February 2026 Update
Join us for the latest updates on AOiA's Digital Health Innovation initiative (link: https://www.aoiassn.org/innovation), where we're amplifying osteopathic leadership in digital health and innovation. This month, we’re spotlighting exciting collaborations, new opportunities for CME, and ways for you to get involved. From the new AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award to exclusive discounts on ACLM’s Lifestyle Medicine conference, plus upcoming virtual sessions and FAQs to keep you informed—there’s something for everyone. Explore, share, and help us amplify the osteopathic voice in digital health.
The DO- New Articles
Digital Health Literacy: Best Practices and Resources for Osteopathic Medical Students
Dr. Norman Vinn, with contributions from the Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee and AOiA staff, has released an article on The DO on why digital health literacy is becoming an essential skill for future physicians. This article breaks down best practices that help medical students integrate digital health into everyday clinical care. A valuable read for anyone preparing to practice in an increasingly tech-enabled healthcare environment!
DO Appointed to VA Leadership Role
Haipeng “Mark” Zhang, DO, has been named Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health (AUSH) at the Veterans Health Administration, bringing his deep innovation and clinical informatics experience to the DEAN office. He previously served as the VA’s Chief Innovation Officer and continues to support AOiA through his liaison role on the Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee.
Read more: https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2026/02/do-appointed-to-va-leadership-role/
DHI Steering Committee nominations teaser
Interested in becoming a part of the FY27 AOiA Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee? The nomination window will be open from March 27, 2026 and will close on May 2, 2026. More information to follow!
Emerging DO Updates – DOctors' Lounge
We’re excited to introduce the DOctors’ Lounge, a new feature of the Emerging DO Platform created just for you! Think of it as your virtual hangout—a place to share stories, swap ideas, and celebrate what makes osteopathic medicine so special. It includes a Digital Health Innovation Special Interest Group.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Casual conversations with peers
Specialty forums for deeper discussions
Special interest groups to connect over shared passions
Community highlights showcasing achievements
Jump in, start a discussion, and help us make this space vibrant and welcoming. Your voice matters—let’s build this community together!
Join the DOctors’ Lounge today: https://www.emergingdo.org/Group/doctors-lounge/Today
AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award
2026 AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award Reviewer Information
Reviewer Role & Commitment
Volunteers review and score award applications, playing a vital role in recognizing excellence in the osteopathic profession.
Time commitment: ~2 hours over a 14-day review period (May 4-18, 2026) Assignment: Review up to 10 applications using standardized rubrics via email link
Requirements:
Submit CV and sign conflict-of-interest statement
Complete brief online training (new reviewers only)
Award Overview
Established in 2025, this award recognizes an osteopathic physician demonstrating excellence in ethical digital health integration that transforms patient care while reducing physician burden through evidence-based implementation and measurable impact.
Digital health integration includes: EHR optimization, telemedicine, clinical decision support, patient engagement technologies, health monitoring devices, AI applications, and digital therapeutics aligned with osteopathic principles.
Timeline
Nominations open: March 17, 2026
Nominations close: April 30, 2026
Review period: May 4-18, 2026
Winner notification: By May 31, 2026
Full details: https://aof.org/grants/aof-aoia-digital-health-excellence-award
AOF’s Project Future
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) has launched Project Future, a multi‑year collaborative initiative designed to shape the next era of Osteopathic Medicine. Developed with insights from more than 100 physicians, educators, researchers, students, and thought leaders nationwide, Project Future culminates in a newly released Vision Paper outlining forward‑looking recommendations across four key pillars: Professional Identity, Osteopathic Medical Education, Research, and Clinical Practice. The initiative offers not just analysis, but a call to action – charting a clear, ambitious, and achievable roadmap for strengthening and advancing the Osteopathic profession in the years ahead.
Learn more: https://aof.org/impact-initiatives/project-future
UPDATED Digital Health Innovation FAQ
Did you know that the Digital Health Innovation Community has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource dedicated to digital health technologies for osteopathic medicine? We do, and it was just recently updated in December 2025!
It’s newly updated to include comprehensive guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in osteopathic healthcare, covering:
AI Opportunities – How AI can enhance patient care and clinical decision-making
Challenges – Key barriers and considerations for adoption
Ethical Considerations & Privacy – Ensuring responsible use and patient data protection
Implementation & Training – Best practices for integrating AI into workflows
Security & Resilience – Safeguarding systems against cyber threats
Practice Management & Administrative Efficiency – Streamlining operations with AI tools
Future Directions & Policy – Emerging trends and regulatory frameworks shaping AI in healthcare
Explore the updated FAQ here: https://www.aoiassn.org/dhi/faq
AOiA and Health Information Systems Society (HIMSS) Collaboration
AOiA is excited to be a part of the HIMSS26 Global Health Conference & Exhibition as a Conference Collaborator. The countdown to Healthcare’s transformative event has begun—secure your spot now. HIMSS26 isn’t just a conference; it’s the epicenter of healthcare technology where groundbreaking solutions meet visionary minds.
Our members receive the HIMSS Collaborator Rate (member rate) to attend HIMSS26. To get the savings enter the following code when prompted: AOIA26. Register today and save!
Lifestyle Medicine for Musculoskeletal Health
Listen to Heidi Prather, DO, DipABLM, and Devyani Hunt, MD, DipABLM, as they explore interprofessional lifestyle medicine programs for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Discover how lifestyle interventions can improve pain, function, and overall health, and review outcomes from real-world programs.
AOIA members save 10% with code AOIA2026.
Learn more and register today.
LM2026 Registration Opens March 2!
Don’t miss the premier lifestyle medicine conference of the year. LM2026 brings together leading experts, cutting-edge research, and practical tools to help clinicians transform patient care. AOIA members save 10% on virtual conference registration—mark your calendar and be among the first to secure your spot!
Learn more and register starting March 2.
DIME Partner Media Kit
DiMe is excited to share their first initiative of 2026: Scaling Trusted, High-Impact AI Care Navigation. This project will build on DiMe’s AI in Healthcare Playbook (used by 100s of healthcare and innovation organizations) to accelerate responsible AI adoption for patients navigating our overwhelming and fragmented health system. For care navigation leaders, this is your opportunity to help define what "good" looks like in practice. Together with payors, providers, patient groups, and tech innovators, you’ll be at the forefront of building shared evidence, performance expectations, and trust frameworks that buyers and regulators will increasingly rely on when evaluating navigation solutions. DiME is actively welcoming new partners to join this initiative. Don’t miss your chance: https://lnkd.in/eJfx4p77
Upcoming events
Free CME Webinar Opportunity!
Join us for a free CME opportunity! This webinar aims to identify federal policy barriers that create administrative burdens in digital health adoption and limit physician-led implementation of prevention-focused care.
Act Fast—Spots Fill Quickly!
Register Here (button link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ymea-wA6SNOATE853HDZUw)
Join Us for Digital Health Office Hours
Have questions about digital health or AI? Join our virtual office hours—an informal session where you can connect with subject matter experts and get your questions answered.
These sessions are open to COM students and osteopathic community members alike. Whether you're exploring new technologies as a student or seeking practical insights as a practicing professional, come discuss real-world challenges and opportunities in digital health and AI.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in advancing osteopathic voices in digital health. No question is too big or too small—this is your space to engage, learn, and collaborate.
Register Here (button link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V95d0eDaQN-CWy-EJOFOtA#/registration )
On-demand CME Events
Don’t forget!
Explore our Digital Health Innovation (DHI) Events Page (Link: https://www.aoiassn.org/dhi/events/ ) for on-demand CME opportunities designed to keep you ahead in digital health.
Happenings in the DO community
Why Lifestyle Medicine Matters
As an osteopathic physician, you're already trained to treat the whole person. Lifestyle medicine provides a powerful, evidence-based framework for helping patients prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic conditions through everyday behaviors. Through our partnership with ACLM, AOIA members gain discounted access to practical, specialty-agnostic CME that supports your commitment to patient-centered care.
Explore ACLM’s lifestyle medicine courses (Link: https://lifestylemedicine.org/education-courses/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ADA ) and save 10% with code AOIA2025.
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New to the Digital Health Innovation community? Join us here (Link: https://aoaforms.formstack.com/forms/join_the_cop) to be included in networking opportunities and learn about the latest news in osteopathic medicine. Stay connected by following us on LinkedIn. Please email us at innovation@osteopathic.org with your ideas for topics, speakers or any questions. We are deeply committed to advancing digital health within the osteopathic community and look forward to your continued interest and participation in this vital effort!
Sincerely, The AOiA Innovation team.