OMED 2024: Hear from the DO helping lead NASA and a WNBA legend

Every great conference is defined by the people who shape its narrative, and OMED 2024 is no exception. As the osteopathic medical profession’s premier educational event, this year’s conference brings together a lineup of keynote speakers whose groundbreaking work and fresh perspectives will inspire attendees to think bigger and bolder.

This year’s OMED conference will take place in San Antonio from Sept. 20-22. To register for the conference or to get more information on the OMED24 main stage speakers, visit the OMED website. Below are some more details about the main stage speakers for Friday, Sept. 20.

James D. Polk, DO: Leading expert in space medicine

James D. Polk, DO, is the chief health and medical officer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Dr. Polk is the former dean of medicine for Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM). Prior to his work at DMU-COM, he served as the assistant secretary (acting) for health affairs and the chief medical officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Dr. Polk is well-published in the fields of emergency medicine, disaster medicine, space medicine and medical management. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including citations from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the White House Medical Unit, the Association of Air Medical Services and the U.S. Air Force. He is also the recipient of several prestigious honors for his service to NASA.

Dr. Polk will appear on the OMED main stage on Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m.

Tamika Catchings: WNBA legend, Olympian & advocate

Tamika Catchings is a retired professional basketball player who played for the Indiana Fever throughout her entire 15-year Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) career. In 2012, Catchings won the WNBA championship. She received the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2011. In addition to countless other awards and accolades, Catchings is the recipient of four Olympic gold medals. She was voted as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time by fans in 2011.

From 2012 to 2016, Catchings served as the president of the WNBA Players Association. In 2020, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Prior to these achievements, in 2004, Catchings founded a charitable organization called the Catch the Stars Foundation, an organization that provides basketball camps, fitness clinics, mentoring and literacy programs for underprivileged children. She received the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award in 2008 in recognition of her efforts with the Catch the Stars Foundation and her work throughout the Indianapolis community.

Catchings will appear on the OMED main stage on Friday, Sept. 20, at 8:30 a.m.