This award was established by the AOAO Board of Directors in 2023 to foster and support future leaders in honor of Dr. Lee Vander Lugt, who exemplified a strong leader and represented the Academy as Executive Director from 2008-2020. The program is intended for one year, and will be awarded to one candidate at least every two years.
2026 Award Program
The current program begins January 2026 and concludes at the 2026 AOAO Annual Fall Meeting.
Criteria
Candidates:
- Must complete an online application
- Must be an AOAO member in good standing
- Must have demonstrated emerging leadership qualities
- Must have an interest in leadership
Requirements
The recipient of this award will agree to participate in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Leadership Academy and agree to attend in person (where applicable):
- The American Orthopaedic Assocation’s USC APEX Leadership Certificate Program, 2026
- American Orthopaedic Association’s Annual Leadership Meeting, May 12-16, 2026, Albuquerque, NM
- 2026 OMED Conference, October 23-25, 2026
- AOAO 2026 Annual Fall Meeting to report to the AOAO Board of Directors, October 29-31 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, CA to describe their experience over the past year.
Selection
The recipient of the award will be selected by representatives from the AOAO Board of Directors in conjunction with the AOA, based on the above criteria.
Award
The recipient will receive:
- Reimbursement to cover air travel, lodging, meals, transportation and registration for all these events.
- An honorarium of $5,000
Timeline
- Application opens: August 15, 2025
- Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025
- Board selects recipient: October 22, 2025
- Recipient notified by: October 31, 2025
Application
Click HERE to apply by September 30, 2025.