Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship
The Osteopathic Founders Foundation’s Tribute Scholarships recognize exceptional osteopathic medical students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, service, and commitment to the osteopathic profession.
Please note: This scholarship is by invitation only. Eligible applicants are selected from the top 20% of the third-year class (OMS-III) at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Students who meet this academic criterion will receive an invitation to apply.
Each year, two scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process among invited applicants from all OSU-COM campuses.
Selection Criteria
While academic achievement is an important component of the review process, scholarship recipients are selected based on a combination of factors, including:
* Academic performance and overall achievement
* Leadership demonstrated while an osteopathic medical student
* Participation in activities that support OSU-COM and the osteopathic profession
* Community service, volunteerism, and special projects beyond required activities
* Educational and extracurricular experiences
* A personal statement describing the applicant’s journey into osteopathic medicine, future residency and practice goals, and what distinguishes the applicant from other candidates
The selection committee consists of members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Scholarship Awards
Outstanding Scholar Award
Presented in recognition of the Foundation’s current Outstanding Physician honoree, this award provides a $10,000 scholarship to be used during the recipient’s fourth year of medical school.
Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship
Provides a $5,000 scholarship to be used during the recipient’s fourth year of medical school.
Notification
All applicants will be notified of their application status following committee review. Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks after the application deadline for notification.
Questions?
For additional information or clarification, please contact:
Michele Caine
Osteopathic Founders Foundation
918-551-7300
mcaine@osteopathicfounders.org
Application
Application is by invitation only and will be open from
April 1 – May 31, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year.
APPLICATION IS CLOSED FOR 2026
2026 Osteopathic Tribute Scholarships
The Osteopathic Founders Foundation proudly recognizes Gabrielle Siemer as the recipient of the 2026 Osteopathic Founders Foundation Outstanding Scholar Award.
Gabrielle “Gabby” has a strong passion for physical medicine and rehabilitation. A former NCAA Division I soccer player, Gabby developed an early appreciation for recovery, mobility, and patient-centered care through athletics, as well as through her family’s involvement in adaptive sports and orthotics and prosthetics. These experiences inspired her commitment to helping individuals overcome physical challenges and improve their quality of life.
At OSU-COM, Gabby has distinguished herself academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while serving as President of the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Club, President of the American Medical Women’s Association, academic tutor, student ambassador, and active community volunteer. She is a member of both the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society and has contributed to research in emergency medicine, rehabilitation, and healthcare quality improvement.
Through her volunteer work with the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges and other community organizations, Gabby has developed a deep appreciation for the resilience of patients facing life-altering conditions. She plans to pursue a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation, integrating osteopathic principles and osteopathic manipulative medicine to help patients maximize function, independence, and overall well-being.
Student Doctor Siemer exemplifies the values of the Outstanding Scholar Award, presented in honor of the Foundation’s Outstanding Physician honoree. Gabby’s path serves as an inspiring testament to leadership, perseverance, and the transformative power of service through osteopathic medicine.
The Osteopathic Founders Foundation proudly recognizes Eddy Bagaruka as the recipient of the 2026 Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship.
Eddy’s journey to medicine has been shaped by resilience, service, and a commitment to healthcare equity. Originally from Rwanda, Eddy previously worked as a radiographer and sonographer serving rural and underserved communities before immigrating to the United States. His experiences witnessing healthcare disparities firsthand inspired his dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care and advocacy for underserved populations.
At OSU-COM, Eddy has distinguished himself academically, ranking among the top students in his class while actively contributing to leadership, teaching, research, and student wellness initiatives. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, received numerous academic honors, including the 2025 AOF Golden Ticket Scholarship and Research Excellence Award, and serves in leadership roles with several student organizations. His research focuses on healthcare disparities, clinical trial diversity, artificial intelligence in medicine, and evidence-based healthcare.
Eddy plans to pursue a career in urology, where he hopes to combine procedural medicine with long-term patient relationships while improving access to specialty care in rural and underserved communities. He also remains committed to global health initiatives in Africa and to mentoring future physicians through a career grounded in compassion, humility, and service.
His academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to service embody the ideals of the Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship, honoring the next generation of physicians who exemplify professionalism, scholarship, and a commitment to both their patients and their communities.
Past Recipients
| Outstanding Scholar | Tribute Scholar | |
| 2012 | Kyle F. Summers | Jessee K. Bustinza |
| 2013 | Clay M. Merritt | Matthew L. Sullivan |
| 2014 | Rachael A. Hayden | J. Adam Hawkins |
| 2015 | Mohamad H. Khattab | Caleb Scheckel |
| 2016 | Clayton S. Farahani | Trevor J. Conner |
| 2017 | W. Daniel Chapman | Danielle L. Strawn |
| 2018 | Michael M. Sutton | Jordan Wiebe |
| 2019 | Taran B. Valdivia Carlisle | Courtney Cook |
| 2020 | Ryan Ottwell | Rachel Hardy |
| 2021 | Mopileola Tomi Adewumi | Toni A.E. Nigro |
| 2022 | Adam Warren | Kaylea Feldman |
| 2023 | Jordyn Austin | Caleb Smith and Alexis Spence |
| 2024 | Sydney Jacob | Molly Bloom |
| 2025 | Alyson Mack | Alex Baldridge |
| 2026 | Gabrielle Siemer | Eddy Bagaruka |