A Special Tribute to Dr. Robert G. G. Piccinini


As Dr. Piccinini takes on the honor of serving as the 129th President of the American Osteopathic Association, his family, friends, and colleagues share heartfelt messages of pride and congratulations. Their words reflect the impact he’s made not only in the field of osteopathic medicine—but in the lives of those who know him best.

Michigan Delegates at the AOA


MOA delegates proudly represented Michigan at the 2025 AOA House of Delegates in Chicago, where hundreds of osteopathic physicians from across the country gathered to shape the future of the profession. Our delegation actively participated in reference committee hearings, policy debates, and strategic discussions that directly impact osteopathic medicine at both the state and national levels.


Michigan’s voice was strong and respected, thanks to the thoughtful engagement and expertise of our delegates. We are especially proud of our student and resident representatives who brought meaningful perspectives to the conversation and demonstrated the future strength of osteopathic leadership.

Stay tuned for a full summary of adopted resolutions and committee actions in our upcoming Pulse. These updates will help you stay informed about policy changes that may affect your practice and professional obligations.

MSUCOM Students Represent Michigan at AOA House of Delegates in Chicago


Recently, a dedicated group of students from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) took center stage at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates meeting in Chicago. Alongside practicing DOs and resident physicians from Michigan, these students actively contributed to shaping policy and learned invaluable advocacy skills.

The MOA would like to recognize the Michigan delegation for exceeding their OPAC donation goal during this year’s AOA meetings. Your generous contributions reflect a strong commitment to advancing osteopathic advocacy and ensuring our profession maintains a strong voice at both the state and national levels. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

2026 MOA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS


Connections·Continuing Medical Education·Advocacy


The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is proud to serve and support our members and the osteopathic profession through meaningful connections, high-quality continuing medical education, and dedicated advocacy.


CHECK YOUR INBOX. Membership renewal for 2026 will be sent this month via e-mail.


As a reminder, 80% of your annual dues may be tax-deductible as a business expense.

Kristi Hawley, DO, FAAD, Named New Chair of Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee


The Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee (MDPAC) is pleased to announce that Kristi Hawley, DO, FAAD, has been named its new Chair. 

NOW OPEN: Mackinac Straits Advanced Wound Center

Now Open: the Mackinac Straits Advanced Wound Center, a specialized outpatient clinic dedicated to the treatment of hard-to-heal and non-healing wounds.


Their expert team of highly trained clinicians combines traditional methods with the latest advanced therapies to help patients heal faster and more effectively.


  • Faster healing times
  • Longer-lasting results
  • Improved mobility and quality of life


Providing hope and healing—because every step toward recovery matters.


Located on the second floor of Mackinac Straits Hospital



For referrals or more information, call (906) 328-2157

McLaren Greater Lansing’s Birthplace Receives Highest Designation by the MI AIM

McLaren Greater Lansing’s labor and delivery unit, The Birthplace, is a proud recipient of the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) platinum quality improvement designation in recognition of Michigan birthing hospitals that are improving care for mothers and babies.


The platinum designation is MI AIM’s highest rating to receive.


To read the full article, visit:

Breaking the Silence on Male Breast Cancer


Madelyn Dickens, a MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine student, is transforming personal adversity into powerful advocacy. After her father was diagnosed with breast cancer, she launched a grassroots campaign—raising awareness, influencing medical curriculum, and even running the Fargo Marathon—to highlight this often-overlooked disease in men.

Michigan LARA Requirements for Osteopathic Physicians


MI LARA License Renewal Cycle: 3-years


150 hours - A minimum of 60 hours must be earned through MI LARA Category 1 programs, and 40 hours must be AOA approved. 


 Implicit Bias Training: 3 hours per cycle

Medical Ethics: 1 hour per cycle

Pain and Symptom Management: 3 hours per cycle

(1 hour must include controlled substance prescribing)


One-Time Training ONLY


 Human Trafficking

Opioid and Controlled Substances Awareness

Useful Links

MOA on-demand CME programs are available 24/7/365 at CMELearningCenter.com.


The MOA Learning Center offers 200 hours of on-demand CME courses, qualifying for AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1-A Credit(s)™ to help you meet state licensing requirements. 


NEW COURSES RECENTLY ADDED!


  • FREE MDHHS & MOA Opioid Training - 4 credits
  • MOA Spring 2025 - 32.25 credits
  • Updated of STD for primary care 2025 - 1 credit

The Michigan Osteopathic Association partners with several health care organizations to provide resources and job opportunities for physicians at any point in their career. This section offers links to health care organizations and associations who provide information and job postings for DOs.

At McLaren Health Care, our employees help our communities, make life-changing discoveries, and facilitate positive change in health care as a whole. By working for McLaren, you are part of a leading team of talented professionals across many areas of expertise that create a positive difference every day for those we serve.


Mackinac Strait Health System is one of the area’s largest employers, with over 330 team members serving their patients and residents throughout the MSHS organization. Besides offering competitive wages, they also offer an excellent benefits package for full and part time team members, which includes affordable Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Health, Dental and Vision plans, prescription drug plans, generous paid time off, and a defined pension program for your retirement.


At Corewell Health, clinical opportunity intertwines with a commitment to exceptional and personalized care at all levels. Join a clinical team focused on the personalized experience, driving innovation through new technology and achieving national recognition for quality and excellence, all while maintaining the reason you joined this profession—to help people.

Angelo Stoyanovich, D.O. | July 1, 2025

Dr. Stoyanovich joined the MOA in 1981.

Link to local obituary


Lee A. Rea, D.O. | June 21, 2025

Dr. Rea was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1971.

Link to local obituary


Robert Shimmel, D.O. | May 17, 2025

Dr. Shimmel was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1957.

Link to local obituary


Roy A. Hills, D.O. | May 5, 2025

Dr. Hills was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1954.

Link to local obituary


Kirk Herrick, D.O. | March 2025

Dr. Herrick was an MOA Past President and Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1961.


Gladstone A. Payton, D.O. | Mar 30, 2025

Dr. Payton was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1969.

Link to local obituary


Robert J. Stomel, D.O. | Feb 21, 2025

Dr. Stomel was an MOA Past President and Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1985.

Link to local obituary


David K. Best, D.O. | Feb 12, 2025

Dr. Best was an MOA Past President and practiced Family Medicine in Traverse City, MI.

Link to local obituary


John E. Thornburg, D.O. | Feb 9, 2025

Dr. Thornburg was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1978.

Link to local obituary

William F. Stanley Jr., D.O. | Feb 9, 2025

Dr. Stanley was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1964.

Link to local obituary


Frank L. Donar, D.O. | Feb 7, 2025

Dr. Donar was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1967.


David A. Schwartz, D.O. | Jan 26, 2025

Dr. Schwartz was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1977.

Link to local obituary



Kenneth J. Kobes, D.O. | Jan 22, 2025

Dr. Kobes was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1956.

Link to local obituary



David Leszkowitz, D.O. | Jan 17, 2025

Dr. Leszkowitz practiced Family Medicine and joined the MOA in 1992.


Denis L. Gibbs, D.O. | Jan 2, 2025

Dr. Gibbs practiced Radiology in Niles, MI

Link to local obituary


Ronald G. Baker, D.O. | Dec 10, 2024

Dr. Baker was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1957.

Link to local obituary



Jerald Gach, D.O. | Dec 7, 2024

Dr. Gach was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1972.

Link to local obituary

Facebook  X  Instagram