Advancing osteopathic medicine: Leadership, mentorship & legislative wins

Through the dedication and leadership of its members, the osteopathic medical community continues to make significant strides in advancing the profession. Below, explore the latest updates from around the DO profession, including prestigious awards honoring outstanding osteopathic physicians as well as a successful advocacy effort to preserve the osteopathic state medical board in Nevada.

Geraldine T. O’Shea, DO, recognized for distinguished service & leadership

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has presented Geraldine T. O’Shea, DO, with the Distinguished Service Award. This accolade recognizes the highest level of service, commitment and contribution to FSMB; the advancement of the profession of medical licensure and discipline; and the strengthening and enhancement of public protection.

Dr. O’Shea is an esteemed osteopathic internist from Jackson, California, where she has served as medical director of Foothills Women’s Medical Center since 1998. A dedicated leader within the osteopathic medical community and beyond, Dr. O’Shea has been an AOA Board of Trustees member since 2013 and has held multiple additional leadership roles in the organization, including First and Second Vice President.

Dr. O’Shea is a past president of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) and is a recipient of the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, she has served as chair and secretary/treasurer of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and is a past president of the American Association of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (AAOME).

“I am humbled to receive this accolade from colleagues whose work I truly admire. Physicians and public members who selflessly serve on state medical boards help maintain self-regulation and uphold protection of the public. I am forever grateful for their recognition,” said Dr. O’Shea.

Learn more about Dr. O’Shea and her accomplished career on the AOA’s website.

AOASM recognizes Patrick F. Leary, DO, as 2025 Mentor of the Year

The American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) has awarded Patrick F. Leary, DO, FAOASM, FACSM, as the organization’s 2025 Mentor of the Year.

Dr. Leary is currently the director of sports medicine and a clinical professor at Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM). He also serves as the lead team physician for the NBA G League Erie BayHawks, the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Erie Otters and the varsity teams at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Dr. Leary directs the LECOM Sports Medicine Fellowship and serves as a physician mentor internationally. He is a past president of the AOASM and currently serves on an advisory board for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Team Physicians Consensus Panel and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Cardiac Task Force.

“To be considered Mentor of the Year by my peers is the culmination of my many years as a sports medicine physician. Training enumerable fellows, residents and osteopathic students has been the highlight of my medical career, whether in a classroom, an exam room or on the sidelines. I am very thankful, excited and proud of all their subsequent successes,” Dr. Leary said.

Dr. Leary has been a member of The DO’s Editorial Advisory Board since 2022. His articles are available on his author page.

Efforts succeed in defeating Nevada bill targeting DO regulation

The Nevada legislature has adjourned without passing Senate Bill 78, a measure that would have eliminated the state board of osteopathic medicine and transferred the regulation of DOs to a new board comprised of an MD majority.

The AOA, the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association (NOMA), the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) worked tirelessly to defeat SB 78. Through testimony, letters and grassroots efforts in opposition, these efforts ultimately succeeded, and the bill was not passed.

“This is an incredible victory for the osteopathic profession and for patient care in Nevada. Defeating SB 78 was a true team effort across national and state organizations, as well as our osteopathic grassroots advocates on the ground. Together, we held strong against a measure that would have undermined the independent regulation of DOs. I am proud of the collective work we’ve accomplished to defend the integrity and future of osteopathic medicine,” said Raine Richards, JD, AOA vice president of state and international affairs.

Learn more about AOA grassroots efforts through the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN).