AOA now accepting nominations for its 2025 DEI Unification Award

The AOA is now accepting nominations for this year’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Unification Award. This annual award will be presented to one individual and one organization that has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to promoting and advancing DEI initiatives in the osteopathic community.

Nominations may be submitted on the candidate’s behalf with their permission and must include the following:

• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Letter of recommendation
• Description of how the candidate or organization has advanced DEI initiatives in the osteopathic community, which could include but is not limited to:
  • Raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities related to DEI in the osteopathic profession
  • Working to increase opportunities for demographic groups historically underrepresented in osteopathic medicine
  • Developing DEI programs, resources and tools for an organization or the profession
  • Advocating for underrepresented minorities in osteopathic medicine

Additionally, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a contributing member to the osteopathic community with significant and demonstrable contributions to the DEI field
• Be an AOA member in good standing
• When applicable, AOA-board certification is preferred

Nominations are due by Monday, May 19, 2025. Winners will be notified in August and recognized in September during OMED 2025 in Nashville. Contact Priya Garg, MBA, the AOA’s chief engagement and diversity officer, at [email protected] with any questions.