Applications now open for the AOA’s 2027 Leadership Academy

Aspiring osteopathic leaders can now apply to join the 2027 cohort of the AOA’s Leadership Academy, a nine-month program that helps participants gain leadership skills in preparation for future leadership roles within the AOA, the osteopathic medical profession and beyond. You must be an AOA member to be selected for the cohort. Applying is free; however, joining the Leadership Academy will now require a registration fee of $250 for selected participants. Applications are due by Nov. 9.

The Academy will include both virtual and in-person components:

• Jan. 29-30, 2027: Academy commences with an in-person session at the AOA offices in Chicago.
• February-August 2027: Six virtual evening sessions that will take place from 5:30 p.m-8 p.m. CT.
• Sept. 24, 2026: In-person session at OMED27 in Phoenix.

Participants are asked to cover their own travel expenses for the two in-person meetings in January and September. Limited scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Testimonials

Here’s what previous members of the AOA Leadership Academy said about their experience:

“Participating in the AOA Leadership Academy has been invaluable in helping me shape my skills and identify my shortcomings as a leader. As someone who wants to continue my involvement in the AOA throughout my training and career, I have gained valuable connections and insight into how I can do so through the Leadership Academy.”—Tanvi Shah, DO, internal medicine-pediatrics resident, 2026 cohort member

“The AOA Leadership Academy strengthened my leadership and communication skills while helping me build meaningful relationships with physicians across the country. The experience encouraged my continued involvement with the AOA and reinforced the importance of both collaboration and mentorship.”—Christina S. Sedaghat, DO, family medicine resident in Reading, Pennsylvania, 2025 cohort member

Candidates

This academy is ideal for students, residents, fellows and new physicians in practice, but all DOs who are looking to enhance their leadership skills are encouraged to apply. Candidates will preferably have some leadership experience within the profession prior to participating in the program. Applications are due by Nov. 9 and applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, Dec. 21. For more information on the 2027 AOA Leadership Academy, please visit the program’s landing page or email Priya Garg, MBA, AOA chief engagement and diversity officer, at [email protected].

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