SEATTLE, Washington — Dr. John Kauffman, dean of Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, was honored as the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Educator of the Year at the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference in Seattle, Washington, on Friday, Oct. 24.
Given annually, the award “honors and recognizes osteopathic educators who inspire greatness and change lives — they shape the future of the osteopathic profession.” It’s awarded to an individual who not only emulates the osteopathic profession’s highest standards of excellence in teaching, but one who is passionate about osteopathic medicine, has made a significant impact on the academic advancement of osteopathic students, and has made long-standing contributions to the profession in the academic arena.
“Dr. Kauffman, a medical educator for over 20 years, was an easy choice amongst many who were nominated for the awards because of his role in founding the medical school at Campbell University,” said Dr. Anthony Ottaviani, president of the AOF Board of Directors. “Campbell has shown an incredible commitment to the osteopathic profession. The school of medicine and the residency programs they are founding in North Carolina will help provide medical care to the underserved.”
Kauffman began a career in medical education in Pennsylvania at Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center in 1993 and went on to serve as associate dean of postgraduate affairs at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. He has established residency programs throughout his career and continues to be active with domestic and international medical missions.
The printed announcement for the awards praised Kauffman as “an outstanding educator who leads by example and inspires greatness in his students” and “a tireless, dedicated physician who exhibits the best of the osteopathic profession.”
A group of 30 faculty, staff and students from the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine joined Dr. Kauffman and his family in Seattle to celebrate the receipt of the award.
“I have been a medical educator for the past 21 years — years which have truly been the best years of my life,” Kauffman said. “We are all the sum of the opportunities and experiences we have had in life, and I have many to thank.”