Career Transition Scholarship

*  Rising OMS II, OMS III or OMS IV student
*  Five years of professional experience, (including military service) prior to medical school matriculation

*  Personal statement reflecting the reason for your interest in transitioning to a career in osteopathic medicine, a description of current activities which support osteopathic healthcare, and a discussion of your goals of practice as an osteopathic physician. (written by applicant)
*  Current professional photo (in jpg or png format)
*  CV

Applicants will be reviewed based on the following criteria…
*  Clearly describe the decision to transition to a career in osteopathic medicine.
*  Displays a commitment, in current activities, to osteopathic medicine through participation in activities supporting the college and profession.
*  Future practice goals support osteopathic healthcare.

After the committee reviews the applications, each applicant will be notified of his/her status. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the notification from the close of the application.

Additional questions may be directed to Michele Caine at 918-551-7300 or mcaine@osteopathicfounders.org.

The application is now closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please check back on March 1, 2026 when the application will reopen for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Osteopathic Founders Foundation is proud to announce Ethan Wood as the recipient of the 2025 Career Transition Scholarship.

Ethan earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Central Oklahoma and began his professional life as a software engineer. Although he found success in the technology field, Ethan realized that his true calling lay in forming deeper human connections and serving others more directly. Motivated by this realization, he made the bold decision to pursue a career in medicine, completing the necessary prerequisites while continuing to work full-time.

Currently, Ethan is simultaneously pursuing a Master of Public Health degree and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Oklahoma State University, demonstrating his strong commitment to advancing both individual and community health.

Having grown up in a small Oklahoma town, Ethan has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly regarding access to quality healthcare. His long-term goal is to practice primary care in a rural setting, where he can combine his technical problem-solving skills, philosophical perspective, and osteopathic training to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

Ethan’s journey exemplifies the spirit of the Career Transition Scholarship — celebrating resilience, purpose, and the dedication of those who bring valuable life experience to the practice of osteopathic medicine.