Five AACOM Member Institutions Honored with 2025 Insight Into Academia Awards
Published October 22, 2025
News Press Release
Awardees recognized for exceptional commitment to mental health and student well-being
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) proudly celebrates five member institutions recognized by INSIGHT Into Academia magazine for their outstanding efforts to foster belonging, support mental health and well-being and cultivate excellence in healthcare education.
“AACOM is incredibly proud of these institutions for their unwavering dedication to promoting a culture of belonging and prioritizing the well-being of future physicians,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “Supporting the whole student as they navigate the challenges of medical school reflects osteopathic medicine’s whole-person philosophy. Training future physicians to provide culturally competent, compassionate care to patients of all backgrounds also underscores our profession’s longstanding commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and filling gaps in our healthcare system.”
Three AACOM member institutions received the 2025 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award:
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (9th consecutive year; Champion Award)
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (3rd consecutive year)
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (4th consecutive year)
Two AACOM member institutions received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award:
Learn more about the HEED and Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Awards and view the full list of health professions and mental health and well-being honorees.
About AACOM:
Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 38,000 future physicians—close to 30 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 44 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 71 teaching locations in 36 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.
Contacts:
Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org
Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org