OOA Hosts Successful Convention

300+ DOs in Attendance

The Ohio Osteopathic Convention, held June 18-21 in Sandusky, was among the organization's largest.  While the numbers haven't been officially tallied, more than 315 DOs attended as well as residents, interns, students, spouses, exhibitors, and guests. 

Highlights included the installation of Christopher J. Loyke, DO, of Cleveland, as OOA president for 2009-2010; presentations from AOA President Carlo J. DiMarco, DO, ACOFP President Jan Zieren, DO, and ACOI Past President Kevin P. Hubbard, DO; the traditional Farewell Brunch with grand prize drawings; the OOA-Centers for Osteopathic Research & Education Poster Exhibition; and the JO Watson, DO, Memorial Lecture. 

In addition to Loyke, other physicians elected to the Executive Committee were President-elect Schield M. "Sandy" Wikas, DO, of Akron/Canton; First Vice President Albert M. Salomon, DO, of Columbus (who served as Convention chair); Second Vice President John F. Ramey, DO, of Sandusky; Treasurer Robert L. Hunter, DO, of Dayton; and Member-at-Large Sean D. Stiltner, DO, of Cincinnati.

Several physicians were honored during the Convention.  Although unable to attend, Boyd W. Bowden, DO, of Columbus, received the Distinguished Service Award, the OOA's highest honor; Constance P. Cashen, DO, of Toledo, received the Trustees Award; Patrick J. Martin, CEO at Fisher-Titus Medical Center, received the Meritorious Service Award; and four brothers, Frank R. Raymond, DO, Clifford W. Raymond, MD, Norman D.E. Raymond, DO, and Russell E. Raymond, DO, received the M. Bridget Wagner, DO, Humanitarian Award.  In addition, Fran Daly, PhD, director of the Costin Institute at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, received the JO Watson, DO, Memorial Lecture Award.

Fifteen physicians received Life Membership Awards:  Carolyn M. Bailey, DO, of Dayton; Allen S. Birrer, DO, of Columbus; Paul V. Bonetzky, DO, of Russells Point; Gilbert S. Bucholz, DO, of Lakeside Marblehead; Edmund I. Csernyik, DO, of Tallmadge; Larry B. Fishbaugh, DO, of Paulding; James R. Hodge, DO, of Dayton; J. Phillip Jones, DO, of Tennessee; Richard A. Langsdorf, DO, of Massillon; Wayne H. Lutzke, DO, of Massillon; Robert J. McConnell, DO, of Vandalia; John F. Perez, DO, of Columbus; Randall G. Tharp, DO, of Warren; Eugene F. Trell, DO, of Columbus; and Roger D. Vincent, DO, of Navarre.