Awards & Recognition

The Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) recognizes physicians, medical students, and legislators for outstanding dedication and service to the profession. 

Physician of the Year
This award recognizes physicians who have a history of maintaining high professional and ethical standards for the osteopathic profession in the State of Illinois, contributions to the professional community, and the community at large.

Student of the Year
The Osteopathic Student of the Year Award is given to a student graduating from an accredited osteopathic medical school.

Legislator of the Year
This award recognizes legislators who support the initiatives that protect the health of the citizens of Illinois and furthers the mission of IOMS.

2024 AOF State Emerging Leader Award

IOMS partners with the American Osteopathic Foundation annually to nominate one outstanding Illinois New Physician in Practice and IOMS member in good standing who upholds the tenets of osteopathic medicine and goes above and beyond in the areas of patient care and/or research.

The IOMS is proud to announce Shoji Samson, DO, FAAP, FACOP, a Neonatologist practicing in Peoria, IL has been recognized by the American Osteopathic Foundation as the 2024 Illinois State Emerging Leader. 

Shoji Samson, DO, FAAP, FACOP

Learn more about Dr. Samson here.

The nomination period for 2025 will begin in late Spring. Read the full program description.

IOMS/AOF Prairie State Scholarship 

A collaborative partnership with the American Osteopathic Foundation to provide financial assistance to osteopathic medical students who graduated from an Illinois high school.  An annual scholarship in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to one student who exemplifies the ideals of the osteopathic profession and serves as an ambassador for the profession while completing their osteopathic education.

The IOMS is proud to announce Alec Bold, OMS III, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has been recognized by the American Osteopathic Foundation as the 2023 Prairie State Scholarship recipient. Read more about Student Doctor Bold.

Application period for 2025 opens late Spring. Read the full program description and apply here.