Recognizing Excellence: Nominations Open for the ACOI 2024 Awards

As we embark on another year of celebrating excellence in osteopathic internal medicine, the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Awards. These prestigious honors recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of osteopathic medicine and exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and leadership.  

How to Nominate

Nominations for the three awards – Teacher of the Year, Researcher of the Year, and Internist of the Year – are being accepted until May 31, 2024.  

If you have a colleague who you believe has made exceptional contributions to the field of osteopathic internal medicine, consider nominating them for one of these prestigious honors. For more information and to submit your nominations, please read here or contact Claudette Jones.  

More about the Awards

#ACOI2023 Award Winners: Joanne Baker, DO, FACOI, FAODME, FHM, FACP (Teacher of the Year), 
Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACOI (Internist of the Year), 
and Phillip Tran DO, FACOI, FACC (Researcher of the Year)

Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year award acknowledges individuals who have made outstanding contributions to osteopathic medical education. Eligible candidates may have received teaching awards, demonstrated leadership in medical education, developed innovative educational programs, secured funding for educational initiatives, or published articles on medical education in reputable journals. The recipient will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover travel expenses to the Annual Convention.

What the ACOI 2023 Teacher of the Year Award Winner had to say:

Joanne Baker, DO, FACOI, FAODME, FHM, FACP, was named the ACOI 2023 Teacher of the Year last fall. She commented on what the recognition meant to her: “My entire career has been about teaching, and I have been involved with students and residents since I was a resident. That’s when I fell in love with it. I don’t do it for accolades so it caught me off guard to think that one of my residents would think to nominate me because it is just part of what I do every day. It brings me joy to be acknowledged for something that is such an everyday part of my life.”

Researcher of the Year

The Researcher of the Year award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to clinical or basic research related to osteopathic internal medicine. Qualified candidates will have a robust record of extramural funding, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and innovations that have positively impacted clinical care. Like the Teacher of the Year, the recipient will also receive a $1,000 stipend to attend the Annual Convention.

What the #ACOI2023 Researcher of the Year Award Winner had to say:

Phillip Tran DO, FACOI, FACC, was named the ACOI 2023 Researcher of the Year Award winner last fall. Previously an MD in Vietnam, he became a DO when he came to the United States because he felt strongly about the holistic approach to patient care. He commented on what the recognition meant to him: “I am very excited and honored to have won the ACOI 2023 Researcher of the Year Award. There are so many people better than me, but I accept this award as encouraging for my work and support for medical students and the ACOI community.”  

Internist of the Year

The Internist of the Year award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of osteopathic internal medicine. This may include recognition for clinical excellence, leadership roles in clinical settings, development of impactful clinical programs, and excellence in bedside teaching. As with the other awards, the recipient will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover travel expenses to the Annual Convention.

What the #ACOI2023 Internist of the Year Award Winner had to say:

Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACOI was named the ACOI 2023 Internist of the Year. “This isn’t the type of recognition that individuals typically seek out, so when they do happen, they are a pleasant surprise! We all try to be good doctors and make a difference in the lives of our patients and our communities, so I am grateful for Dr. Kevin Hubbard, my colleague and friend who nominated me for the honor, as well as for the Board of the ACOI for bestowing this on me. It means a lot.”