AACOM Recognizes Exceptional Awardees at Educating Leaders

Drs. Robert Juhasz, Natasha Bray, Jay Feldstein and Student Doctor Denise Vera honored for outstanding contributions to osteopathic medical education

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Arlington, Texas) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) today proudly honored four extraordinary individuals during Educating Leaders 2025, the association’s premier annual conference.

“Dr. Juhasz, Dr. Bray, Dr. Feldstein and Denise Vera represent the very best of the osteopathic medical education community,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “From lifelong service and innovation to leadership and advocacy, they exemplify the excellence and dedication that define our profession. By recognizing their achievements, we celebrate their lasting contributions and inspire the next generation of leaders in osteopathic medicine.”

William D. Miller Award

Presented annually by the AACOM Board of Deans, the William D. Miller Award honors individuals for extraordinary contributions to advancing the osteopathic profession.

William D. Miller Award 2025 Recipient:
Robert S. Juhasz, DO
Emeritus Member, Cleveland Clinic
Chair, Kansas City University Board of Trustees

"I am honored to have been selected to receive the 2025 William D. Miller Award,” said Dr. Juhasz. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the osteopathic profession and my alma mater, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine throughout my career and now as the Chair of the KCU Board of Trustees. I have been inspired by the founder of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO who said that the role of the osteopathic profession was to improve all of medical care through the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine. To be honored for this labor of love throughout my life is humbling. I want to thank Sharon Gustowski, DO, Dean of the KCU Kansas City Campus for the nomination for this award and AACOM for this honor."

Robert A. Kistner Award

The Robert A. Kistner Award is presented each year on behalf of the AACOM Board of Deans to individuals who have made significant contributions to osteopathic medical education throughout their careers.

Robert A. Kistner Award 2025 Recipient:
Natasha Bray, DO
Dean
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation

"My career has been fueled by a passion for advancing osteopathic medical education and preparing compassionate, skilled physicians ready to serve all communities, especially our rural, tribal, and underserved populations,” said Dr. Bray. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from AACOM, an organization dedicated to excellence in osteopathic medical education.”

Dale S. Dodson Award

Established in memory of Dale S. Dodson, DO—past president of the American Osteopathic Association and a pioneering figure in osteopathic medical education—this award honors current or former chief executive officers or chief academic officers of osteopathic medical colleges for their significant contributions to the field. It is awarded on behalf of the AACOM Assembly of Presidents.

Dale S. Dodson Award 2025 Recipient:
Jay S. Feldstein, DO
President and CEO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award from AACOM," said Dr. Feldstein. "It would not have been possible without the full support of the entire PCOM community for which I am eternally grateful."

National Student DO of the Year

Each year, AACOM’s Council of Student Government Presidents selects the National Student DO of the Year from a distinguished group of exceptional students nominated by their respective colleges for service, leadership, research and commitment to the osteopathic profession.

National Student DO of the Year 2025 Recipient:
Denise Vera
OMS IV
University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

"Being named National Student DO of the Year is not just a recognition of my work; it is a tribute to my mentors, my ancestors, and all those who have sacrificed so that I could stand here today,” said Denise. “As a Latina, I carry their dreams, their struggles, and their belief that 'el que persevera, alcanza' (those who persevere shall attain). This honor represents not just the sleepless nights or the challenges overcome, but also the intangible sacrifices, the moments of doubt, the resilience forged in adversity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future for my patients and my profession. Guided by the principles of osteopathic medicine, I hope to make lasting changes that bring surgical care to those in rural and medically underserved communities. Serving these communities has made me a better physician and reinforced my commitment to lead with the same dedication and compassion that brought me to this moment. I share this honor with every person who has lifted me up, believed in me when I couldn’t see the path ahead, and walked this journey beside me. This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to my community, my patients, and every mentor and peer who has helped me find purpose. I will carry it forward with gratitude, using it as fuel to continue advocating and creating meaningful change where it is needed most. Thank you AACOM for this incredible recognition!"

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 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 67 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