In July 2000, the Academy's Board of Trustees created a new award, The Academy Award for presentation to recipients outside the AAO family in recognition for their contributions and support to the profession. This initiative addressed several action items from the AAO's Strategic Plan. The Board identified the first recipient at its October 2000 meeting and presented the inaugural award at the March 2001 AAO Convocation. 

The Academy Award recipient demonstrates commitment to osteopathic principles and to the osteopathic profession; exhibits outstanding efforts and/or special contributions to promote osteopathy; continuously shows support of and collaboration with osteopathic organizations; and haa a vision that is complimentary to the Academy's Mission.

The Academy Award

2001  Andrew T. Weil, MD
2002  Ms. Judy Staser (SCTF)
2003  W. Douglas Ward, PhD
2004  lrvin M. Korr, PhD*
2005  Albert Kelso, PhD*
2006  Norman Gevitz, PhD
2007  Barbara Peterson, D,Litt (Hon)
2008  Frank H. Willard, PhD
2009  Stephen J. Noone, MS, CAE
2010  John B. Crosby, JD

*denotes deceased