AACOM Recognizes Award-Winning Leaders at Annual Conference
Published April 27, 2023
Awards News Press Release
Dr. Murray Goldstein, Dr. Silvia M. Ferretti, Dr. Thomas A. Cavalieri and Student Doctor Michael Megafu honored for their exceptional service, leadership and achievements
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Bethesda, MD) – Today, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is honoring four outstanding individuals during its largest-yet annual conference, Educating Leaders 2023, which also kicked off its 125th anniversary as an organization.
“AACOM is proud to present Dr. Goldstein, Dr. Ferretti, Dr. Cavalieri and Student Doctor Michael Megafu with these prestigious awards,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “It’s contributions and commitment to osteopathic medical education by individuals like these that have made our past 125 years so successful. Their example will inspire their colleagues and peers, who’ve recognized their dedication and service, to lead us to even brighter days ahead.”
William D. Miller Award
The William D. Miller Award is presented each year on behalf of the AACOM Board of Deans. Recipients of this award are nominated and selected in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the osteopathic profession.
William D. Miller Award 2023 Recipient:
Murray Goldstein, DO, MPH
Retired osteopathic physician, leader and commissioned officer
U.S. Public Health Service
“As a U.S. Public Health Service Officer, I was charged with advancing the health of the citizens of our country and assisting colleagues in other countries addressing problems of community health,” said Dr. Goldstein. “I chose community-based research as my instrument of furthering community health, demonstrating the significant need for increased attention to addressing community health problems in both medical education and clinical practice. I am grateful to be a recipient of the William D. Miller Award, which will be supportive of my efforts.”
Robert A. Kistner Award
The Robert A. Kistner Award is presented each year on behalf of the AACOM Board of Deans. Individuals who receive this award are nominated and selected in recognition of their significant contributions to osteopathic medical education throughout their careers.
Robert A. Kistner Award 2023 Recipient:
Silvia M. Ferretti, DO
Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
“I am honored to be named the 2023 recipient of the Robert A. Kistner Award,” said Dr. Ferretti. “On the advent of the 30th Anniversary of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine—an enlightening and inspirational hub of medical education that has drawn my life’s purpose—this Award holds special meaning.”
Dale S. Dodson Award
Created in memory of American Osteopathic Association Past-President and osteopathic medical education innovator Dale S. Dodson, DO, this annual award recognizes a current or past CEO or CAO of an osteopathic medical college who has made significant contributions to the advancement and support of osteopathic medical education. The Dodson Award is given on behalf of the AACOM Assembly of Presidents.
Dale S. Dodson Award 2023 Recipient:
Thomas A. Cavalieri, DO
Inaugural Senior Vice Provost, Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences of Rowan University
Chief Academic Officer, Virtua Health
“What a great honor to receive the Dale Dodson award on behalf of AACOM’s Assembly of Presidents,” said Dr. Cavalieri. “It has been a great privilege to have a career in osteopathic medicine and serve as Dean for 17 years. Dr. Dodson’s vision of service to others, which is central to osteopathic medical education, is vital today in improving healthcare in our nation.”
National Student DO of the Year
Every year, each college of osteopathic medicine selects their own individual Student DO of the Year based on a student’s service to their college, leadership and research experience, as well as dedication to the osteopathic profession. Out of this distinguished group, one National Student DO of the Year is chosen by AACOM’s Council of Student Government Presidents.
National Student DO of the Year 2023 Recipient:
Michael Megafu
OMS III
A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
“I believe that receiving this award is a reflection of the passion and dedication that I have poured into patients and the communities I serve,” said Michael. “Although the journey has been difficult, those I serve remind me that the most important thing is not receiving the highest scores, the most publications or being the most intelligent, but rather ensuring that I am equipped with the knowledge and skill set to provide the best patient care possible. Thank you AACOM for this privilege! Without God, I would not be where I am today.”
To learn more about AACOM’s awards, and to view past winners, please visit our awards web 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 35,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 39 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 63 teaching locations in 35 states.
Contacts
Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org
Christine DeCarlo
Senior Media and Public Affairs Manager
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org