All In! Vegas Pitch Showdown

All In! Vegas Pitch Showdown

Attendees experienced some of the most innovative ideas in osteopathic medical education take the stage during Educating Leaders 2026. Faculty, administrators, students and collaborators presented creative and practical solutions that advanced OME through creativity, collaboration and compassion.

The All In! Vegas Pitch Showdown took place on the mainstage at Educating Leaders 2026, the AACOM Annual Conference, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Four finalists pitched live before our judges, the “High Rollers,” and one winner received a $30,000 prize to bring their vision to life.

*To the winner's institution

Purpose

To identify and elevate bold, practical innovations that advance OME, spotlighting programs that embody AACOM’s mission to lead and advocate for the OME community and promote excellence in education, research and service.

This program supports AACOM’s vision to improve the health of all people through education, research and community engagement and advances our strategic priorities by:

• Promoting innovation in OME 
• Strengthening collaboration and shared learning across COMs  

What We’re Looking For

Submissions will demonstrate excellence or novel approaches in:

• Food As Medicine: Integrating nutrition education into osteopathic curricula and clinical practice. 
• Compassionate Communities: Building humanistic, community-centered approaches to medical education and care delivery. 
• Clinical Education: Improving and enhancing the clinical rotation experience for our students.

Multi-COM collaborations and cross-disciplinary initiatives will receive special consideration.

Program Overview

Through the Ante Up! submission process, participants share concise written or video proposals ahead of Educating Leaders 2026. Submissions were first be reviewed and categorized by theme, and four themes were selected for presentation in the in-conference breakout rooms. Top ideas in each theme will be identified and given a chance to present during interactive breakout “first-round” sessions on Friday, April 24, where attendees help select the top projects to advance to the All In! The Vegas Pitch Showdown on the mainstage at Caesars Palace, where they will present their ideas to four "High Rollers" who will, along with the audience, determine the winner.

Eligibility Requirements

Any faculty (including adjunct faculty or contracted preceptors), staff or students affiliated with an AACOM-member college of osteopathic medicine is eligible to apply. Applicants agree that all submissions may be used by AACOM in marketing, publications and other communication. All applicants give AACOM permission to use their name, images, videos and any appearance at Educating Leaders in AACOM communications.

While any number of individuals may work on a submission, the person submitting the idea will be the presenter and prize winner. All prize money will be given to the institution affiliated with the winning idea. All those submitting an idea must agree that, if their idea is chosen for either the “Deal Me In” breakouts, or the “All In!” final pitch presentation, they will register for and attend Educating Leaders 2026 in Las Vegas, NV, and be present in person on April 24, 2026. All those submitting ideas, whether on behalf of themselves or a team, must be the owner or an owner of any intellectual property included in the submission. Previous awardees of AACOM grants are eligible to apply.

Awards & Recognition

Congratulations to the inaugural All In! Vegas Pitch Showdown winner, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, for winning the grand prize of $30,000. Their innovative approach to tracking and standardizing medical student clinical experiences in real time is helping advance training, identify emerging health trends and expand research and educational opportunities.

Our outstanding finalists were each awarded $5,000. Rocky Vista University Utah Campus, recognized as the audience favorite for their Food As Medicine pitch; Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine for their Compassionate Community concept; and The Valley College of Osteopathic Medicine for their technology-focused presentation.

Thank you to our distinguished judges for their thoughtful insights and engaging deliberation: John R Gimpel, DO, MEd, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners; George Haddad, Liaison; and Dr. Jennifer Caudle, DO, FACOFP, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

From bold ideas to real world impact, the All In! Vegas Pitch Showdown highlighted the future of osteopathic medical education and set the stage for what is to come.

Ready to Go All In?

This is your moment to turn inspiration into impact. Whether it’s reimagining how we teach, connect or care—your idea could change the game. Winners will be announced at Educating Leaders 2026.