Meet the AOA’s 128th President, Teresa Hubka, DO

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), FACOG, CS, who was installed in July as the 128^th President of the AOA. She is the second female and first OB-GYN president in AOA history. Dr. Hubka is a longstanding member of the AOA and a champion of the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine. She is a decorated physician with many accolades, an innovative leader and a proud mom.

In this edited Q&A, Dr. Hubka shares details about her path to becoming a physician, the projects she plans to tackle during the next year and how her mentors have impacted her journey as a DO. She also provides her take on the current state of the osteopathic medical profession.

Dr. Hubka, tell us about why you chose to be a DO.

Growing up in a family of eight children, our family physician was a DO. Working to realize my dream of becoming a physician, I attended University of California, Davis and studied biochemistry and clinical nutrition. I was fortunate to cross paths with so many dedicated and compassionate DOs in my early years, and they played a big factor in my decision to become an osteopathic physician.

Throughout your career, you’ve chaired a lot of initiatives and started many projects. Which project had the steepest learning curve for you?

My steepest learning curve came during medical school. Beyond academics, I was active with several medical school organizations and involved in student government. I had to quickly learn to navigate structures and relationships between students and faculty. Balancing those activities with my studies presented challenges, but ended up serving me well.  I learned the importance of organization, networking and communication—all essential skills I’ve used time and again as a physician.

A good example is when I worked with AOA Past President Karen J. Nichols, DO, as a young attending. She was the first female president of the AOA. Back then, she asked me to become the chair for Midwestern University’s OB-GYN department. I was a full-time practicing physician, but decided to take on the additional role because I truly enjoy teaching medical students and residents. My previous experience as a student leader helped me develop the time management and organizational skills I needed to navigate the transition.

What is a pressing issue that is impacting DOs right now?

A big thing I’ve noticed is a lack of pride in the osteopathic medical profession. Our profession has a rich 150-year history and we bring a highly valued skill set to the practice of medicine. Promoting excellence in osteopathic distinction is one of my initiatives for the coming year, placing emphasis on celebrating the defining factors that set us apart as a profession.

Another goal for the year ahead will focus on building more unity among our osteopathic professional organizations. Breaking down silos within our state and national organizations will make us stronger as a whole. Initiatives to unify our profession, increase morale and bring us back to our osteopathic roots will be at the forefront of my agenda.

Which of the AOA’s advocacy efforts do you plan to focus on the most?

There are so many areas where we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Scope of practice will be a big focus this year. Patients need to be treated by physicians and health care teams need to be led by physicians. That being said, nurses, physician associates and other nonphysician clinicians are integral members of the health care team. We can honor their contributions while advocating for physician-led teams.

What do you hope to accomplish in your year as president?

I really want to put osteopathic medicine on the map! Our profession’s founder, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, was a visionary. As osteopathic physicians, it is our responsibility to share that vision. I’m excited to see more osteopathic medical schools opening up. It is a great opportunity to teach others about our profession. I’m also excited about working with residency programs to create an osteopathic focus. DOs have a unique skill set. I want to teach people about our profession and get people excited about it. I want to “Grow DO!”

What do you think are the strengths of the DO profession?

Hands down, the people! The people in our profession are just the best. They’re always so warm, welcoming and charismatic. This is really apparent at meetings and conferences. Everyone’s helping each other, hugging and just being a family. It’s the “osteopathic hug” that makes our meetings so warm and friendly, like AOA Past President Robert Juhasz, DO, always says.

This friendliness and our osteopathic skill set make us an asset in the field. As an OB-GYN, I have an extra tool called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to help my patients with their pain. Whether it’s a hand on someone’s shoulder or OMT to treat a patient, we use a patient-centered approach that focuses on the body, mind and spirit.

Who is your leadership role model?

Well, it would have to be my parents. I’ve learned a lot from both of them. My dad is truly an inspiration. He grew up as a farm boy in small-town Nebraska, worked really hard to get a scholarship and then worked his way through college. He went to Notre Dame and joined the Navy. He is a very hard worker and just excelled in everything he did. He is an aeronautical engineer and is always keen on sharing his love of math with others. He is a lifelong learner, and actually went back to law school at the age of 47, graduating alongside my sister to become an attorney.

He’s such a charismatic leader and always taught us to have a passion for learning and reinvention. That’s something I carry with me as I navigate the world. I like new challenges and I like growing, reinventing myself and learning. Having a growth mindset and being adaptable are very important in today’s age. I’ve also learned so much from my wonderful mentors, colleagues and friends along the way.

You yourself are an award-winning mentor. Do you have any tips for mentors and mentees?

Absolutely! For mentees, there is no such thing as a bad mentor. You can learn so much from others. You can even learn from someone’s mistakes. Always have your eyes open for opportunities. It’s good to work with someone you aspire to be, but remember that you are your own person. You don’t need to do everything your mentor does. Feel things out and take what works for you. Surround yourself with positive influences and always be open to opportunities.

For mentors, remember that this is a responsibility. You need to be positive and constructive in your feedback and discussions. If there is room for improvement, give your mentee that feedback. It will help! Being a mentor is a hard role, but just remember to let your mentees do their thing, guide them, be honest and be respectful. Our goal as mentors is to help our mentees be the best version of themselves they can be. Mentorship is such a fulfilling role and it’s a great way to pay it forward.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Professionally, becoming the president of the AOA is my biggest accomplishment thus far. Personally, however, my wonderful family is my biggest accomplishment. I love my two beautiful children and my wonderful husband, John! They are and have always been so supportive of me. I am very blessed to have them in my life.

Are either of your children interested in pursuing medicine?

Not necessarily. They’re both very accomplished in their fields. My son is in finance and tech sales, and my daughter is studying zoology. They’re both very well-rounded and they love what they do. I’m very proud of them.

What is something that people in your professional circles don’t know about you?

A lot of folks may not know that I was raised a vegetarian. I love exploring different foods and flavors. Another thing that people may not know about me is that I love to travel. I really like to research a place and learn about the local culture, cuisine and history. In fact, I will be visiting Australia and New Zealand this year!

What do you like to do when you’re not working or traveling?

I love to entertain with my husband! We designed our kitchen for entertainment, and we love to cook up a storm for our friends and family. My husband, John, is a great cook, my daughter is a wonderful baker and I love to eat! Jokes aside, there’s just something so fun about cooking for the people you love and throwing a little party. I like celebrating life!

What advice do you have for young physicians interested in leadership?

The key is to be available and stay engaged. The more you put yourself out there, the more you network, learn and grow. Networking and putting your thoughts out there can open so many doors. Once you do get an opportunity, don’t hesitate to take it. A lot of people get scared about challenges. Be brave and take them on! That’s how you can grow as a leader and get your ideas out there.

In closing, are there any final thoughts you’d like to share with the profession?

We play such an impactful and special role as physicians. I want all osteopathic physicians and medical students reading this to appreciate the success we’ve achieved through our training and skills. Remember to advocate for your patients and be proud of your osteopathic roots! To all of our profession’s young and emerging student leaders, residents and fellows, please reach out to us at the AOA. Get involved, share your concerns and help us find solutions. I want us to share our wonderful profession with everyone!

Related reading:

Registration for OMED 2024 is now open

Timeline: A breakdown of the history of osteopathic medicine