OMED25 highlights: From advocacy to comedy to AI integration, the profession truly came together

Grab your cowboy boots and Stetsons, y’all, as we recap the excitement of OMED 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s OMED conference brought the osteopathic medical community together in the Music City in September. Held in the appropriately named Music City Center, the OMED25 theme was “Osteopathic Harmony: Aligning Leadership, Education and Patient Care,” capturing what OMED has always represented: connection, learning and growth.

The conference never disappoints, and this year’s programming was no different. We enjoyed a full slate of CME opportunities, hands-on workshops and networking events, all which gave us the chance (excuse) to recharge professionally while soaking up the entertaining honky-tonk atmosphere of Nashville.

If you missed the in-person conference, you can still experience OMED and earn CME virtually via OMED On-Demand. OMED content is available virtually to in-person and On-Demand participants through Dec. 31, 2025.

Main stage highlights

The main stage’s lineup featured talent that would have impressed the Grand Ole Opry. The opening act featured Mona Hanna, MD, MPH, known for her advocacy during the Flint water crisis. She shared a powerful message on leadership and public health. Author and coach Simon T. Bailey, MBA, followed with an inspiring session on human-centered strategies for thriving amid change.

On Saturday, the tone lightened with DrBenComedy (aka Ben Debelek, DO) who brought humor and humanity to the realities of clinical life. Musician Cameron Atlas closed the day with an uplifting keynote on creativity and transformation. Each speaker had a unique message to share, mirroring the diversity and depth of the osteopathic medical profession.

Distinctive programming

Beyond the main stage, the in-person programming of OMED25 offered an incredible variety of specialty tracks designed for nearly every field of practice: addiction medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, sports medicine and more. The neurology and psychiatry sessions featured engaging discussions on topics such as ADHD management, ethics, the law and psychiatry, NMDA receptor encephalitis and advances in neuropsychiatric treatment.

The AOA had specific sessions tailored to osteopathic medical students as well. Whether you’re a student, resident or seasoned DO, OMED25 in Nashville delivered more than education; it served as a reminder of why we do what we do and the shared spirit that keeps osteopathic medicine moving forward.

Faces and stories from OMED25

Alex Sher, DO, MSN, APRN, and Angel Green, DO, authors of The DO’s DOs to Know column, had their cowboy boots on the ground at OMED25 and met with numerous amazing members of the osteopathic medical profession. Below are some quick chats and photos of a few of the faces of our amazing osteopathic medical community. Yee-haw and enjoy, y’all!

Christopher Loyke, DO, dean and chief academic officer and professor of family medicine at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)

“My team and I participate in OMED every year. It is certainly one of my favorite osteopathic events. It is an excellent way to connect with the other osteopathic educators and the osteopathic medical community as a whole. The venue is typically outstanding, like this year, and the meeting affords time for my team to catch up on CME and relevant educational programming, touch base with colleagues and socialize with each other outside the workplace setting.

“Equally important is that our students are able to engage with our faculty, staff, alumni and students from other colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs). The networking for our students is invaluable. Our alumni event is always well-attended, and it is wonderful to stay in touch with our graduates, both recent and remote. We are also honored that LMU-DCOM faculty, staff and students can participate in the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) gala, which is always a wonderful event.”

Israa Alshaikhli, OMS IV, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM)

“I was determined to experience OMED before graduating, especially after not being able to attend during my first three years of medical school. This year, I made it a priority and am so grateful I did. I wanted the opportunity to connect with the broader osteopathic community, re-engage in advocacy efforts, explore the diverse paths within our profession and learn from the inspiring DO physicians who continue to shape this community!

“OMED is special to me because it brings together the entire spectrum of the osteopathic profession in a way that feels energizing and affirming. Being surrounded by osteopathic physicians and medical students who share the same values reminds me why I chose this path. The sense of community, mentorship and shared purpose makes OMED both inspiring and deeply meaningful to my journey as a future DO.”

Bruce Rankin, DO, president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA)

“I attended OMED this year as the president of FOMA, proudly representing our organization. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of attending many OMED conferences, and each one continues to be a valuable opportunity to learn, network and reconnect with colleagues from across the country. It’s always inspiring to hear about the exciting developments in our osteopathic medical profession. OMED is an event that every osteopathic physician, resident and student should experience at some point in their career. This year’s conference was made even more memorable by the chance to visit the vibrant city of Nashville and enjoy its rich culture and music scene.

“OMED25 was special to me for many reasons. The keynote speakers were truly inspirational, and the lectures were timely and directly relevant to our medical practices. The AOF gala was a wonderful celebration, honoring the achievements of our peers and recognizing their significant contributions to the profession. I also took time to enjoy the incredible live music in downtown Nashville, conveniently located just a block from the Music City Center and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

“The exhibit hall was a highlight, showcasing our many COMs and featuring a wide range of engaging displays—including a “cuddle area,” where attendees could relax and de-stress with energetic and lovable puppies. There was always a line!

“A special shout-out goes to the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) and its volunteers, who provided hands-on educational experiences that truly reflected the osteopathic approach to care. One morning, I woke up with a bit of a kink in my lower back, something many of our patients can relate to. After some morning coffee and some hands-on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), I was feeling much better. While I regularly practice OMM in my rural community, I miss having a local DO to help me when I’m the one in need. I’m already looking forward to the next OMED in Las Vegas in 2026!”

Ravi Yarid, DO, AOA board-certified family medicine physician

“I came to OMED to help shape how our profession approaches artificial intelligence (AI). I presented a session covering the potential of AI, surveyed COMs on their current AI engagement and attended the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee meetings. AI integration is a once-in-a-humanity moment, and osteopathic medicine can serve as a model for integrating AI into human-centered care. 

“OMED is special because it’s our annual connection. Physicians, educators and students compare experiences, share ideas and align around our osteopathic journeys. The conversations span across disciplines and generations and help produce ideas and actions.”

Michelle Mendez, DO, FOMA director at large

“OMED gave me a unique opportunity to attend sessions with experts from many fields of study who I would not necessarily have had exposure to otherwise. The information I gained from sessions in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), dermatology and even occupational medicine is invaluable, as I don’t normally interact with these specialties daily.

“It was wonderful to talk with other physicians who share a common vision and a common language in the world of osteopathic-based practices. The exhibitor’s hall also gave me an opportunity to be exposed to technology and updated offerings that I would not otherwise have been able to learn about.”

Dawit Amare, DO, MPH, AOA board-certified psychiatrist

“I am extremely grateful and loyal to the osteopathic medical family for all the help it has provided me over the years. As an AOA board-certified psychiatrist who has been in practice for 14 years, I find OMED to be highly educational and more intimate than some other medical conferences I’ve attended.

“I attend OMED every year, not only for its educational value, but also to be able to support osteopathic medical students and residents. I have served as an OMED speaker twice and look forward to being even more involved in the future. During OMED, members of the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists (ACONP) also meet, and we educate each other.

“OMED energizes me every year and enables me to return to my consult liaison work highly motivated to continue treating and helping my patients daily.”

Kasey Williams, MS, OMS IV, University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM)

“I wanted to attend OMED for the opportunity to see how I can apply the osteopathic medical principles to diverse patient populations and diseases. What helped me the most as a fourth-year student was the residency fair. It allowed me to talk with directors about their program and submit applications for programs I would have missed before.”

What’s next

If you missed the in-person fun in Nashville, OMED On-Demand programming is now available, offering CME across 20 different specialties. The platform is accessible through Dec. 31, 2025, offering registrants flexibility to learn at their own pace. For more information or to register for OMED On-Demand, visit the OMED website.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for OMED 2026, set to take place in fabulous Las Vegas at the iconic Caesars Palace. It’s a sure bet you won’t want to miss it!

Related reading:

OMED25: Thought leader on creating change shares insights on adapting to rapidly advancing technology

OMED 2025 awards to honor leaders & innovators in osteopathic medicine