Amber Healy, DO, Appointed to Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Board of Governors

Appointment strengthens osteopathic perspective on national patient-centered research funding body

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) applauds the appointment of Amber Healy, DO, whom AACOM nominated to serve to the Board of Governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). As the second osteopathic physician ever appointed to the board, Dr. Healy’s appointment strengthens the osteopathic perspective within an organization that plays a significant role in advancing patient-centered research nationwide.

Authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research and engages patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community throughout the research process.

“Dr. Healy’s appointment amplifies the osteopathic voice in shaping patient-centered research and reflects our profession’s growing impact on the research landscape,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “AACOM was proud to nominate Dr. Healy for this important role. Her work to improve outcomes for patients with complex chronic conditions, particularly in rural and underserved communities, will bring an important perspective to the board. AACOM congratulates Dr. Healy on this well-deserved appointment.”

“Osteopathic medicine shaped how I practice: whole person, prevention first, with the patient's own goals in the room,” said Dr. Healy. “I'm honored to carry that perspective onto the PCORI Board of Governors, where decisions about research priorities affect patients like the ones DOs see every day.”

Dr. Healy is a diabetologist and clinical professor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She serves as practice lead physician for the Ohio Health Physician Group Heritage College Diabetes and Endocrinology practice in Athens, Ohio, and has served as Diabetology Fellowship Program director since 2015.

Dr. Healy has been widely recognized for excellence in education and patient care, including receiving the 2025 Outstanding Clinical Faculty Specialty Medicine Award from the Clinical Education Network and the 2022 Distinguished Osteopathic Commitment Award. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed publications addressing diabetes care, health outcomes and population health challenges.

Dr. Healy is one of three new appointees to the PCORI Board of Governors, while four current members were reappointed to second terms. Board members serve six-year terms and may be reappointed for one additional term.

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 48 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 75 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