2024-25 Year in Review
Ohio Osteopathic Association
What a Year!
This Year in Review covers March 2024-February 2025 to coincide with my March 1st anniversary with OOA as your Executive Director. I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees, especially the officers, for their support and openness to change. Their leadership has fostered an environment where innovation thrives, enabling us to seize growth opportunities and explore new approaches.
Looking ahead, a key challenge is ensuring every osteopathic physician in Ohio knows we represent them and value their contributions. Our ecosystem needs these voices as workforce dynamics and financial pressures reshape professional development and membership engagement. Strengthening these connections enhances our organization and the osteopathic community statewide.
Healthcare is rapidly evolving, and Ohio remains a leader in osteopathic medicine. With a strong legacy in practice and education, we are well-positioned to adapt and drive progress. By modernizing and focusing on our members' needs, we can continue shaping the future of healthcare in this dynamic landscape.
Columbus is now my home, and Ohio is my adopted state. I am proud to be your advocate and excited about what we can achieve together.
A win for Ohio is a win for us all!
Heidi A. Weber, MBA, CAE | Executive Director
Heidi A. Weber, MBA, CAE | Executive Director
It is all about the journey.
Douglas W. Harley, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP
OOA President
In 2024, the Ohio Osteopathic Association celebrated 125 years, and our Ohio Osteopathic physicians have been on a journey. I am proud to have been a part of it as your 118th President.
One of the most memorable sayings that have stuck with me was to sit at the table, or you might find yourself on the menu. This statement has rung true over the years as physicians have experienced changes in the scope of practice interprofessional teams, observed payment and malpractice reforms, seen new models of medical school and residency training, the changing landscape to preventative and population health with covered lives in risk-management contracts, and the ever-changing landscape of state and national policies affecting patient care.
We can all be strong advocates for our profession and patients at our hospitals or institutions of employment. We are seeing an increasing number of DO students in the match, in previously closed-off residencies or hospital systems, and increasing international recognition. Look how far Ohio has come over the last 125 years.
What are you going to do about it? Stand up and be at the table! We must commit to doing the right thing every day and remember that we strive to be the best Osteopathic (insert specialty) physician for our patients and community.
Leadership is a Momentum
2024-25 OOA Board of Trustees
Douglas W. Harley, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP, President
Edward E. Hosbach, II, DO President-Elect
Andrew P. Eilerman, DO Vice-President
Katherine H. Eilenfeld, DO Treasurer
Nicklaus J. Hess, DO Immediate Past President
Nicholas G. Espinoza, DO Trustee
Brian L. Colopy, DO Trustee
Chelsea A. Nickolson, DO Trustee
Michael E. Dietz, DO Trustee
Nathan P. Samsa, DO Trustee
Charles R. Fisher, DO Trustee
Kristen Conrad-Schnetz, DO Trustee
Gregory Hill, DO Trustee
Melinda E. Ford, DO Trustee
John C. Baker, DO Trustee
Amisha Saini OMS II SGA Trustee
James Applegate OMS II SGA Trustee
Muro Kahyaoglu OMS II SGA Trustee
Nicholas W. Salupo, DO Resident Representative
Michael E. Dietz, DO OOA Speaker of the House
Nathan P. Samsa, DO OOA Vice Speaker of the House
Robert S. Juhasz, DO Past President, AOA
Jennifer J. Hauler, DO Trustee, AOA
Robert W. Hostoffer, DO Trustee, AOA
George Thomas, DO Chair, OOA Delegation to AOA
Kenneth H. Johnson, DO Executive Dean, OU-HCOM
Sherry L. Johnson, DO Representative, State Medical Board of Ohio
OOA at the 2024 AOA House of Delegates: July in Chicago
- Victor D. Angel, DO
- David A. Bitonte, DO
- Brian C. Colopy, DO
- Sandra L. Cook, DO
- Michael E. Dietz, DO
- Jennifer L. Gwilym, DO
- Katherine H. Eilenfeld, DO
- Melinda E. Ford, DO
- Douglas W. Harley, DOFACOFP, FAAFP
- Nicklaus J. Hess, DO
- Gregory Hill, DO
- Edward E. Hosbach, II DO
- Sean Johnson, DO
- Robert S. Juhasz, DO
- Garrett L. Kirkpatrick, DO
- Paul A. Martin, DO
- Jennifer L. Pfleghaar, DO
- Susan M. Ratay, DO
- Christine M. Samsa, DO
- Nathan P. Samsa, DO
- Sean D. Stiltner, DO
- George Thomas, DO
- Henry L. Wehrum, DO
- Murathan Kahyaoglu, OMS-II, Cleveland
- James Appelgate, OMS-II, Dublin
- Amisha Saini, OMS-II, Athens
The Importance of Committee Representation
Douglas W. Harley, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP
Chair
Ad Hoc Committee
Michael E. Dietz, DO
Member
Committee on Constitution & Bylaws
Katherine H. Eilenfeld, DO
Member
Committee on Educational Affairs
Jennifer L. Gwilym, DO
Member
Committee on Professional Affairs
Edward E. Hosbach, DO
Member
Committee on Public Affairs
Nathan P. Samsa, DO
Member
Committee on Rules & Order of Business
Ohio Resolutions Showing Impact at the National Level
H-218 Support for the Creation of Specialty and Sub-Specialty Osteopathic Recognition Training Exams OOA (Ohio) Educational Affairs Adopted as Amended
H-219 Support of the Physical Exam in Education and Practice OOA (Ohio) Educational Affairs Adopted as Amended
H-432 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Obstructive Sleep Apnea Reference Committee OOA (Ohio) H-433 Against the use of High Fructose Corn Syrup Public Affairs Referred to OOA OOA (Ohio)
H-434 Recognizing Breast Implant Illness (BII) and Promoting Informed Consent for Breast Implant procedures OOA (Ohio) Public Affairs Adopted as Amended Public Affairs
H-218 Support for the Creation of Specialty and Sub-Specialty Osteopathic Recognition Training Exams OOA (Ohio) Educational Affairs Support with Qualification Supportive of the ongoing research to expand the programs. It could be interpreted as the AOA advising ACGME how to conduct its business.
H-219 Support of the Physical Exam In Education and Practice OOA (Ohio) Educational Affairs Support with Qualification Line 29, delete "continues to support", and replace with "EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF".
Some Words of Thanks to:
Our district members for submitting resolutions to the state level for national consideration.
Dr. George Thomas for leading the Ohio delegation.
Our delegates who shared their time and expertise.
Partnerships Strengthen OOA's Growth
This past year, we reconnected and collaborated with our partners to amplify the osteopathic voice across the state and beyond.
We look forward to expanding our partnership network in 2025.
Strategic Planning Retreat
November 2024
Reimagined Mission:
Supporting Ohio’s osteopathic physicians and students through advocacy, collaboration, education, and research.
Reimagined Vision:
Optimizing patient health through the advancement of osteopathic medicine.
In late 2024, the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) leaders and stakeholders convened for a strategic planning retreat to capture their long-range vision for the organization, identify focus areas, and set goals and metrics for the coming years. Facilitated by Vista Cova, LLC, a highly respected strategic planning firm in the association industry, and led by its CEO, Lowell Aplebaum, Ed.D., FASAE, CAE, CPF, the retreat focused on several key areas, each vital to advancing the
organization’s mission.
From advocacy and leadership development to mentorship, education, and governance, retreat participants worked to define strategies that will shape OOA’s future for years to come. 2016 was the last time that OOA conducted a strategic planning process.
“Modernizing OOA has been a top priority since I stepped into this
role a year ago, and this strategic planning retreat was a crucial step in that
process. We’re not just looking at where we are today—we’re building a stronger,
more agile organization that meets the evolving needs of osteopathic
physicians and students. This retreat allowed us to set a clear direction,
ensuring that OOA remains a healthcare association leader in advocacy, education, and professional development for years to come.”
Advancing CME at OOA
"The OOA actively responds to member requests to enhance the CME experience. We have engaged a CME consultant and established a dedicated CME committee to achieve this.
Together, they will focus on elevating our organizational events, including enhancing the Virtual Osteopathic Conference (VOC), improving the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium, and introducing other exciting opportunities. We aim to provide meaningful CME, foster more substantial networking opportunities, and deliver an even better experience for our members."
Andrew J. Eilerman, DO | OOA Vice-President | OOA CME Committee Chair
2024 Ohio Osteopathic Symposium
April 18th-21st
The leading osteopathic meeting in Ohio convenes DOs, medical students, leaders, supporters, and exhibitors.
The OOA House of Delegates conducts a business meeting to ensure the ten districts are represented, and proper governance is in place.
2024 OOA Award Recipients
Distinguished Service Award: Paul A. Martin, DO
George L. Eckert, Jr., DO, Mentor of the Year: Paul M. Levy, DO
Meritorious Service Award: John D. Schriner, PhD
Trustees' Award: David A. Bitonte, DO
M. Bridget Wagner, DO Award: Robert S. Pema, DO
J.O. Watson, DO Memorial Lecture Award: Paul A. Martin, DO
Join us for the 2025 Ohio Osteopathic Symposium from April 10th to 13th in Columbus.
April 10-13, 2025
Columbus
Advocacy and Influence
Danny Hurley, Vice President, Capital Consulting Group
900 OOA Members are Licensed DOs in Ohio
8,900 Total Current Licensed DOs in Ohio
*State Medical Board of Ohio, January 2025
The American Osteopathic Association has designated December as Osteopathic Medicine Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the vital contributions of osteopathic physicians to healthcare. The Ohio Osteopathic Association was deeply honored to receive a proclamation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, highlighting the significance of this month and reaffirming Ohio’s leadership in osteopathic medicine.
Ohio remains a beacon for the profession, with a proud legacy of advancing osteopathic practice and education. This recognition underscores the importance of the work done by DOs across the state to improve patient care and community health.
OOA Advocating in 2024
Coalition Letter Targeting Medicare Cut
Amicus Brief with AMA, OSMA, OHALewis
HB 319
HB 45
Immunization Summit
Ohio GME Funding Coalition Letter
Ohio Coalition of Primary Care Physicians
Meeting Our State Legislators
Lawmakers are focusing more on healthcare. As your Osteopathic Association we have the responsibility and opportunity to interact with our legislators as a collective voice. We will communicate legislative activity to our members and seek back information that shapes the representative story we can share.
2025 Advocacy Plan: drive action & deliver impact
The OOA will deliver exceptional advocacy experiences designed to engage members in becoming more active in osteopathic advocacy while inspiring non-members to commit financially by joining as dues-paying members. This collective commitment empowers the OOA to continue providing these impactful opportunities, ensuring osteopathic medicine remains at the forefront of healthcare in Ohio.
Ohio DO Day – This Fall
High-Level Meetings with State Legislators involved with health policy & scope of practice.
Quarterly Ohio Advocacy Town Halls
Creating the Coalition of Ohio Osteopathic Associations
OOA Advocacy Bootcamp
Student Lobbyist Shadowing
Ohio Coalition of Primary Care Physicians
House of Medicine
"To excel as a healthcare organization in Ohio and beyond, OOA must boldly invest time and financial resources to align our strategic values with the evolving state landscape. Through strong advocacy and active communication, we will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our members and showcase the immense value we bring to the broader healthcare community."
Students Make Us Shine
Whether supporting a resolution on the 2024 AOA House of Delegates floor or contributing innovative ideas at the November Strategic Planning Retreat, our Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine student members consistently exemplify intelligence, enthusiasm, drive, collaboration, and compassion. These future physicians navigate numerous internal and external challenges, and it is the OOA’s mission to provide them with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Dedicated to supporting the next generation of osteopathic leaders, the OOA relies on your partnership to uphold and advance this proud legacy.
Involving first-year medical students in the Ohio Osteopathic Association gives them an early introduction to professional networks and a sense of belonging and purpose within the osteopathic community. Early engagement enhances their education by exposing them to mentorship, resources, and collaborative learning and fosters leadership skills.
Thank You, Joanne Barnhart!
Your unwavering dedication to OOA reflects a genuine passion and commitment to serving the osteopathic community across generations—medical students, residents, physicians, and retired professionals alike. You have witnessed the evolution of this organization while remaining a steadfast and quiet force throughout the years. Though words cannot fully convey our gratitude, please know that you will always hold a special place in the heart of OOA.
In Memorium
Honoring Our Colleagues and Friends Who have Passed
January 4 Thomas J. Mucci, DO Poland
January 8 James A. Lazor, DO Warren
January 12 Earl R. Staddon, DO Union
February 10 William J. Seifer, DO Formerly Dayton
February 13 Evan C. Young, DO Formerly Dayton
March 7 Eli N. Perencevich, DO Columbus
March 15 Michael S. Knapic, DO Wooster
March 24 Bobby James Bowden, DO Wadsworth
March 25 Tomulyss Moody, DO North Ridgeville
April 4 John S. Rogoski, DO Powell
April 16 Richard T. Wolever, DO St. Pete Beach, Florida
April 24 Louis J. Schaner, DO Canton
April 27 Samuel J. Pipes, DO Warren
May 7 Michael W. Keleher, DO Dublin
September 18 Frank S. Orth, DO Granville
May Their Memories Be Blessings
Be Part of Our Community
OOA is poised to increase its influence as a leading healthcare organization in Ohio and beyond. We need your help! Please continue your membership, join, or rejoin.
The osteopathic voice will only grow and strengthen with numbers. OOA can only exist if you participate.
2024 has been a remarkable year, and we're striving to make 2025 even more extraordinary!
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