OMED26 is Oct. 22-25 in Las Vegas! Earn up to 60 CME credits at the osteopathic profession’s premier event. | REGISTER NOW
AOA members can apply to join leaders from across the osteopathic profession in the 2027 cohort!
The AOA is proud to open the application for the 2027 cohort of the Leadership Academy. Spots are limited and in demand.
Application window: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 – Nov. 9, 2026
Every year, we see more DOs in major leadership positions across healthcare, from management roles in rural and regional healthcare systems to Chief Medical Officers for national and international organizations like the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. You could be a future DO leader. Dream big, prepare now.
The AOA’s Leadership Academy helps build future DO leaders for roles within the AOA, the osteopathic profession and beyond. The highly competitive application process is free; however, participation in the 2027 cohort requires a registration fee of $250 for selected applicants.
The nine-month academy will include both virtual and in-person components. We’ve partnered with GoalMakers to provide skill-building content in leadership competencies specifically for DOs via online modules. Participants will be required to complete two to four hours of online work prior to each session listed below:
Please note, 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.
This academy is ideal for students, residents, fellows and new physicians in practice who are looking to enhance their leadership skills. Candidates will preferably have some leadership experience within the profession prior to participating in the program.
AOA membership is a requirement to be selected for the cohort. AOA board certification is preferred when applicable.
Up to 10 seats will be held for affiliates and colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) to sponsor a participant of their choosing. To reserve a seat, affiliates and COMs are asked to pay a $500 registration fee and cover their nominee’s travel expenses for the two in-person sessions in January and September.
If you are interested in applying for the program, please fill out the application by Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, Dec. 21, 2026.
Session content includes:
Questions about the program can be directed to Priya Garg, MBA, Chief Engagement and Diversity Officer at [email protected].
“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, 2025 cohort member