Nashville, TN Music City Center — The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) proudly convened its 2025 Scientific Assembly, marking an exceptional year of education, innovation, and recognition within the field of osteopathic emergency medicine. This year’s Assembly also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the College, honoring five decades of advancing the specialty and fostering a vibrant community of osteopathic emergency physicians.

The Scientific Assembly included an Awards and Fellowship Ceremony on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025. The evening highlighted the achievements of outstanding members whose dedication, leadership, and service have profoundly impacted the profession. The ceremony began with the oath of office for incoming ACOEP President, Benjamin Godfrey, DO, FACOEP, officially welcoming him to the role and recognizing his commitment to guiding the College forward.

ACOEP honored excellence across multiple areas, presenting awards to individuals who have made remarkable contributions in education, mentorship, EMS, leadership, and lifetime achievement:

  • Excellence in Education Award: Spencer Heath, DO was recognized for his creative, engaging, and compassionate teaching that inspires medical students, residents, and colleagues across the country.
  • Benjamin A. Field Mentor of the Year Award: Melody Milliron, DO received this award for her unwavering mentorship and innovative contributions to emergency medicine education over nearly two decades.
  • Excellence in EMS Award: Jack Chambers, DO was celebrated for his leadership in prehospital care, community programs, and emergency medical services education.
  • Willoughby Award: Christine F. Giesa, DO, FACOEP-D was honored for her transformative leadership, including serving as ACOEP’s 21st President and pioneering initiatives to advance women in emergency medicine.
  • Bruce D. Horton Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert E. Suter, DO, FACOEP-D was recognized for a distinguished career spanning clinical excellence, education, global advocacy, and service to the specialty over more than 30 years.

The Assembly also acknowledged outstanding contributions from students and resident organizations, celebrating the RSO Student of the Year, Ahmed Fall (Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus), and RSO Club of the Year, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

ACOEP further recognized the dedication of its members through the conferral of Fellowship and Distinguished Fellowship, honoring physicians who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the College and the specialty:

  • Fellows: Joshua Nast, DO, FACOEP; Sam Slade, DO, FACOEP; Thomas Stauffer, DO, FACOEP
  • Distinguished Fellows: Benjamin Godfrey, DO, FACOEP-D; Brian Risavi, DO, FACOEP-D; Duane Corsi, DO, FACOEP-D; Eric Wernsman, DO, FACOEP-D; Katherine Pitus, DO, FACOEP-D

Finally, the Foundation for Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (FOEM) presented the 2025 Research Competition Awards, honoring residents and students for excellence in the Clinical Pathological Case (CPC) Competition and Oral Abstract presentations, showcasing innovation, scholarship, and critical thinking in emergency medicine.

“Tonight, we celebrate not only individual achievement, but also the collective dedication and innovation that define our specialty, and have for more than 50 years” said Jennifer Axelband, DO, FACOEP, FCCM at the event. “From mentorship and education to leadership and research, our award recipients exemplify the mission of ACOEP and inspire the next generation of osteopathic emergency physicians.”

The 2025 Scientific Assembly and 50th Anniversary celebrations underscore ACOEP’s enduring commitment to advancing osteopathic emergency medicine through education, advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration. For more information about ACOEP, its awards, and ongoing programs, please visit https://acoep.org/.