Be a leader Apply for the Bureau of Emerging Leaders OMED Scholarship Program
Want to make connections and make an impact? Consider applying for the 2026 scholarship.
The Bureau of Emerging Leaders’ OMED Scholarship Program was created to increase resident, fellow and new physician in practice participation in leadership. To apply for the scholarship, please review the information below and complete the nomination form. The application cycle will be open through Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.
Please direct questions to [email protected].
Scholarship details
Three scholarship winners will receive:
- Up to $1,500 travel stipend to cover the cost of an economy round-trip flight booked at least 30 days before OMED and two nights’ hotel lodging
- Complimentary OMED registration
- Personalized OMED itinerary
- Exclusive opportunities to network with AOA leadership
Who can apply?
Osteopathic residents, fellows and new physicians in practice who meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in an ACGME-accredited postdoctoral training program (if you are a resident/fellow)
- Within five years of completing postdoctoral training (if you are a new physician in practice)
- First-time OMED attendee
- Current AOA member
- AOA-board certification is preferred when applicable
Applicants with an interest in the following are encouraged to apply:
- Continued engagement and leadership within the osteopathic profession
- Professional or political advocacy
Winner expectations
- Attend the following required events at OMED:
- Orientation with BEL OMED Scholarship Workgroup prior to the start of OMED
- Opening and general sessions
- Welcome reception
- Any AOA leadership receptions and networking events as invited
- Share your experience on social media during and after OMED
- Write a testimonial to use for future marketing materials
- Participate in mentoring sessions at OMED as requested
- Complete a post-OMED survey
Check out what some of our past scholarship winners had to say about OMED!
Syed Rizvi, DO, OMED 2025
The BEL OMED Scholarship truly enabled me to reach new heights in my involvement as an osteopathic physician. The program really allowed me to transition my leadership platform from medical school to residency, as it not only exposed me to a whole new network of physicians but also programming that allows me to excel in my career and opportunities that I can pursue to ensure I can present myself as the best physician I can be to my patients and community.
Kevin Richardson, DO, OMED 2025
This scholarship afforded me a great networking opportunity to increase my budding practice. The connections I made will help me in the future. This also allowed my voice to be heard by leaders in the AOA. OMED is more than just a CME event.
Mohit Chhatpar, DO, OMED 2024
Receiving the BEL Scholarship and attending OMED was a truly transformative experience in my osteopathic career. It provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers and leaders in the profession, opening doors to leadership and growth. The support and sense of community I found there reminded me why I chose osteopathic medicine and reignited my passion for advancing the field. The connections and insights gained through this experience will have a lasting impact on my career, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity.
Victoria Shadiack, DO, OMED 2024
I highly recommend the BEL program, especially for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in our organization. This program offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with professionals across various specialties, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation. Only at OMED is it possible to have simultaneous lectures of varying interests being presented, giving me the opportunity to move seamlessly through them gaining knowledge I would otherwise may have missed. This program truly opened my eyes to the many facets of our larger organization, revealing how multiple committees and bureaus play a vital role in enhancing patient care, physician wellness and driving innovation. The camaraderie and shared insights among participants created a supportive environment that nurtures personal and professional growth. If you’re eager to develop your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of how medicine intersects with every aspect of our work, I encourage you to apply. It’s an opportunity that can shape your future in profound ways!