#United States #Las Vegas #Osteopathic Medicine #American Osteopathic Association #OMED26

AOA Honors Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine

In a significant event for the osteopathic community, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has announced the award recipients for 2026. This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED26), scheduled to take place from October 22 to 25 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The conference will be focused on the theme, Your Career. Your Path. Your OMED., and aims to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have greatly contributed to the field of osteopathic medicine.

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions

The AOA will honor a range of stakeholders, including various physicians, medical students, and affiliate organizations. The awards will span four main categories:
1. MOSAIC Awards
2. Mentor of the Year
3. Outstanding Affiliate Awards
4. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (JOM) Research Awards

This recognition is a testament to the values upheld by the AOA—integrity, service, passion, innovation, respect, and excellence. AOA President, Dr. Richard R. Thacker, emphasized that the honorees represent these values through their dedication to the profession, demonstrating that career success in osteopathic medicine is rarely achieved in isolation.

Spotlight on the Honorees

Some of the notable recipients include:

• - Individual Award (MOSAIC): Natasha N. Bray, DO
• - Organizational Award (MOSAIC): Inclusive Healthcare at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolina Chapter
• - Mentor of the Year: John Ashurst, DO, EdD, MS, FACEP, FACOEP
• - Outstanding Affiliates:

- Florida Osteopathic Medical Association
- Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California
- American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine

The Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (JOM) has also acknowledged several research contributions, including work on social determinants of health and innovations in clinical research methodologies relevant to osteopathic practices.

OMED26: A Hub for Learning and Connection

OMED26 promises to be more than just an awards ceremony. It offers a platform for physicians to engage with peers and leaders within the osteopathic community. Attendees can earn up to 60 AOA Category 1-A credits tailored across various clinical tracks developed in collaboration with the AOA's specialty colleges. Beyond academic advancement, participants will have the opportunity to explore new technologies in patient care, showcased in the exhibit hall, and connect with residency programs at the designated fair.

Furthermore, for those who cannot attend in person, OMED On-Demand will provide access to most of the continuing medical education (CME) content from the conference, ensuring that learning is accessible to all.

A Commitment to Professional Growth

Kathleen S. Creason, AOA's CEO, reiterated the AOA’s mission—to be a supportive home for osteopathic physicians and students throughout their careers. By fostering engaging discussions on medical advancements and patient-centered care, the AOA aims to inspire its members to continuously evolve and enhance their medical practices.

While the awards played a crucial role in recognizing personal and organizational achievements, they also serve to highlight the collaborative spirit of the osteopathic profession. OMED26 is an invitation for all involved—DOs, residents, students, and the broader healthcare team—to reflect on their contributions and look forward to the future of osteopathic medicine.

For more details about the event, including registration and housing information, attendees can visit the official OMED site at omed.osteopathic.org. Join the AOA in celebrating the evolution of osteopathic medicine and advancing a career dedicated to whole-person healthcare.