding call to action for excellence during her inauguration speech, setting forth a vision that emphasizes excellence in osteopathic distinction, physician leadership, and solidarity within the osteopathic community.

Dr. Hubka’s address underscored the rich heritage and unique philosophy of osteopathic medicine and outlined ambitious initiatives aimed at advancing the future of health care delivery. Her presidency coincides with the 150^th anniversary of osteopathic medicine, commemorating when A.T. Still, MD, DO, introduced the profession’s fundamental concepts in 1874. Dr. Hubka emphasized that the practice of osteopathic medicine today resulted from one man’s vision and that one person can make a difference.

Reflecting on her personal journey and the legacy of her father, a Navy Top Gun turned attorney driven by a relentless pursuit for excellence, Dr. Hubka drew parallels to the perseverance required to practice modern medicine. “[My father’s] commitment to excellence in all things inspires me today,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of resilience and continuous improvement in medical practice.

Excellence in osteopathic distinction

Focusing on the profession’s unique philosophy, one of the key initiatives for Dr. Hubka’s presidential term will be enhancing the excellence of osteopathic distinction. “Our journey as DOs is one of perseverance, innovation, resilience, and enduring commitment to excellence in patient care,” she said, highlighting the profession’s ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing health care environment.

Dr. Hubka challenged her colleagues to embrace and celebrate their distinctiveness, urging them to push boundaries and elevate the impact of osteopathic medicine across all facets of health care. “We need to trust that there are NO BOUNDARIES for DOs. We must recognize the value we bring to the health care system and be ready to challenge stereotypes and biases head-on.”

She underscored the importance of education and training in preserving the profession’s legacy, advocating for early exposure to osteopathic principles and manipulative medicine for osteopathic medical students and residents. This foundational knowledge will help equip future DOs to navigate the medical landscape and excel in patient care, she said.

Excellence in physician leadership

Addressing the critical role of physician leadership, Dr. Hubka emphasized the need for integrity, vision, and continuous learning among osteopathic leaders. “Leadership in osteopathic medicine demands not only clinical excellence but also a dedication to inspiring others towards compassionate, patient-centered care,” she affirmed. Drawing on her own experiences and the mentorship she received throughout her career, she called upon current leaders to foster mentor-mentee relationships that empower the next generation of physicians.

“Physician leadership has never been more critical than it is today,” Dr. Hubka stated, acknowledging the complex challenges facing health care professionals in an era of technological advancements and evolving patient needs.

Excellence in solidarity

In her final initiative, Dr. Hubka advocated for solidarity within the osteopathic community, stressing the importance of unity amidst a divisive health care landscape. “Together, we are stronger,” she asserted, calling for increased collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy with state associations, specialty societies and key osteopathic stakeholders to amplify the voice of osteopathic physicians in shaping health care policy and reform.

“Engaging patients as active participants in their own care is fundamental to the osteopathic philosophy,” Dr. Hubka reminded her colleagues, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered approaches and the role patients play in shaping health care outcomes. She also underscored the profession’s commitment to advocacy and collaboration with policymakers, aiming to influence legislation that supports osteopathic principles and enhances patient care.

Concluding her address, Dr. Hubka shared a vision for the future built on collaboration, innovation and commitment to osteopathic principles. “As we celebrate our past and look forward, let us uphold the principles that define us,” she urged, calling for unity and resilience in navigating future challenges. Her vision for the future resonated deeply with the values upheld by A.T. Still and generations of osteopathic physicians, promising a future where osteopathic distinction, leadership, and solidarity will propel the profession forward in excellence for the next 150 years and beyond.

In her own words, Dr. Hubka captured the essence of the osteopathic profession’s enduring legacy: “Individually, and collectively, we will make a difference—The DO Difference!”