Virginia

The American Osteopathic Foundation’s Karen J. Nichols, DO, LEAD Scholar Award was established by Dr. Nichols to support, honor, and encourage Osteopathic medical students who show promise and exhibit the foundational leadership skills that will serve them and their communities now and in the future. Dr. Nichols was the first woman president of the AOA, former Dean of Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and first DO to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Purpose

This educational scholarship is awarded annually to recognize an Osteopathic medical student whose Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication are proven in the classroom and community. 

Award 

A scholarship of $5,000 will be presented to one (1) individual who exemplifies the scholarship's purpose.

Eligibility

• Student in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the the fall of 2025.

• If the COM/SOM ranks students, nominee must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school).

• Displays Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication through the following characteristics:

  • Commitment to community and the Osteopathic profession
  • Demonstrated leadership experiences within the classroom and community
  • Noteworthy achievements, awards, honors, special projects, and extracurricular activities
  • Excellence within multiple areas: personal, academic, and professional
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (You may register for complimentary AOA student membership here).

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – students may apply directly

• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification from the COM that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are receiving. An optional template is located here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication. Note: one letter must be from an Osteopathic physician.
• A one (1) page personal statement that outlines how the student exemplifies Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Dedication.
• Current curriculum vitae or resume (include memberships, Osteopathic or other).
• Proof of AOA student membership.

Review Process

Applications period opens Monday, February 23, 2026 and closes Thursday, April 30, 2026. The selected student and their SOM/COM will be notified by July 31 annually. The scholarship recipient will receive one (1) complimentary ticket to attend AOF’s Honors Gala to meet leaders in the Osteopathic profession.

The William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 in recognition of the distinguished career of William G. Anderson, DO, and his life-long commitment to civil rights, his dogged pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion, three decades-long dedication to the Osteopathic profession, and his generous philanthropic spirit.  

Purpose

This scholarship annually recognizes Osteopathic medical students who are committed to Osteopathic principles and practices, excel academically, and have proven to be leaders in addressing educational and societal barriers, as well as addressing health care needs of minority populations.  

Scholarship 

A limited number of scholarships in the amount of $10,000 will be awarded to Osteopathic medical students who exemplify the scholarship’s purpose.  

Eligibility

• Minority* student in good standing at a COCA-accredited College/School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM) who will be an OMS-III or OMS-IV during the fall of 2025.

• If the COM/SOM ranks students, applicant must be in the top 50% of their class (displaying strong academic achievement while in medical school).
• Plays a leadership role in addressing the educational, societal, or health needs of minorities.   
• Multiple examples of their work to address inequities in medical education or health care.
• Participates in volunteer activities outside of college-requirements that demonstrate their commitment to equity and inclusion. Can include service projects, philanthropic activities, and health policy initiatives, etc.
• Has demonstrated financial need.
• Current AOA membership required to apply. (You may register for complimentary AOA student membership here.)

*Minority is defined by the US Census as those individuals identifying as African American; Asian American, Arab and other Middle Eastern American, Native American (including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian); and Latinx or Hispanic students.  International students are also welcome to apply.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application – students may apply directly

• A Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or their designee, confirming a strong (top 50%) academic standing and verification from the COM that, if received, this scholarship will not render the student ineligible for other financial aid opportunities or reduce the total aid for which they are eligible. An optional template is located here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from the following list: academic medical instructor, Osteopathic physician, professional mentor, or similar professional within the Osteopathic profession that describe how the applicant exemplifies the purpose of the award. NOTE: one must be from an Osteopathic Physician.
• A one (1) page personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic aptitude, and citing multiple, specific examples of their commitment to addressing health equity.
• Proof of complimentary AOA student membership
• Current resume or curriculum vitae (include memberships, Osteopathic or other). 

Review Process

Application period opens Monday, February 23, 2026 and closes Thursday, April 30, 2026. Applicants and their COM/SOM will be notified of funding decisions by July 31, 2026.  Selected recipients will be invited to attend the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Honors Gala event on Friday, October 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, and will receive recognition of their scholarship in the Honors Tribute Book. Each recipient will also receive one (1) complimentary ticket to Honors.  

Click here to access the application portal.

The J.W. Darden Scholarship is a cash reward that is presented annually at the Darden Gala in January to outstanding student(s) enrolled in an advanced health degree (Medicine, Advance Practice Nursing, Pharmacy, or Physical Therapy). Criteria for the award are scholarship, activities, character, and the intention to meet the needs of the underserved in the East Alabama area.

Deadline: Usually November                        

Requirements

• All applicants must be rising forth year medical students

• Must be an SMA member
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. allopathic or osteopathic medical school
• Must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States, or have DACA status

Deadline is typically in August

Amount: Varies

Philosophy

To assist in funding the medical education of a student from an Essex South city or town.

Qualifications

• Residency in an Essex South community for at least 5 years prior to college, with a desire to return and practice in this area. These communities are: Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield and Wenham, Massachusetts.

• Current curriculum vitae, which includes the permanent address, high school with date of graduation, and medical school with expected date of graduation.
• A statement of academic standing from the medical school.
• A letter of recommendation from a district society member, if possible.
• A letter that includes a statement of personal goals.

Scholarships will be awarded at the Annual Meeting of the Essex South District Medical Society (usually in April).

Email Requirements to: Susan Frazier, sfrazier@mms.org

Deadline is January 1st

Amount: Varies

Created to honor a distinguished member of POMA who served in a number of key leadership roles, the scholarships are available to individuals who resided in Western Pennsylvania prior to entering an AOA approved College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Scholarship Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of Pennsylvania and a member of POMA.

• Must be enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year osteopathic medical student or a resident at a Pennsylvania affiliated residency program with Osteopathic educators.

Requirements

• A completed application.

• An essay of approximately 500 words as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the scholarship you are applying for. This essay is extremely important.
• A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CA).
• Two letters of recommendation: One to two of which may be from a faculty member of your medical school, a letter from your Program Director is also acceptable.

Amount: Varies

This scholarship is intended to affirm and recognize the efforts of osteopathic students and/or residents who have donated their time and effort as a medical volunteer beyond that which is usually accomplished as a medical student or resident.

Scholarship Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of Pennsylvania and a member of POMA.

• Must be enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year osteopathic medical student or a resident at a Pennsylvania affiliated residency program with Osteopathic educators.

Requirements

• A completed application.

• An essay of approximately 500 words as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the scholarship you are applying for. This essay is extremely important.
• A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CA).
• Two letters of recommendation: One to two of which may be from a faculty member of your medical school, a letter from your Program Director is also acceptable.

Amount: Varies

This Scholarship is meant to honor a student or resident that exemplifies a superior knowledge and interest in Osteopathic Manipulation, the theories that govern it, and the will to preserve the tenants of osteopathic medicine.

Scholarship Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of Pennsylvania and a member of POMA.

• Must be enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year osteopathic medical student or a resident at a Pennsylvania affiliated residency program with Osteopathic educators.

Requirements

• A completed application.

• An essay of approximately 500 words as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the scholarship you are applying for. This essay is extremely important.
• A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CA).
• Two letters of recommendation: One to two of which may be from a faculty member of your medical school, a letter from your Program Director is also acceptable.

Application cycle usually opens sometime in October or November each year.

Deadline is February 28, 2025

Amount: Varies

This scholarship is designed to affirm the recipient’s participation in a variety of Osteopathic Organizations on a national, and state level by their leadership and commitment to those organizations.

Scholarship Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of Pennsylvania and a member of POMA.

• Must be enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year osteopathic medical student or a resident at a Pennsylvania affiliated residency program with Osteopathic educators.

Requirements

• A completed application.

• An essay of approximately 500 words as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the scholarship you are applying for. This essay is extremely important.
• A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CA).

• Two letters of recommendation: One to two of which may be from a faculty member of your medical school, a letter from your Program Director is also acceptable.

   

Amount: Varies

Effective medical education incorporates a global and multicultural perspective as populations become increasingly diverse. This scholarship is designed to honor a student or resident that has done exceptional outreach to populations that are considered to have significant health disparities due to race, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.

Scholarship Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of Pennsylvania and a member of POMA.

• Must be enrolled as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year osteopathic medical student or a resident at a Pennsylvania affiliated residency program with Osteopathic educators.

Requirements

• A completed application.

• An essay of approximately 500 words as to why you feel you are the best candidate for the scholarship you are applying for. This essay is extremely important.
• A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CA).
• Two letters of recommendation: One to two of which may be from a faculty member of your medical school, a letter from your Program Director is also acceptable.