Mentoring Program
Connecting osteopathic students, interns, and residents with established practitioners to help build a better future for osteopathic medicine.
The AOA Mentor Exchange web pages were developed to provide a vehicle for DOs to offer their guidance and wisdom; and for student doctors, interns, residents and DOs who are seeking a mentor to benefit from their knowledge and experience.
Nineteen Physicians Inducted into the OOA Mentoring Hall of Fame
The Association inducted 19 physcians into the OOA Mentoring Hall of Fame during the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium, May 18, 2013. Click here to see a slide presentation honoring the first inductees.
Philip A."Duke" Starr, II, DO, Receives 2012 Mentor of the Year Award
Philip A. “Duke” Starr II, DO, of Warren, (right) was presented the 2012 Mentor of the Year by OOA President Albert M. Salomon, DO, during the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium in April. He is currently director of the Family Practice Residency, chief of the Family Practice
Department, and CORE assistant dean at St. Joseph Health Center. In all of these roles he has been a mentor and friend to osteopathic medical students and residents.
For his trainees, Dr. Starr creates a feeling of family, initiating several annual gatherings, hosting Thanksgiving dinner, encouraging participation at the OOA District Academy meetings, and more. The three residents who individually submitted nominations said he is the perfect model for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional physician. They appreciate his calm demeanor, individualized support, and accessibility, but also his clinical skills, including OMM.
"Dr. Starr is the epitome of what an osteopathic mentor should be", said OOA President Albert M. Salomon, DO. "His commitment is helping to develop the next generation of osteopathic physicians."
The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation (OHF ) presents a $1,000 contribution to a charitable organization, OU-HCOM or any post-graduate training program of the recipient's choice. Dr. Starr designed the St. Joseph Medical Center CORE site as the recipient.
Students, Residents and Fellows Are Encouraged to Nominate their Favorite Mentor for the George L. Eckert, Jr., DO, Mentor of the Year Award
The George L. Eckert, Jr., DO, Mentor of the Year award was established in 2011 to honor a physician each year who has a record of offering guidance and encouragement to medical students, residents, and fellows. Any Ohio osteopathic medical student, resident, or fellow may submit a nomination by March 1 of each year. For a nomination form, criteria and additional information click here: Mentor Nomination Form
Joni S. Canby, DO, of Youngstown, nominated by Louis Volino, OMS III, received the George L. Eckert, Jr, DO, Mentor of the Year award, presented for the first time during the 2011 Ohio Osteopathic Symposium.
Funding for the award is provided by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations (OHF). The award is presented during the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium each springl. The winner receives a plaque from the association and the OHF presents a $1,000 contribution to a charitable organization, OU-HCOM or any post-graduate training program of the recipient's choice.
Dr. Eckert, who died February 2, 2011, was a family physician in Columbus. He was well known by the profession as chaplain of the OOA House of Delegates, delivering the opening prayer for more than 25 years. He opened his office in 1954, on North High Street just blocks from the Ohio State University, and operated his practice with compassion and grace for over 28 years. In 1982, he accepted a position at Doctors Hospital as the director of Medical Education, a post he held until his retirement in 1991.
During his career, Dr. Eckert served as Chief of Staff at Doctors Hospital, Medical Director at Thurber Village Care Center, Board member for Peer Review Systems, Inc., member of the Columbus Board of Health for 16 years and it's President for three terms, and a Clinical Professor, for the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He chaired numerous committees, councils and associations, was active in the Ohio Osteopathic Association, served as an Ohio delegate to the American Osteopathic Association and served as President of the Columbus Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. He continued his service as a trustee of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the DH Foundation for many years.
Dr. Eckert cared for thousands and counseled hundreds on subjects ranging from community health, education, the practice of family medicine, professional politics, to life in general. And, most importantly, he was a friend to all those who had the privilege to know him. His faith, loving devotion to his family, and his dedication to the health and education of our community, will be remembered, treasured, and appreciated for many years to come.
