ACOFP Blog

Each year, ACOFP recognizes individuals who have contributed outstanding national and local service, as well as dedication to ACOFP, to the health and welfare of their patients and to the future of osteopathic medicine, through the designation of Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FACOFP). Fellows who have gone above and beyond through contributions and service to ACOFP and the osteopathic family physician community are further recognized through the ACOFP Distinguished Fellow Award.

We asked the ACOFP Conclave of Fellows: What does being a Fellow mean to you? Here’s what a few of them said.

In addition to being AOA board-certified, being a Fellow allows for another opportunity to maintain lifelong osteopathic distinctiveness.
—James J. Arnold, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP

It is a high point of pride for me. [The] ACOFP Fellow designation sets a very high bar for admission, and I am proud to be in this elite group with some of the most influential DOs in the United States.
—Katherine A. Lincoln, DO, MHA, FACOFP

It means showing pride in my profession and doing more than just being an osteopathic physician. By example of osteopathic principles, [I am] showing the way for promising young people to become part of the profession and continue the growth of the osteopathic family.
—Michael J. Zawisza, DO, FACOFP

I am honored to be a Fellow and display the title of Fellow behind my name and degree, because it displays to others that I am willing to go that extra mile for service and scholarship.
—Thomas N. Told, DO, FACOFP dist.; Past President, ACOFP Board of Governors

Sharing a common experience with other osteopathic family physicians by holding myself to a higher standard of compassion, knowledge and professionalism in patient care.
—Geraldine N. Urse, DO, FACOFP, MHPEd

Fellowship means fellowship! Our Fellows are maybe my closest brothers and sisters in the profession. They have worked hard to be at the top of our profession and be our best representatives.
—William H. Stager, DO, MS, FACOFP dist.

It means showing pride in my profession and doing more than just being an osteopathic physician. By example of osteopathic principles, [I am] showing the way for promising young people to become part of the profession and continue the growth of the osteopathic family.

—Michael J. Zawisza, DO, FACOFP

My Fellow Award is an important recognition of my leadership commitment and dedication to osteopathic family medicine. I look to my Fellow colleagues as mentors and resources within the osteopathic profession and within the specialty of family medicine. I think that being a Fellow lets my colleagues know that I can be a mentor and resource to them.
—Bruce R. Williams, DO, FACOFP; President-Elect, ACOFP Board of Governors

Being a Fellow shows that I have done more than the physician who is boarded or non-boarded. It separates me from the “average” doctor. It says I have done extra work to be designated a “Fellow.”
—Dewey R. McAfee, DO, FACOFP

It means belonging to a group of like-minded physicians who are dedicated to furthering osteopathic family medicine for years to come.
—Melinda E. Ford, DO, FACOFP

Being a Fellow of the College is an opportunity to extend my professional network, support my profession and further goals I cannot achieve alone—to strive to be the best osteopathic family physician possible.
—Nelson Eng, DO, FACOFP

That I have the opportunities to advocate for my profession. Being in medical education, being a fellow enriches my chance to contact and influence new family physicians.
—Jill Y. Porter, DO, FACOFP

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate a level of scholarship and leadership for our College and our osteopathic profession in a tangible way—and it is a commitment to continue do so and serve as a guide and mentors for others who feel similarly.
—Saroj Misra, DO, FACOFP; Governor, ACOFP Board of Governors

Join this elite group by submitting your Fellow Award application by September 15 or your Distinguished Fellow Award application by December 1.