The AOF is the Heart of the Profession, Transforming Lives Through Philanthropic Excellence.
AOF 2025 Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Scott S. Cyrus, DO, FACOP President
Julieanne P. Sees, DO, MBA, FAOAO, FAOA, FAAOS President-Elect
Joseph Zammuto, DO Immediate Past President
John J. Kowalczyk, DO, FACOS Vice President
Seger S. Morris, DO, MBA Treasurer
Sonia Rivera-Martinez, DO, FACOFP Secretary
DIRECTORS
Shereece Dove,* OMS III, COSGP
Joel M. Feder, DO, FACOFP dist., CAPT. MC USN RET
Jeffrey S. Grove,* + DO, FACOFP dist.,
Jill M. Helenbrook
Henry Knox, MS, OMS II, SOMAF
John J. Kowalczyk, DO, FACOS
Michelle W. Larson, CAE, CMP
Wendy McDonald,* RN
H. Wesley Metheny
Laura Rosch, DO, CS, MS, FACOI
Barbara Ross-Lee, + DO, FACOFP
Linda C. Saulnier*
Sonbol Shahid-Salles, DO, MPH
Dawn Tartaglione,+ DO, FACOS, DFACOS
OUR MISSION
To support programs and services that promote Osteopathic Medicine and enhance patientcentered care.
OUR VALUES
Stewardship: We are committed to strengthening our internal capacity in an effort to raise philanthropic capital.
Collaborative Leadership: We advance our mission by investing in the future of Osteopathic Medicine through strategic partnerships that align with improving patient-centered care.
HONORARY BOARD
Peter B. Ajluni,+ DO
Mark A. Baker, DO
Ronald R. Burns, DO
Boyd Buser, DO
Jeff Heatherington, LHD (hon)
Karen J. Nichols, DO, MA, MACOI, MACP, CS-F
Ray E. Stowers, DO, FACOFP
George Thomas, DO
Larry Wickless,+ DO, MACOI
* To the Directors who concluded their service with the Foundation on December 31, 2025, thank you for your commitment and dedication, and for your continued support of the Osteopathic profession.
+ Past AOF Board President
OUR VISION
To be the leading philanthropic advocate of Osteopathic Medicine.
Excellence: We recognize and honor excellence in education, research, and lifetime contributions to the Osteopathic profession.
A Message from Our President and CEO
Transforming Lives Through Philanthropic Excellence
Dear Osteopathic Family,
The year 2025 was fantastic for the American Osteopathic Foundation! Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our donors, volunteers, and partners, AOF continues to transform lives—supporting students, residents, and physicians while advancing the mission of Osteopathic Medicine at home and around the world.
Our Hope, Healing and Health Campaign gained tremendous momentum through 2025, with donors pledging over $11 million to date—an inspiring demonstration of Osteopathic physicians and friends DO-ing all that we can to support our professional family and the future of patient care. The 2025 AOF Honors Gala further energized this effort, raising $1.3 million in support of scholarships, grants, and awards. Many of these gifts contributed to campaign commitments, reinforcing our progress toward shared goals. Through donor generosity, AOF now distributes nearly $1 million annually to students, residents, physicians, and mission-aligned organizations, celebrating more than 200 award recipients each year, including AOF’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO
We also strengthened leadership and collaboration across the profession. The National Association of Osteopathic Foundations (NAOF) brought together nearly 20 foundation leaders to explore strategic opportunities. At the same time, we prepared for the public launch of Project Future, a multi-year initiative examining Osteopathic professional identity, education, research, and clinical practice. Guided by insights from over 100 Thought Leaders and Subject Matter Experts , the resulting Vision Paper was released in early 2026.
Our international outreach continued to expand, supporting 69 students in 15 countries and providing care to more than 25,000 patients . In partnership with the Osteopathic International Alliance, AOF is also launching an International Volunteer Award to be presented later this year.
We are grateful to the COM/SOM Deans who identified extraordinary students for the Sterling K. Welch, DO Scholarship. Established over 60 years ago through a $100,000 bequest, this fund now distributes $100,000 annually—an extraordinary return on a visionary investment in future physicians!
The Foundation also welcomed the inaugural AOF Honorary Board , composed of past AOF and AOA presidents and longtime advocates whose guidance strengthens our work.
It was an honor to serve as AOF Board President. Rita, my co-writer of this letter, and I are deeply thankful to the Foundation’s donors, Board members, volunteers, reviewers, award winners, and staff whose dedication makes this mission possible. As we look ahead, we are inspired by the students, physicians, and communities whose lives are transformed by the AOF’s Philanthropic Excellence, and we remain committed to furthering our mission for generations to come.
Osteopathically yours,
Scott S. Cyrus, DO, FACOP 2025 President
Rita Forden Chief Executive Officer
The American Osteopathic Foundation is with
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) is the only national 501c3 charitable Osteopathic foundation supporting and investing in the whole profession; and has been proudly serving the Osteopathic profession since 1949 through five funding pillars. Over the last 75 years, it has grown from offering student loans to awarding thousands of scholarships, grants, and recognition awards.
This map illustrates how the AOF supports our professionals during every step of their careers.
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS: WE INSPIRE AND EMPOWER
From Year 1 of medical school through residency and fellowships, AOF scholarships help defray expenses and recognize outstanding student physicians who are making a lasting impact on the profession.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: WE LIFT UP COMMUNITIES
AOF grants support Osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows, and physicians in local communities with a goal of delivering accessible care in rural and marginalized areas.
RESEARCH: WE PROMOTE DISCOVERY
AOF supports students, residents, fellows, and physicians innovate early-stage Osteopathic research with the potential to shape medicine.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH: WE BRIDGE THE DIVIDE
International grants fund travel for students, residents, fellows, and physicians, providing critical care in underserved, underdeveloped, or disaster- affected regions.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION: WE CELEBRATE OSTEOPATHIC EXCELLENCE
AOF celebrates excellence, inspiration, and the influential contributions of Osteopathic residents, fellows, and physicians through its distinctive national recognition awards.
Supporting Students Through Scholarships
Winifred Chijioke, OMS III
TOURO COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE –MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
AOF 2025 THOMAS A. QUINN, DO, OSTEOPATHIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Student Doctor Winifred Chijioke grew up in an environment that asked a great deal of her long before she entered medicine. With both parents facing significant medical challenges, she began contributing financially as a teenager. Today, when she meets patients who must choose between paying for insulin or paying rent, she understands their reality in a way shaped by her own lived experience.
Scarcity, she reflects, taught her how to observe carefully and respond with intention. She has learned to recognize worn soles as a clue about transportation barriers, or a tightened jaw as a signal to ask about sleep, work shifts, and caregiving responsibilities. When she senses hesitation about a follow- up appointment, she doesn’t stop at encouragement—she calls the pharmacy, prints a bus route, and schedules visits to minimize lost wages. For her, this is Osteopathic Medicine in practice: science applied with disciplined compassion.
Chijioke brings that same determination to her academic and professional development. During her undergraduate education, she worked as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, building a strong foundation in clinical research. In medical school, she has attended nearly a dozen conferences, completed a study examining abnormal mammograms in Latinx patients, and is currently involved in five additional research projects.
Her commitment to community health runs just as deep. She volunteers at community hospitals and mobile clinics, and, as a student leader in both AMWA and SOMA, she has built a peer education program centered on menstrual equity and preventive care. She also organizes clinic volunteer efforts and mentors first- generation students.
The Thomas A. Quinn, DO Osteopathic Scholarship honors students who exempli ‑ fy the values, service, and whole‑person philosophy central to Osteopathic Medicine. The AOF’s Programs Committee found that Chijioke embodied those ideals and selected her as one of three 2025 Quinn Scholars. Her advisor, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine and Clinical Systems Course Director Angela Cavanna, DO, CS, FACOI, FAOASM at TCOM - Middletown, agrees: “Winifred Chijioke is an outstanding candidate. Her academic excellence, leadership abilities, and dedication to serving underserved communities make her a perfect fit for the Quinn Scholarship.”
a Women
In the future, she hopes to practice in underserved or marginalized communities, with a particular focus on reproductive health and health equity. Osteopathic Medicine, Chijioke says, “gives language to what I have lived.” It calls her to utilize her Osteopathic training to treat the person, not just the problem—to meet suffering with steadiness and to recognize resilience where others may see only risk.
“I am ready to carry that charge forward,” she says. “I will honor this profession through sacred presence, careful science, and a life of service that lifts patients, families, and communities.”
Chijioke was selected as
In Medicine Student Ambassador for the 2025 WIM Conference. She is pictured in the second row, third from right.
The AOF: Bringing the Profession Together
A Bold Vision of What Osteopathic Medicine Can and Will Be
• Research
• Clinical Practice
Download the Project Future Vision Paper: aof.org/impact-initiatives/project-future
The National Association of Osteopathic Foundations (NAOF)
COLLABORATING TO IMPLEMENT IDEAS
For several years, the NAOF was dormant due to leadership turnover; in light of the void, AOF’s Board President and CEO started outreach to reengage philanthropic leaders from across the country. In 2025, the AOF revitalized the National Association of Osteopathic Foundations (NAOF), engaging nearly 20 foundation leaders to brainstorm ideas and to potentially collaborate on funding opportunities.
Supporting International Outreach
Trinity Smartt, OMS II
EDWARD VIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE-LOUISIANA INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL OUTREACH TRAVEL GRANT RECIPIENT
Student Doctor Trinity Smartt spent a week in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on an international medical mission that became a formative milestone in her journey to becoming a physician. This trip took place at the end of her first year, and it marked her first time traveling abroad. Throughout the trip, she helped deliver primary care through mobile clinics set up in local churches and schools. Working under close physician supervision, she assisted with triage, collected vitals, took patient histories, and performed basic physical exams. The medical team also distributed much - needed medications, provided health education, and supported patients through counseling.
As a first- generation college student and future physician, Smartt emphasized how crucial the AOF International Medical Outreach Travel Grant was in making the experience possible. The grant eased the financial burden and allowed her to fully participate.
Mission UpReach, the hosting organization, coordinated four clinic days—one at a church in the main city and three in small mountain villages. Smartt was paired with an emergency medicine physician, giving her the opportunity to see firsthand what it meant to function as a true member of a care team. “When one of us missed a step, the other stepped in,” she said. “By the end of the first day, asking focused questions and performing exams felt more natural.”
Each day pushed her to recall her entire first year of medical training. When much-needed medications arrived, she helped organize them and prepare for distribution. She also steadily improved her Spanish, learning that effort and genuine connection mattered far more than perfection.
One patient encounter particularly stayed with her: a mother and her two children seeking routine care. The children presented with coughs consistent with rhinitis, and Smartt provided Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, including facial effleurage, the Galbreath technique, and auricular drainage. For the mother’s vision concerns, Smartt used a Snellen chart. Although reading glasses wasn’t the perfect solution, the team let the mother try a pair of glasses, “a reminder,” she noted, “that sometimes you simply do the best you can with what you have.”
Reflecting on the experience, Smartt shared, “This trip strengthened my desire to pursue family medicine and serve communities with limited access to care. It deepened my commitment to whole - person, patient- centered medicine. I listened to many hearts that week—and if you could hear mine, it would say, ‘Estoy muy agradecida.’ I am very grateful.”
Left: Smartt uses OMT on a fellow team member.
Right: Smartt with a local patient.
Supporting Osteopathic Leadership in Research
Supporting scholarly research is a core priority of the AOF’s mission and the Foundation was proud to be a lead funder of a pilot study on how Osteopathic Ma ‑ nipulative Treatment enhances immune responses to COVID 19 vaccination. The study, led by Osteopathic physicians, reflects the values of the profession and holds the promise of improving lives worldwide.
Researchers and their colleagues at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), included 104 participants who received a brief, five-minute lymphatic OMT protocol immediately after COVID-19 vaccination in this randomized trial. Each showed boosted antibody levels at three weeks and showed a greater overall antibody response through 13 weeks compared with usual care, especially in those without a prior COVID-19 infection.
For those infected with COVID-19, participants who received OMT recovered faster and reported less severe symptoms. Participants with breakthrough infections who received OMT experienced shorter illness durations and fewer days of medication use than those with breakthrough infections who did not receive OMT.
“For patients, these results mean that there are ways we might be able to improve the response to a vaccination that might lead to better outcomes,” said COMP Professor and Chief Medical Officer of the WesternU Health Medical Center Brian Loveless, DO , one of the co-authors of the study. “For physicians, what we tried to show was that a short, simple intervention could give their patients an improved response that might translate into better effect for at-risk patients or better effect for people who might have more significant response to an infection. This is a simple way for physicians to help those patients even more.”
This interprofessional study brought together physicians and scientists with backgrounds in Osteopathic medicine, microbiology, pharmacology, and biostatistics.
“These were exciting findings because for me as a non-DO, I was really coming to this project trying to support the DO philosophy and the DO observations by creating this very solid scientific protocol to be able to go out in the world and demonstrate what we are saying is actually verifiable by science,” said COMP Associate Professor and study co-first author Sébastien Fuchs, MD, PhD.
Eric S. Martinez, Sébastien Fuchs, Hendrik Szurmant, Xunxuan Chen, Andrew Comer, Edward Lee, Raymond Hruby, Rebecca Giusti, Dr. Brian Loveless, Julieanne P. Sees, Paula Crone, Laura J. Peek, Gary Pestano, Bin Xie, Joseph Zammuto, Robert Hostoffer, Jesus Sanchez. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine immune response to the addition of osteopathic manipulative treatment with lymphatic pumps: a randomized controlled trial. Virus Research, Volume 359. 2025. 199607. ISSN 0168-1702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2025.199607
Left to right: Brian Loveless, DO, Eric S. Martinez, BS, and Jesus Sanchez, DO.
Photo and press release courtesy of COMP.
AOF Awards: Recognizing Osteopathic Professional
Each year, the AOF features all State Emerging Leaders in an advertisement in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals edition.
AOF NATIONAL EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Lindsey Van Duyn, DO
Family Medicine, Iowa
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) honored Lindsey Van Duyn, DO with the National Emerging Leader Award at the AOF 2025 Honors Gala in Nashville, TN. She was selected as the State Emerging Leader for Iowa by the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association (IOMA).
Read her full story on our website: aof.org/news/aof-2025-national-and-state-emerging-leaders.
AOF STATE EMERGING LEADERS
ALABAMA
MAJ Mike Brisson, DO
ARIZONA
Ross Christensen, DO
ARKANSAS
Jesse Abeler, DO
CALIFORNIA
Natalie Wessel Bulock, DO
DELAWARE
Victor Rendon, DO
FLORIDA
Janae Marracino, DO
ILLINOIS
Curtis L. Johnston, DO
LOUISIANA
Alexis L. Cates, DO
MAINE
Breanna M. Glynn, DO
MISSISSIPPI
Maj. Ryan A. Anderson, DO
MISSOURI
Christopher Paynter, DO
MONTANA
Michael T. Groover, DO
NEVADA
Ryan Huang, DO
NEW JERSEY
Hetal R. Patel, DO
NEW MEXICO
Giselle Irio, DO
NEW YORK
Alexander S. Ford, DO
NORTH CAROLINA
Kaitlin M. Bowers, DO
OHIO
Katherine Hovsepian
Eilenfield, DO
OREGON
Hunter C. Spencer, DO
TENNESSEE
Tyler McCurry, DO
TEXAS
MAJ. Matthew Esposito, DO
VERMONT
Allyson Bazarsky, DO
WEST VIRGINIA
Michael Louis Antolini, DO
Professional Excellence
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Nicole Heath Bixler, DO, MBA, FACOFP, dist.
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) honored Nicole Heath Bixler, DO, MBA, FACOFP, dist., as the recipient of the AOF 2025 Educator of the Year Award.
Dr. Bixler is a family physician and a lifelong educator. She is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at NOVA Southeastern University and an Inpatient Family Medicine Coordinator and Preceptor at Oak Hill Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Spring Hill, FL. She is also an alumna of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“As a fellow educator, it gives me a deep sense of joy to announce that Dr. Nicole Bixler received this year’s AOF Educator of the Year Award,” said Scott S. Cyrus, DO, FACOP, President of the AOF Board. “ Her mentorship has helped hundreds of students. She is also an incredible role model for female Osteopathic leaders, enabling an environment of diverse perspectives and more inclusive approaches to healthcare.”
The Educator of the Year Award, one of the AOF’s most prestigious annual awards, recognizes one Osteopathic professional each year who has served in the educational space for a minimum of ten years and has shown they consistently uphold and raise the standards of Osteopathic medical education.
PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Robert DeLuca, DO, FACOFP, dist.
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) honored Robert DeLuca, DO, FACOFP, dist., as the recipient of the 2025 AOF Physician of the Year Award.
Dr. DeLuca is currently in private family practice in Eastland, Texas, where he has been providing care for 39 years. His rural practice includes office, nursing home, and hospice care. He is an alumnus of the University of North Texas and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2012, he became a governor on the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) board and served as president in 2019.
“Dr. DeLuca deeply deserved this honor,” said Scott S. Cyrus, DO, FACOP, President of the AOF Board. “ He is emblematic of the care that Osteopathic physicians provide our great nation and how we are addressing gaps in rural care. Nearly one in five Americans relies on rural healthcare providers and facilities. Dr. DeLuca is committed to providing exceptional, quality care to the citizens of Eastland, TX, and the surrounding communities.”
The Physician of the Year Award recognizes one individual who has been practicing for at least ten years, whose extraordinary service brings a sense of pride to the profession, and whose actions promote the science of Osteopathic Medicine and the betterment of public health.
2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Humayun
Chaudhry,
DO, MACP, MACOI, FRCP
Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACP, MACOI, FRCP, was named the recipient of the 2025 AOF Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the Foundation’s highest honors. He was formally recognized on the stage at the AOF Honors Gala on September 26, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, held in conjunction with the American Osteopathic Association’s annual OMED conference.
Rita Forden, CEO of AOF spoke of Dr. Chaudhry’s selection, “He represents the very best of the Osteopathic community and embodies the thoughtful leadership and commitment that our Foundation champions.”
Dr. Chaudhry currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States. A renowned physician, medical educator, and healthcare leader, he is recognized for his lifelong commitment to advancing Osteopathic Medicine, mentoring future generations of physi -
cians, and leading the medical profession through rapid transformation, from global pandemics to innovations in care delivery.
“Dr. Hank Chaudhry is truly amazing,” said Scott S. Cyrus, DO, FACOP, President of the AOF Board. “He is a tireless advocate for Osteopathic physicians and a mentor to the next generation. His leadership continues to shape the future of medicine.”
Established in 2006, the AOF Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose enduring contributions have fundamentally advanced the Osteopathic profession. Recipients exemplify the values, principles, and mission of Osteopathic Medicine.
Top: Dr. Chaudhry speaks to the over 800 guests at the Gala. Middle: Dr. Chaudhry with his wife, Nazli, and George M. Abraham, MD. Bottom: Scott S. Cyrus, DO presents the AOF Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Chaudhry.
AOF 2025 Award Recipients
We are humbled and impressed by our 200+ award recipients!
WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, DO MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP
April Alford*
Anamaria Ancheta*
Joanna Elhaj*
Antonio Henry*
Saba Iqbal*
Meagan McMullen*
Funmilayo Oluwatusin*
Elizette Rodriguez*
Tanvi Shah*
Angela Simpson*
AOF BARBARA ROSS-LEE, DO
KEYNOTE LECTURE GRANT
Conference on Osteopathic Research & Knowledge (CORK)
AOF CARING FOR COMMUNITIES GRANT
Hartville Migrant Council, Inc.
Osteopathic Cranial Association Foundation
Williamson Health & Wellness Center
AOF EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nicole H. Bixler DO, MBA, FACOFP dist.
AOF GOLDEN TICKET SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS
Jessica Autrey*
Disha Goel*
Nathaniel Landreth*
Rebekah Warga*
Emma Woldenberg*
AOF GOLDEN TICKET SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Eddy Bagaruka*
AOF JEFFREY S. GROVE, DO, LGBTQ+ PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP
Payton Sparks*
AOF/AAOA HOLIDAY HUG GRANT
Leonardo Archuleta*
Rutuja Prakash Kadam*
Cara Quie*
AOF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL OUTREACH TRAVEL GRANT DOCARE Fund:
Kalee Hovetter,* Peru
Suraiya Kerai,* Guatemala
Ryan Meehan,* Peru
Alexis Christine Mischel,* Guatemala
Lilja Grace Plumert,* Peru
Hannah Marie Povroznik,* Dominican Republic
Bhavya Thotakura,* Peru
Javier Tobar,* Peru
Alexus Tygrett,* Peru
Breck Wcisel,* Peru
Rossnick Fund:
Tasnim Ahmed,* Costa Rica
Morgan Alexander,* Vietnam
Sabrina Avanzato,* Honduras
Tyler Burke,* Kenya
Boyd Buser, DO, Ireland
Jerry Casteel,* Eswatini
Daniela Chissum Lagos,* Kenya
Mary Collie,* Honduras
Maison D’Amelio,* Honduras
Kara Daskiewich,* Honduras
Kayla Davitt,* Honduras
Michael James Dennis,* Sierra Leone
JoAnna Dennis,* Dominican Republic
Ananya Desai,* Philippines
Abigail Efird,* Honduras
Brandon Asika Etuka,* Panama
Huda Faiz,* Honduras
Madelyn France,* Vietnam
Georgia Halkidis,* Dominican Republic
Travis Hansen,* Vietnam
Abigail Heims,* Sierra Leone
Kayla Jackson,* Dominican Republic
Janice Kim,* Costa Rica
Kennedy Lewis,* Dominican Republic
Jade Lindenau,* Panama
Lalla Maach,* Peru
Kirk Mattern,* Sierra Leone
Liliana Melgoza,* Costa Rica
Luke Metcalf,* Kenya
Victoria G Meuret,* Kenya
Pooja Mhatre,* Tanzania
Stephen Mike,* Honduras
Shahad Musa,* Honduras
Sareen Nezaria,* Peru
Janice Park,* Thailand
Suraj Patel, DO, Dominican Republic
Takera Purdie,* Peru
Katherine Raber,* Thailand
Natalie Rydzak,* Honduras
Jane Sakowicz,* Panama
Sarah Savoy,* Panama
Meghasri Shankar,* Panama
Trinity Smartt,* Honduras
AOF 2025 Award Recipients (Cont.)
Brittany-Lee Marie Smith,* Panama
Regan Steigmann, DO, Finland
Monica Sun,* Malawi
Christianna Swift,* Kenya
Annelise Swords,* Cuba
Sarah Szabo,* Vietnam
Keely Shea Thomas,* Panama
Corinne Schultz Thorsheim,* Kenya
Korinna Toth,* Honduras
Brittany Uebbing,* Philippines
Marco Verteramo,* Peru
Reilly Vought,* Honduras
Milagros Walker,* Honduras
Mia Wallach,* Thailand
Danielle Wright,* Honduras
Amy Wysong,* Honduras
Maggie Yip,* Philippines
McKenna Yordy,* Kenya
AOF/AMOPS JAMES M. LALLY, DO
VETERAN SERVICE AWARD
Major General Phillip Volpe, DO
AOF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACP, MACOI, FRCP
AOF PAUL S. MCCORD, DO
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Vani Ganesh*
AOF MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GRANT
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
AOF/AAOA DONNA JONES MORITSUGU
MEMORIAL AWARD
Michelle Nicole Abduljelil
Mark L. Angeles
Allison Hannah Armerding Slack
Eric Becker
Kenesha Bell
Anne Sophia Bertolio
Phillip Brockett
Logan Brown
Devon Dramann
Dean Hatzenbiler
Craig Hayes
Donald Herber
Suzanne Hinckley
Kyle Hough
Elyssa Jenkins-Perez
Viraj Katarey
Nadeen Kazimi
Kayla Kerner
Sydney Kilcrease
Marcos Leite
Sean McIntyre
Sarah Sajja Norheim
Olivia O’Kelly
Ahrielle Perez
Amanda Courtney Pinkerton
Allison Dawn Schmitt
Adam Schuck
Jane Schweitzer
Colin Smith
Isabelle Williford
Cabrina Wood
AOF KAREN J. NICHOLS, DO LEAD SCHOLAR AWARD
Daniel Hahn*
AOF OSTEOPATHIC DISASTER RELIEF FUND GRANT
Nicole Cheung, DO
Alma Dehdashti, DO
Lori Musto-Skelly, DO
Alex Sabo, DO
Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
Ray Zhao, DO
AOF/AOAO-F OSTEOPATHIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOR ORTHOPEDICS (ORE-O) GRANT
Samuel Eaddy, DO
AOF OSTEOPATHIC RESEARCH INCUBATOR GRANT
Oluwagbenga Dada*
Charles Enfield*
AOF OUTSTANDING RESIDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD (OROTY)
Mohit Sunil Chhatpar, DO, Addiction Medicine
Briana Krewson, DO, Family Medicine
Janae Leilani Rasmussen, DO, Orthopedics
Alicia Rodgers, DO, Pediatrics
Alesha Sands Foster, DO, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Justine Tran-Serrano, DO, Osteopathic Medicine
Casey White, DO, Anesthesiology
AOF PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Robert C. DeLuca, DO, FACOFP dist.
AOF PRAIRIE STATE SCHOLARSHIP
Mahak Sharma*
AOF/AOA PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Grace Hwang*
THOMAS A. QUINN, DO OSTEOPATHIC SCHOLARSHIP
Winifred Chijioke*
Ranbeer Singh*
Timothy Thompson*
AOF ROCOVICH RESEARCH GRANT
Jacob Warner-Palacio*
AOF ROSSNICK INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN GRANT
University of Rochester Medical Center
AOF STATE AND NATIONAL EMERGING LEADER AWARDS
(See page 10.)
2025-2026 AOA/AOF TRAINING IN POLICY STUDIES (TIPS) FELLOWSHIP
Joshua Baker, DO
Jantzen Faulkner, DO
Aleksandra Grozic, DO
Brie Howerton, DO
Dikchhya Karki, DO
Amber Shirley, DO, 2025-26 Carisa Champion, DO Health Policy Fellow
Sumira Stein, DO
Matthew Stokell, DO, 2025-26 Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Health Policy Fellow
Suk-Lin Zhou, DO
TURFLER MEMORIAL LECTURE GRANT
American Academy of Osteopathy & Edward G. Stiles, DO
AOF STERLING K. WELCH, DO SCHOLARSHIP
Austin D. Anderson*
Asmihan Annamer*
Irene Awirnia*
Jayda Bodine*
Rafat Botros*
Sarah Carter*
Kathryn DePinto*
Alysa Durbin*
Ruth Ehie*
Victoria Estevez*
David Herges*
Veronica Ho*
Murathan Kahyaoglu*
Weston Keime*
Curtis Ko*
Eshika Kohli*
Makalie Lackey*
Jordan Lehman*
Leon Lim*
Jillian Lopez*
Angelina Makhoul*
Alessandra Martinez*
Lillian McBee*
Cerena Moreno*
Justin Morwood*
Barry Ndeh*
Ambrose Loc Ngo*
Arimi Nguyen*
Linh Nguyen*
Clayton Olson*
Aspynn Owsley*
David Pack*
Giovanna Y. Park*
Jill Patel*
Joseph C. Ponce*
Bryanna Rather Eguh*
Debora Robinson*
Stephanie Romero*
Elshaday Sendek*
Jordan Shaw*
Sanjeev Shodavaram*
Ravinder Singh*
Jagger Smith*
Kaley Sykes*
Nathaniel Teplitskiy*
Katie Toperzer*
Cody Urie*
Mariana Valdez*
Sabrina Vazquez Ruiz*
Samantha Wegner*
*Osteopathic Medical Student at the time of award application or nomination.
16 2025 Honors Gala
The AOF welcomed another sold ‑ out crowd to Nashville who came to celebrate
and elevate Osteopathic excellence.
Along with our generous sponsors and more than 800 guests, we raised $1.3 million dollars in support of our mission! The support of the Osteopathic community allowed the Foundation to once again transform numerous lives through philanthropic excellence.
During the Gala, we paid tribute to Osteopathic medical students, residents, and physicians with numerous Foundation grants, scholarships, and awards. It was a record-setting fundraising event, and we are immensely grateful to all the sponsors, underwriters, vendors, and donors who helped make this event happen!
Thank you to our sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
ENTERTAINMENT UNDERWRITER
Jeffrey S. Grove, DO
RECEPTION SPONSOR
Dawn R. Tartaglione, DO
GOLD SPONSORS
American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA)
The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)
SILVER SPONSORS
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Foundation
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Federation of State Medical Boards
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
BRONZE SPONSORS
American Osteopathic Association
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Florida Osteopathic Medical Association
John W. Graneto, DO
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine
Mr. & Mrs. Wes Metheny
Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Seger S. Morris, DO, MBA
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Heritage Foundation
Osteopathic Founders Foundation
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Barbara Ross-Lee, DO
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Julieanne P. Sees, DO, MBA
University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Joseph and Nancy Zammuto
COPPER SPONSORS
A. T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
A. T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. & Mrs. Joel Feder
Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine
Kansas Osteopathic Foundation
Michigan Osteopathic Association
Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kris, Heather and Myles Nicholoff
Osteopathic Cranial Academy Foundation
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
TrueLearn
VIRTUAL SPONSORS
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
CANDY
STATION UNDERWRITER
Mrs. Suzanne Cyrus
AOF Volunteers: Supporting Success
The AOF Board and Staff wish to thank
all
our hard-working volunteers!
Hope, Healing and Health Campaign
A special thank you to the Hope, Healing and Health Campaign Cabinet and Blue-Ribbon Committee. These individuals helped guide the Foundation through the quiet phase of the campaign, culminating with the announcement of the public phase during the 2025 Honors Gala.
CAMPAIGN
CABINET
Jeffrey S. Grove, DO
Jeff Heatherington, LHD (hon)
Tanya Porter
Sonia Rivera-Martinez, DO
Barbara Ross-Lee, DO
Linda Saulnier
Dawn R. Tartaglione, DO
Tom Wallace
Joseph Zammuto, DO
BLUE-RIBBON
COMMITTEE
Jeffrey S. Grove, DO, co-chair
Norm Vinn, DO, MBA, co-chair
Peter Ajluni, DO
Scott S. Cyrus, DO
Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO
Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO
Joseph Zammuto, DO
2025 Honors Gala
The following are non-board members who served on the AOF Events Committee and night-of-event volunteers.
Hajara Adbul-Karim
Zeen Ari
Tamara Collum
Elizabeth D’Ambro
Mary Dermigny
Janel Drozd
Krissy Eisenhardt
George Farge
Kelly Feng
Kate Forden
Leslie Fox
Diane Generao
Bennett Hall
Patricia Happel, DO
Stephanie Johnson
Noah Koehler
Kim Kuman
Josephine London-Williams
Megan Maples
Doris Newman, DO
Jennifer Primero-Izaguirre
Morgan Radick
Selena Raines, DO
Jeremy Ramsey
Leslie Sokol
Melissa Surles
Aimee Thompson
James Toldi, DO
Arielle Vale
Jodi Wagner
Gentsie Williams
Michelle W. Larson, CAE, CMP
2025 Scholarship, Grant & Award Reviewers
We would not have had a Gala without people to celebrate!
Our over 100 Reviewers spent many hours carefully reviewing applications for each of our scholarships, grants, and awards. We thank them for their thoughtfulness and professionalism.
Mopileola Tomi Adewumi, DO
Tim Beals, DO
Nicole Bixler, DO
Natasha Bray, DO
Michael Brisson, DO
Per Brolinson, DO
Michael Burla, DO
Richard Calderone, DO
Octavia Cannon, DO
Margo Carlin, DO
John Casey, DO
Alexis Cates, DO
Carisa Champion, DO
Jake Checketts, DO
Gregory Christiansen, DO
Anya Cope, DO
Suzanne Crandall, DO
Richard Crank, DO
Dosha Cummins, PharmD, BCPS
Tyler Cymet, DO
John Dahdah, DO
Jeffrey Davis, DO
Perla Del Pino-White, DO
Gautam Desai, DO
Andrea DeSimone, DO
John Diefenderfer, DO
Owais Durrani, DO
Traci-Lyn Eisenberg, DO
Collin Erickson, DO
Philip Eskew, DO
Michael Foti, DO
Matthew Frazier, DO
Eric Goldwaser, DO
Crystal Goree, DO
Kendra Gray, DO
Justin Gusching, DO
Stefan Hagopian, DO
Zachary Hanson, DO
Danielle Harik, DO
Camille Hawkins, DO
Caleb Hentges, DO
Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO
Cindy Hou, DO
Brie Howerton, DO
Aubrey Ingram-Reynolds, DO
Jason Jackson, DO
Jesse Jensen, DO
Sean Johnson, DO
Daniel Knapp, DO
Janice Knebl, DO
Rianna Kondaveeti, DO
Daniel Krajcik, DO
Amanda Krus-Johnston, DO
Harald Lausen, DO
Townes Leigh, DO
David S. Levy, DO
Sandra Lim, DO
Andy Little, DO
Sara Lohbauer, DO
Larry Neal Lyle, DO
Jason Malone, DO
David C. Mason, DO
Michael Matthews, DO
Elizabeth (Lisa) McClain, PhD
Charla Miller, DO
JP Molnar, DO
Bob Moore
Neeraja Murali, DO
Rajeswari Murugan, DO
Pat Nakashima-Moran, DO
Brooke Neumann, DO
Chelsea Nickolson, DO
Ashka Patel, DO
Aerial Petty, DO
Walter Prozialeck, PhD
Marydonna Ravasio, DO
Christopher Reb, DO
Manuel Reyes, DO
Conner Reynolds, DO
Bernadette Riley, DO
Nicolette Rosendahl, DO
Stella Rubina, DO
Hala Sabry, DO
Shoji Samson, DO
Paul T. Scheatzle, DO
Ann Marie Schreiber, DO
Parth Shah, DO
Jennifer Shonk, DO
Ryan Michael Smith, DO
Ashley Startzman, DO
Matthew Stokell, DO
Taisei Suzuki, DO
David Tannehill, DO
Erin Thornley, DO
Sara Thorp, DO
Janelle Torres, DO
Atif Towheed, DO
Gary Ulrich, DO
Eren Ural, DO
Alesia Wagner, DO
Megan Wasson, DO
Casey White, DO
Stephanie White, DO
Brittany Woods, DO
Ross Zafonte, DO
Allen Zagoren, DO
Joy Zarandy, DO
Thomas Zimmerman, DO
AOF Donors: Transforming Lives
HOPE, HEALING AND HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Our deepest gratitude to the AOF Board for their early and generous support for the Hope, Healing and Health Campaign and for all other donors who have come forward to be a part of this important campaign.
The AOF is deeply grateful for all gifts supporting this campaign. Listed below are gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more that have been committed as of February 2026.
$5,000,000+
Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care
$4,000,000+
Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Sissy Quinn +
$1,000,000+
Jeffrey S. Grove, DO
$200,000+
Dawn R. Tartaglione, DO
$100,000+
Dr. Scott and Mrs. Janell Cyrus
Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO
Barbara Ross-Lee, DO
Dr. Karen and Mr. James Nichols
Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Nancy Zammuto
$50,000+
Anonymous
Rita and Brian Forden
Sonia Rivera-Martinez, DO
Seger S. Morris, DO
Julieanne P. Sees, DO
Norman Vinn, DO
$25,000+
Carol Henwood, DO
$15,000+
Laura Rosch, DO
Thomas Wallace
$10,000+
Anonymous
John J. Kowalczyk, DO
Drs. Sonbol Shahid-Salles and Gregory Harris
$5,000+
Ernest R. Gelb, DO
Kris Nicholoff
Paul Martin, DO
Linda Saulnier
2025 DONORS
We also thank the following donors whose cumulative gifts of $1,000 or more (with no exchange of gifts or services) that were given between January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
Your contributions are truly appreciated and allow the Foundation to make a positive, impactful difference in the communities we serve—locally, nationally, and across the globe.
$250,000+
Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Sissy Quinn
$100,000 - $249,999
Jeffrey S. Grove, DO
Heatherington Foundation for Innovation & Education in Health Care
Dr. Karen and Mr. James Nichols
$25,000 - $99,999
Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association
Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Nancy Zammuto
$10,000 - $24,999
American Osteopathic Association
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
American College of Osteopathic Family
Physicians Foundation
Anonymous
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO
Sonia Rivera-Martinez, DO
Dawn Tartaglione, DO
$5,000 - $9,999
American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
Babos Family Foundation*
Kevin de Regnier, DO
Drs. Robert and Valeria DeLuca
Carol Henwood, DO
Teodor Huzij, DO
Paul Martin, DO
National Board of Medical Examiners
Christopher Paynter, DO
Sherry Turner, DO
Barbara Walker, DO
$2,500 - $4,999
American Academy of Osteopathy
American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians
American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine
American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists
Robert Cain, DO
Kathleen Creason, MBA
Ernest Gelb, DO
John Gobel, DO
John Hummer
Joel Kase, DO
Brian Kessler, DO
Dr. James and Mrs. Rebecca Lally
Susan Ledbetter, DO
Sean McCann, DO
Dr. John and Mrs. Wendy McDonald
Medical Education Foundation of ACOOG
William Pieratt
Vanessa Ragland, DO
Laura Rossi
Julieanne P. Sees, DO
William Silverman, DO
Sonbol Shahid-Salles, DO
$1,000 - $2,499
Robert Agnello, DO
Dr. Peter and Mrs. Judy Ajluni
Mark Baker, DO
John Balmer, DO
John Biery, Jr., DO
Thomas Boyle, DO
David Broder, DO
Kalina Buckenmyer
John Bulger, DO
Boyd Buser, DO
Paul Caccia and Carmela Zammuto*
Daryl Callahan, DO
Matthew Castner, DO
Elizabeth Clark, DO
Bradley Colman, DO
Suzanne Crandall,* DO
Michael Cunningham, DO
CVS Health Foundation
Dr. Scott and Mrs. Janell Cyrus
Jeffrey Davis, DO
Robert Dolansky, DO
Thomas Ely, DO
Richard Feely, DO
Regina Fleming, DO
Monica Flores
David Garza, DO
Shawn Hamm, DO
Carter Hedeen, DO
Rick Hirsch, DO
W. Ashley Hood, DO
Teresa Hubka, DO
Emily Hurst, DO
Giselle Irio, DO
Afeworki Kidane, DO
Mitchell Kowalczyk
Timothy Kowalski, DO
Christopher Loyke, DO
Joyce Mallman Law
Dr. Ira and Mrs. Ester Monka
Osteopathic Heritage Foundation
The Dr. and Mrs. Gregory G. Papadeas and Family Charitable Fund*
Dr. John and Mrs. Malia Pham
Robert Piccinini, DO
Sarah Polow, DO
Selena Raines, DO
Laura Rosch, DO
Terry Sanders
Linda Saulnier
Shannon Scott, DO
Richard Thacker, DO
Norman Vinn, DO
Thomas Wallace*
David Walker III
Bruce Williams,* DO
Lynn Wilson, DO
Kevin Wilson, DO
Sherri Wise, CPA
Bruce Wolf, DO
+ Estate Gift
* Giving through a donor advised fund
The AOF would like to thank all our donors who generously contributed amounts below $1,000 but are too numerous to list. Please accept our sincere apology if we failed to recognize you or have recognized you incorrectly in some manner.
Please report all errors to info@aof.org. Your concerns will be addressed.
AOF Treasurer’s Report
Dear Donors and Friends,
The Annual Report presents a summary of the financial activity and financial position of the American Osteopathic Foundation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The financial health of the Foundation is strong. Philanthropic giving keeps net assets and liquidity at high levels and, at the same time, provides for increased program spending to support the students who will become Osteopathic physicians and to support active Osteopathic physicians striving to give their patients the best care possible.
For the third year in a row, the AOF has been awarded a Seal of Transparency by Candid (a merger of Guide Star and Foundation Center). Less than 1% of U.S. nonprofits achieve the Platinum Seal, which represents the highest level of recognition for operational transparency and impact.
The Foundation received an unqualified opinion by auditors Warady & Davis LLP, reflecting our transparent and compliant financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. The audited financial statements can be found on the Foundation website and the federal tax form 990 may be requested from info@aof.org.
Sincerely,
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Seger S. Morris, DO, MBA Treasurer
Thomas A. Quinn, DO, and his wife, Sissy, have long championed the Osteopathic profession. A decade ago, they created the AOF Thomas A. Quinn, DO, Osteopathic Scholarship to recognize students who exemplify Osteopathic values, service, and whole - person care. Since then, the Quinns have tripled both the award amount and the number of annual recipients. Seventeen students have received support (learn about one of the recipients on page 6). At the 2025 Honors Gala, the Quinn’s offered a $250,000 match to help fund future scholarships.
Married 60 years in 2025, the Quinns’ commitment extends to each other as well. Dr. Quinn, a Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate, is Board Certified in Occupational Medicine. One of the first DOs commissioned as a medical officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, he served in the Navy, Naval Reserve, and Army National Guard before practicing Family Medicine in Pennsylvania for two decades. An adjunct professor at LECOM-Bradenton, he is also an accomplished author and historian of Osteopathic Medicine. His book, The Feminine Touch: Women in Osteopathic Medicine was made into an Emmy-winning PBS documentary in 2017.
Your Gift Transforms Lives
THANK YOU, AOF DONORS!
As a first-generation medical student, aspiration often comes hand in hand with the reality of financial burden. While exciting and transformative, clinical rotations bring a range of out-of-pocket expenses. My scholarship plays a vital role in helping me meet my educational goals. Without the distraction of financial worries, I can fully engage with each clinical experience and show up present, focused, and fully prepared for every patient interaction.
—
Ambrose Loc Thanh Ngo, MS, OMS III AOF Sterling K. Welch, DO Scholarship Recipient
Your gift today supports the dreams of Osteopathic medical students and residents through scholarships and awards, recognizes excellence across the Osteopathic profession, and ignites research discoveries today and tomorrow.
There are many ways to give:
One-time donations, monthly contributions, gifts of securities, or gifts made through your IRA or donor-advised fund. We also offer unique fund options, including AOF’s own donor-advised fund and named scholarship funds.
Learn more on our website: AOF.org/giving/ways-to-give Or contact:
Rita Forden, CEO Larry Sommers, Director, Major and Planned Gifts rforden@aof.org lsommers@aof.org
Give to the American Osteopathic Foundation via debit/credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.
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