Apply by March 31 for New Physician in Practice and Postdoctoral Trainee seats on the AOA Board of Trustees | LEARN MORE

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NPP & Postdoctoral Trainee BOT Members

Make a lasting impact

Nominating the next generation

Apply to serve on the AOA Board of Trustees as the New Physician in Practice or Postdoctoral Trainee member

The AOA Bureau of Emerging Leaders (BEL) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the New Physician in Practice (NPP) and Postdoctoral Trainee (PT) positions on the AOA Board of Trustees. These one-year voting roles offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the leadership, advocacy and strategic direction of our profession.

The BEL is a bureau of the AOA that provides representation for osteopathic medical students, postdoctoral trainees and new physicians in practice. BEL ensures that early-career voices are integrated into the policymaking and strategic direction of the AOA.

BEL nominates two voting member seats to the AOA Board of Trustees (BOT), filled by an NPP and a PT. Continue reading to learn about the positions, criteria to be selected and the application process.

Please direct all questions to [email protected].

Position description

The NPP BOT Member and PT BOT Member shall:

  • Attend all monthly virtual AOA Board of Trustees meetings
  • Serve on AOA committees if appointed by the AOA President
  • Attend the following required annual AOA events:
  • Serve in additional leadership responsibilities, including:
    • The NPP BOT Member usually serves as Chair of the BEL, who is officially appointed by the AOA President
    • The BEL Chair will preside over all BEL meetings and coordinate BEL activities

Position requirements

To be eligible for the BEL NPP and PT positions, candidates must:

  • Be AOA board-certified (if applicable)
  • Have prior experience as an active member of the BEL or another AOA bureau/committee/council (B/C/C)
  • Be willing and able to attend all mandatory meetings and events outlined above
  • Meet all qualifications required to serve on an AOA B/C/C, including maintaining active membership with the AOA and your divisional society (i.e., state society or AMOPS)
  • Be in good professional and ethical standing, with no restrictions on licensure or training status (as applicable)

Application process

Applications will open on March 2, 2026. Applications will close on March 31, 2026.

New Physician in Practice application
Postdoctoral Trainee application

Completed applications will be distributed to all current BEL members for review. Applicant presentations and speeches will occur during the monthly virtual BEL meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. CT.

Applicants must be present and prepared to give a speech not exceeding three minutes.

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