Executive Insight: Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Looking at the Road Ahead

By Heidi A. Weber, MBA, CAE Executive Director

As I close out the first year of my tenure at the helm, I want to recognize the collective efforts that have strengthened the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) and positioned our members—and the osteopathic community at large—for continued success. From advocacy wins to growing member engagement, I have dedicated the last 12 months to amplifying the voices of osteopathic physicians in Ohio and ensuring they are heard, valued, and supported. Relationship building is at the heart of everything I do. 

This work would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of so many. I am deeply grateful for the support of our Board of Trustees, particularly our officers, and our past presidents, both OOA and AOA, whose leadership and commitment have driven progress and fostered meaningful change. Together, we have seized new opportunities while tackling the critical challenge of honoring our commitments to members, strategic partners, and stakeholders, all the while advancing efforts to modernize the organization for a thriving future.

Strong Advocacy, Big Impact
Over the course of the year, the OOA took decisive action to strengthen the voice of osteopathic physicians in Ohio. We: 

• Maintained a strong connection with the Ohio Department of Health and the State Medical Board of Ohio to be a presence and reminder of our commitment to Ohio’s healthcare landscape.
• Led national advocacy efforts by advancing Ohio resolutions at the AOA House of Delegates, contributing policy language on osteopathic recognition exams, physical exams in medical education, and informed consent.
• Supported the next generation of osteopathic leaders by creating opportunities for student engagement and professional development.
• Convened OOA’s first Strategic Planning retreat in almost a decade, where leaders and partners worked together to map out future priorities and set a course for continued growth.
• Attended 10+ political fundraisers to show the osteopathic support of candidates. The OOA PAC gives to both sides and encourages candidates to learn more about us.

These efforts reinforced OOA’s influence at the state and national levels, underscoring our key role as champions for the profession. Danny Hurley from Capitol Consulting has guided the OOA in connecting with lawmakers and other Ohio healthcare organizations.

Looking Ahead: Advocacy That Delivers Results
OOA remains committed to building a strong policy framework that gives osteopathic physicians a strong voice in shaping the future of healthcare in Ohio and beyond. Together, we will build on the progress made in 2024 and take bold steps to expand advocacy engagement and boost our impact statewide.

A key priority in the coming year is reimagining Ohio DO Day in October or November at the Statehouse in Columbus. This noteworthy event connects members with top decisionmakers in face-to-face meetings, providing a powerful, personal forum to discuss pressing healthcare issues that directly impact their practice and their patients. Stay tuned for this signature event.

To prepare participants for these critical conversations, OOA will introduce two new initiatives aimed at enhancing advocacy skills and legislative engagement: The OOA Advocacy Bootcamp will provide physicians and students with targeted training on effective policy communication, while the Student Lobbyist Shadowing Program will provide the next generation of osteopathic leaders with hands-on experience navigating the legislative process. Together, these programs will equip members with the knowledge and confidence to drive meaningful change in healthcare policy.

In addition, OOA will host quarterly Advocacy Town Hall Meetings across the state to keep members informed and engaged with real-time updates on legislative developments. These gatherings will provide a space to discuss emerging healthcare policies, share insights on regulatory changes, and strategize on how best to advocate for the profession.

Coalition of Ohio Osteopathic Associations

Strength In Numbers
A strong, unified voice is the key to effective advocacy. OOA knows that building solid partnerships with allied groups will strengthen our collective impact and protect the future of osteopathic medicine.

In 2025, collaboration remains central to OOA’s advocacy strategy. Through partnerships with the Ohio Coalition of Primary Care Physicians and participation in the House of Medicine, the association will work alongside other physician groups to address shared priorities and reinforce the critical role of osteopathic medicine in Ohio’s healthcare landscape. To foster deeper collaboration among osteopathic groups across the state, the association is also establishing the Coalition of Ohio Osteopathic Associations. These aligned efforts are vital to amplify the collective voice of the profession, tackle key policy challenges, and advance a healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered, physician-led care.

Convening the Osteopathic Community
One of the most exciting opportunities to connect as a profession is coming up in April—the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium. This premier event brings together DOs, residents, and students to learn, collaborate, and advance their careers.

This year’s Symposium promises expert-led CME sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. The Symposium will also host two influential national leaders in osteopathic medicine. American Osteopathic Association President Teresa A. Hubka and and American College of Osteopathic Physicians Incoming President Gautam J. Desai, DO, will attend in person, underscoring the significance of this event and Ohio’s leadership role within the profession.

I encourage you to explore more about the Symposium in this magazine and make plans to attend this pivotal gathering of osteopathic professionals.

Thank You for a Meaningful Year
Serving as your Executive Director has been an honor, and I am inspired by the dedication, resilience, and leadership of our members. We’ve made great strides, but there’s still more work to do—and we’ll do it together.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve the osteopathic community.