AACOM Honors Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine at Educating Leaders 2026

John L. Hummer, Dr. Lori Kemper, Dr. John Gimpel and Anamaria Ancheta recognized for extraordinary contributions to the field

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Las Vegas, Nevada) – At Educating Leaders 2026, the world’s premier osteopathic medical education conference, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) recognized four individuals whose leadership, innovation and service are helping shape the future of osteopathic medical education and the physician workforce.

“Each of this year’s honorees has made a profound and lasting impact on osteopathic medical education, whether by expanding opportunity, strengthening care systems or championing the next generation of physicians,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “At a time when our healthcare system is facing growing demand and complexity, their leadership not only advances our profession but helps ensure patients across the country have access to the kind of compassionate, whole-person care that defines osteopathic medicine.”

William D. Miller Award

Presented by the AACOM Board of Deans, the William D. Miller Award recognizes individuals whose vision and leadership have left an enduring mark on the osteopathic profession, advancing its growth, reach and impact nationwide.

William D. Miller Award 2026 Recipient:
John L. Hummer, MHA
Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

“I am deeply honored to receive the William D. Miller Award and grateful to the AACOM Board of Deans for this recognition,” said Hummer. “I am thankful for the mentors, institutions, and colleagues who have shaped my journey and made this work possible. To be associated with a legacy that has so meaningfully impacted the osteopathic profession is both humbling and inspiring, and it strengthens my commitment to advancing our collective mission for future generations.”

Robert A. Kistner Award

Awarded by the AACOM Board of Deans, the Robert A. Kistner Award honors distinguished leaders whose careers have been defined by a sustained commitment to advancing osteopathic medical education and shaping generations of future physicians.

Robert A. Kistner Award 2026 Recipient:
Lori Kemper, DO, MS
Dean
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

"It has been my honor to serve as the dean of the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University for the past 19 years and to be a part of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine as part of that service,” said Dr. Kemper. “It is a great professional honor to be named as a recipient of the Robert A Kistner Award from AACOM and to have served the osteopathic profession which I love!"

Dale S. Dodson Award

Named in honor of Dale S. Dodson, DO, a pioneering leader in osteopathic medicine, this award recognizes current and former chief executives and academic leaders who have strengthened institutions and advanced the mission of osteopathic medical education. It is awarded on behalf of the AACOM Assembly of Presidents.

Dale S. Dodson Award 2026 Recipient:
John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd
President & CEO
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the Assembly of Presidents and Board of Deans and all at AACOM for this prestigious recognition, named for Dale S. Dodson, DO,” said Dr. Gimpel. “Dr. Dodson was an iconic public servant DO who was a tireless advocate for osteopathic medical education, licensure, and strong professional self-regulation. This 1979 President of the American Osteopathic Association was also a member of the NBOME Board of Directors. While few can measure up to Dr. Dodson’s many contributions to the public and the profession, or to the esteemed list of other prior Dodson awardees, I appreciate the opportunity to thank all of my mentors and colleagues over last four decades for believing in me and guiding me in the support of our profession and the patients we all have the privilege to care for.”

National Student DO of the Year

Selected by AACOM’s Council of Student Government Presidents, the National Student DO of the Year award recognizes an exceptional student whose leadership, service and dedication reflect the promise and future of the osteopathic profession.

National Student DO of the Year 2026 Recipient:
Anamaria Ancheta
OMS III
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

“‘Para la gente y el futuro’ is the motto of Burrell College, a philosophy that has grounded me throughout my medical school journey,” said Anamaria. “Attending medical school in the same community where my family once worked as agricultural laborers reminds me every day that my success is rooted in their sacrifices. I will be forever grateful for my osteopathic education, which has shown me the power of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I’m committed to expanding the kind of care families like my own often sought, but couldn’t always access. This incredible recognition reflects not just my work, but the support of my mentors, peers, and patients who shaped my path.”

Additional osteopathic medical students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in research, global engagement and academic excellence:

• National Student Researcher of the Year: Vincent Sergei Alexander, OMS IV, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Global Scholar of the Year: Robert Blake Eysler, OMS III, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus

View the entire awards and recognitions from Educating Leaders 2026 to see everyone who was celebrated. To learn more about AACOM’s awards and view past recipients, please visit  AACOM’s awards page.

Editor’s Note: Photographs from today’s award ceremony are available upon request.

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 46 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 73 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