The award honors individuals who exemplify the compassionate nature of the osteopathic orthopedic profession by actively expressing a commitment to humanity and exhibiting admirable degrees of selflessness in addressing key health concerns. The inspirational endeavors completed by this award’s recipients will establish a foundation to provide ongoing value and benefit to their patients and the public at large.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the AOAO Humanitarian Award all nominees must:
• Be active AOAO members in good standing at the time of nomination and selection.
• Include a detailed record of their activity that spans a period of at least 1 year preceding the nomination submission
• The AOAO Humanitarian Award is open to active, military, retired, life, student, resident or members in fellowship training.
Criteria for Selection
Member efforts should be of exceptional value while meeting one or more of the following criteria:
Extraordinary Humanitarian Services and Volunteerism
These are activities initiated by the AOAO member nominee, working alone or in association with others, to help improve the quality of life of individuals, including but not limited to the following:
- Survivors and/or victims’ families after a significant event such as a natural or person-induced disaster, a national or international incident, a civil war, or a forced migration
- A community of any size in which long-term political, economic, social, and/or other circumstances have caused movement impairments for a substantial portion of that community
Advancement of Osteopathic Orthopedics
These activities exemplify core values of osteopathic orthopedics and are applied to actively address major health concerns on domestic and/or international levels.
Establishment of Legacy
These are sustainable activities that benefit humanity; they must demonstrate advocacy for promoting greater quality of life and expansive reach.
What Recipients Receive
Nominees will be reviewed by the Fellow Award, Honors and Memorials Committee who will present their recommendations to the AOAO Board of Directors for their approval. If applicable, an award will be presented to the selected recipient(s) at the Awards Ceremony during the Annual Fall Meeting on the date following the deadline for nomination. Selected recipient(s) will also be recognized and asked to submit an article for The Orthopod. The Academy will also donate $1,000, in their name, to the recipient’s charitable organization.