AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Scholarship

EXTERNAL AWARD – EXCEPTION: APPLY ON PORTAL
The AOF/AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Scholarship, now celebrating its 25th year, was established to honor the leadership, commitment, and philanthropic endeavors of Past Presidents of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) who proudly served the profession. This annual scholarship recognizes one Osteopathic medical student who embodies Osteopathic tenets through their outstanding character, service, and leadership.

Purpose
This scholarship was created to recognize Osteopathic medical students, actively involved in the AOA, who are committed to the principles of Osteopathic medicine, and who have taken great strides toward becoming student leaders. These individuals have been instrumental in motivating others, and take conscious, well-calculated steps to develop themselves.

Scholarship
One (1) educational scholarship will be awarded to a student who exemplifies Osteopathic principles and best aligns with the scholarship purpose.

Eligibility

• Students in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-IV during the academic year.
• If the COM/SOM ranks students, the nominee must be in the top 25% of their class, displaying outstanding academic achievement while in medical school.
  Current student AOA membership is required for nomination. (Students may register for a complimentary membership here: https://osteopathic.org/about/aoa-membership/joining-the-aoa/ )

Nominees should display the following characteristics and/or experiences:

• Demonstrated commitment to the Osteopathic profession through word and deed.
• Significant volunteer experience in the community (outside of COM/SOM requirements; volunteer experience need not be Osteopathic in nature).
• Strong leadership skills, including leadership experience in an AOA, AACOM, State Association or Specialty College, or committee/workgroup experience in a national student medical organization (such as: SOMA, COSGP, SNMA, MSPA, etc.).
• Noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects and extracurricular activities and other experiences that demonstrate the nominee’s leadership abilities.

Nomination Requirements

• Completed online nomination – COM/SOM nominations only (students may not apply directly).
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the Dean, Dean of Osteopathic Education, or similar administrator verifying the student is in good standing, confirming strong academic standing (top 25% if ranked), and verifying that receipt of this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid or reduce total aid received.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession, describing specific, detailed examples of the nominee’s characteristics and experiences (commitment to Osteopathic profession; significant volunteer experience; strong leadership skills) that make them uniquely qualified for this award. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A personal statement from the student nominee that outlines their exemplary leadership, service and character, as well as their commitment to Osteopathic medicine.
• Nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume (include all current memberships, Osteopathic or otherwise).
• Proof of current AOA membership.

Although an EXTERNAL AWARD, the applicant should submit their packet to this portal. When selected by the COMP and HCOM Awards Committee for this scholarship, your application packet will be forwarded to the AOF for their consideration. The following additional items will be required for your application packet.

Review full scholarship info here: https://aof.org/grants/aof-aoa-presidential-memorial-leadership-award

Please limit your applications to a maximum of three Graduate Awards and three Honors & Recognition Awards. Applications exceeding these limits will not be considered.

Prohibition of AI-Generated Content
To maintain academic integrity and ensure the authenticity of work, the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly GO, Bard, or similar) to produce, rewrite, or substantially edit content in submissions is strictly prohibited. All submitted work must reflect the student’s own original thinking, analysis, and expression. Any use of AI-generated material will be considered a violation of academic honesty policies and may result in disqualification of award application.

Award amounts granted may vary each year depending on available funding.

Notice of Non-discrimination
In accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, Western University of Health Sciences (Western U) is committed to ensuring a campus community free from unlawful discrimination. Western U strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination in all its programs, activities, admissions, and employment. This policy applies to all aspects of the university, including education programs, employment, admissions, and any other Western U activities.