*  Rising OMS III
*  Enrolled and in good standing at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
*  Demonstrated leadership capability
*  Demonstrated excellence in academic achievement

*  Personal statement describing noteworthy accomplishments in student activities supporting OSU-COM and the osteopathic profession which demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader. The personal statement should highlight how the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and upholds the purpose of this award. It should also highlight leadership activities and experiences that add to the individual’s worthiness to receive this award. (written by applicant)
*  Current professional photo (in jpg or png format)
*  CV outlining participation as a leader in osteopathic organizations at the COM, state or national level.
*  Transcript (a current unofficial transcript is acceptable)
*  One faculty letter of recommendation, optional (may be emailed separately to mcaine@osteopathicfounders.org)

Applicants will be reviewed based on the following criteria…
*  Leadership position(s) in osteopathic organizations at the COM, state or national level.
*  Excels academically.
*  Leadership activities which improve and support OSU-COM and the osteopathic profession.
*  Personal statement describing views on the importance of physician leadership in the osteopathic profession.
*  Service as an active volunteer in community organizations, which are not required in the OSU-COM curriculum.

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 Osteopathic Founders Foundation is honored to announce Kyleigh Harell as the recipient of the 2026 Founders’ Leadership Award.

Kyleigh is a student at OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation pursuing both Tribal and Global Health tracks. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she is deeply committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved tribal and rural communities through culturally informed, community-centered care.

Kyleigh currently serves as President of the Native American Students of Osteopathic Medicine and Vice President of the Global Medicine Club, while also participating in advocacy efforts for tribal and rural healthcare policy at the national level. Through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, she leads a 200-hour diabetes prevention and health initiative serving Cherokee Nation Immersion School students. Her passion for service has also led her to participate in global health externships in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Tanzania, where she gained firsthand insight into healthcare disparities affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.

Driven by her Cherokee values, leadership experiences, and dedication to mentorship, Kyleigh plans to continue serving Native and underserved communities as a future osteopathic physician while fostering opportunities for the next generation of Native healthcare professionals.

2014	Matthew L. Haney, Matthew W. Smith
2015	Taylor J. Craft
2016	Owais Durrani
2019	Christopher L. McNeil
2020	Rebecca Gaglia, Anh Lam, Toni Nigro
2021	Adrianna Elbon
2022	Jordyn Austin, Alexander Douglas
2023	Joseph Schnitker, Deserée Jones
2024	Joanna George
2025	Gracie Schultheis
2026	Kyleigh Harell