The BEL represents the interests of osteopathic medical students, resident physicians, fellows and new physicians in practice.
The American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Emerging Leaders (BEL) is the representative body and advocate for all osteopathic medical students, osteopathic physicians in postdoctoral training and early career osteopathic physicians.
Each year, the BEL sponsors scholarships opportunities for osteopathic medical students, residents and new physicians in practice to attend AOA events like DO Day and OMED. Learn more about how you can advance your professional development and engage with your profession through these events!
View updates below from the most recent issue of the Looking Forward BEL newsletter.
Spotlight members share qualities and experiences they associate with leadership.
Read moreWilliam Rinaldi, DO, is the Chair of the BEL Communications Workgroup with a passion for sports.
Read more“Pursue all opportunities that come your way,” says Brittany Garza, DO.
Read moreMeet the national president of SOMA and UIWSOM student, Joshua Connor, OMS IV.
Read moreThe following BEL members represent osteopathic medical students, residents and new physicians on the AOA Board of Trustees.
Shawn Hamm, DO
Shawn Hamm, DO, currently serves as the AOA’s New Physician in Practice Member. He is the current chair of the AOA Bureau of Emerging Leaders and serves as the Medical Director of the Burke County Health Department in Morgantown, N.C., in addition to several other positions within the profession.
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Brianne Howerton, DO
Brianne Howerton, DO, currently serves as the Postdoctoral Trainee Member of the AOA Board of Trustees. She is currently completing a residency program at Corewell Health in Trenton, MI. She previously served as the Student Adviser to the Board of Trustees from 2022 to 2023.
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Palmer Ford, DO
Palmer Ford, DO, currently serves as the Student Member of the AOA Board of Trustees. He is an alumnus of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Auburn (VCOM-Auburn). Previously, Dr. Ford served as the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) class president.
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Shannon Scott, DO
Shannon C. Scott, DO, FACOFP, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is an AOA board-certified osteopathic family physician. She is currently an Assistant Dean and Clinical Professor. Dr. Scott serves as the Chair of the AOA Membership department, which oversees the Bureau of Emerging Leaders.
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