AOA recognized for workplace inclusivity, AOA Past President honored for leadership, scholarship and grant opportunities available

Through the commitment and accomplishments of its members and leaders, the osteopathic medical community continues to advance and thrive. Below, learn more about recent achievements and opportunities within the profession, including the AOA’s recognition for inclusivity, new scholarship openings, and awards and grants available to members of the osteopathic medical profession.

AOA recognized by Association Forum for dedication to inclusivity in the workplace

The AOA was recently recognized with the 2025 Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award, bestowed by the Association Forum. This annual honor is given to an association that has achieved outstanding results in fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture. The Association Forum website acknowledges the AOA’s commitment to identifying and addressing representation gaps within its community to foster an inclusive culture for both staff and AOA members.

Additionally, the AOA was recognized for the organization’s Employee Experience council, annual diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training for leadership, and employee engagement initiatives to create a work environment in which remote and hybrid staff voices are heard.

The AOA Leadership Academy was also acknowledged. The Leadership Academy is an organizational opportunity that helps to strengthen the diversity pipeline within the osteopathic profession, ensuring a representative and innovative future.

“We are honored to receive the Association Forum’s Welcoming Environment® Organizational Award, reflecting our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and friendly culture for both our members and staff,” said AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), FACOG, CS. “At the AOA, we believe that creating a collegial, open environment, empowering teamwork and innovation, fosters our mission to serve with excellence. We remain dedicated to advancing our efforts for success as a proud osteopathic profession and family.”

Applications open for BEL OMED scholarship

The AOA’s Bureau of Emerging Leaders’ (BEL) OMED Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2025 application cycle. This program was created to provide leadership opportunities to residents, fellows and new physicians in practice who are interested in professional or political advocacy, or continued engagement within the osteopathic community.

Three scholarship winners will receive the opportunity to attend OMED25 in Nashville, Tennessee, through complimentary event registration and a travel stipend, as well as a personalized OMED itinerary and exclusive networking opportunities with AOA leadership.

Applications may be submitted through Friday, May 30, 2025. Visit the BEL OMED Scholarship Program landing page for more information. All questions may be directed to [email protected].

AOA Past President Robert S. Juhasz, DO, recognized for exceptional leadership

AOA Past President Robert S. Juhasz, DO (2014-15), was recently honored by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) for his extraordinary contributions to the osteopathic profession. Dr. Juhasz is the latest recipient of the William D. Miller award, a recognition bestowed upon individuals for their outstanding service.

Dr. Juhasz said he has been inspired by osteopathic medicine’s founder, A.T. Still, MD, DO, and his commitment to improving medical care and to the philosophies of osteopathic medicine.

“I am honored to have been selected to receive the 2025 William D. Miller award,” said Dr. Juhasz. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the osteopathic profession and my alma mater, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, throughout my career.”

Dr. Juhasz is currently an emeritus member at the Cleveland Clinic. He was involved in implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system at the Cleveland Clinic before many other physicians used such systems. He participated on a panel with former U.S. president George W. Bush to advocate for EMRs.

He served as an associate dean for the Ohio University-Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM), from which he received the Phillips Medal of Public Service award. From 2013 to 2017, Dr. Juhasz served as president of the Cleveland Clinic’s South Pointe Hospital.

Dr. Juhasz served as the 118th AOA President from 2014 to 2015. In 2022, Dr. Juhasz delivered the A.T. Still Memorial Lecture at the AOA’s annual House of Delegates.

Fellow award recipients include Natasha Bray, DO, dean of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Cherokee Nation (OSU-COM-Cherokee Nation); Jay S. Feldstein, DO, president and CEO of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM); and Denise Vera, OMS IV, an osteopathic medical student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM).

For more information on the AACOM awards and winners, please visit AACOM’s 2025 awardees news story.

AOF grants available to members of the osteopathic medical profession

The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) is currently offering a wide variety of educational scholarships and awards; special project and program funding; and research grants to members of the osteopathic profession.

Current grant opportunities available include Outstanding Resident of the Year, State Emerging Leaders and the AOF-AOAO Foundation ORE-O Grant, which will close on May 19. The Sterling K. Welch, DO, Scholarship, international medical outreach travel grants and the NAM Fellowship in Osteopathic Medicine are accepting applications through the fall.

For more information or to view current grant opportunities, visit the AOF’s Grants, Scholarships & Awards landing page.