2025 Spring Buckeye News
OOA Honors Joanne Barnhart’s Years of Dedicated Service
The Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) extends its deepest gratitude to Joanne Barnhart, who retired at the end of 2024 after 35 years of dedicated service as Director of Accounting and Membership. Throughout her tenure, Joanne played a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of OOA’s financial and membership functions, making a lasting impact on both staff and members alike.
Her unwavering commitment to supporting osteopathic physicians and the association’s mission was evident in everything she did, from managing essential financial processes to fostering strong relationships with members. Joanne’s attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and warm presence made her an invaluable part of the OOA team.
“Joanne’s dedication and professionalism played a key role in keeping our organization running efficiently,” said OOA Executive Director Heidi A. Weber, MBA, CAE. “Her work behind the scenes helped support our members in countless ways, and she will be greatly missed.”
The OOA thanks Joanne for her many years of service and wishes her all the best in this well-earned next chapter.
Advancing Osteopathic Medicine in Ohio: The Heritage Translational Research Center
Construction is officially underway for the Heritage Translational Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in late 2026. Made possible by a $16.2 million gift from the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, this center will serve as a hub for groundbreaking osteopathic research and innovation in Ohio.
Part of a $70 million commitment from the Foundation to the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, this initiative will enhance translational research, advance healthy aging studies, and support primary care-focused osteopathic education. The center will house cutting-edge equipment, expand research opportunities for medical students, and further position Ohio as a leader in osteopathic medicine.
By strengthening research capabilities and increasing scholarship opportunities, the Heritage Translational Research Center is set to attract top talent, secure major grants, and drive new medical discoveries that will directly impact patient care in Ohio communities. This investment ensures that osteopathic medicine continues to grow, innovate, and serve the evolving healthcare needs of the state.
Expanding Osteopathic Education: Xavier University Breaks Ground on New Medical School
Ohio’s osteopathic community is set to grow with the construction of Xavier University’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, a 130,000-square-foot facility scheduled for completion in 2026. The college will welcome its first class of students in fall 2027, making it Ohio’s first new medical school in nearly 50 years and the world’s first Jesuit osteopathic medical school.
For Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) members, this development is a significant step forward in strengthening the osteopathic physician workforce. The new medical school will help address the state’s physician shortage, particularly in primary care and underserved areas, by training future osteopathic doctors with a holistic, patient-centered approach.
The facility will feature a state-of-the-art simulation hospital, advanced lecture spaces, and hands-on learning environments designed to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s healthcare landscape. With its focus on whole-person care and innovative education, Xavier’s program will complement and enhance Ohio’s existing osteopathic medical training, creating more opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth for current and future DOs.
As Ohio continues to lead in osteopathic medicine, this new institution represents an investment in the profession’s future—ensuring more highly trained physicians to serve communities across the state.
