March 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 highlighting the launch of the OsteopathicAI definition — now live and open for community feedback — and ways for you to get involved. From the new AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award to exclusive discounts on American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s[GM1] (ACLM) conferences, plus upcoming virtual sessions for CME credits—there’s something for everyone. Explore, share, and help us amplify the osteopathic voice in digital health.
OsteopathicAI Definition Now Live — Community Feedback Needed!
We’re excited to share that the OsteopathicAI definition is now live on the AOiA website.
This definition was developed through an iterative review process, shaped by the insights and expertise of our volunteer subject matter expert leaders. Now, we’re inviting the broader osteopathic community to review the draft and share feedback ahead of formal adoption.
How to participate:
1. Review the full draft definition
2. Share your response— whether you support it as written or have suggestions to offer
Your input is essential to ensuring this definition reflects osteopathic values and real‑world practice.
Review and respond here: https://www.aoiassn.org/digital-health-innovation-resources
The DO- New Articles
OsteopathicAI: How a Professional Standard for AI Can Strengthen our Commitment to Whole-Person Care
Check out the latest The DO article by Ravi Yarid, DO, AOiA Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee member, and learn how OsteopathicAI supports whole‑person care—and how the public can provide feedback.
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/
AOF/AOiA Digital Health Excellence Award
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
Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee Nominations Opens on March 27th!
Interested in becoming a part of the FY27 AOiA Digital Health Innovation (DHI) 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[GM2]
Upcoming events
Free CME Webinar Opportunity!
Act Fast—Spots Fill Quickly!
Register Here (https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_blQne3rsS32JYbT8OdWbmA#/registration)
Happenings in the DO community
On-demand CME Events
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.
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!
Registration is officially open for LM2026, the premier lifestyle medicine conference of the year. Join leading experts and innovators for cutting‑edge research, practical tools, and real‑world strategies to help clinicians transform patient care. Register before March 31 to secure the best pricing and be part of the momentum shaping the future of lifestyle medicine.
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[GM5]
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.
-------------------
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