AZ/IL: Midwestern University Congratulates Dr. Nichols, President of the AOA

August 03, 2010

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by Office of Communications

Midwestern University congratulates Karen J. Nichols, D.O., M.A.C.O.I., M.A., Dean of the Chicago College of Medicine (CCOM) and Professor of Internal Medicine, on her election as President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Dr. Nichols, Dean of CCOM since 2002, is the first female president of the national association which represents more than 67,000 osteopathic physicians.

"Dr. Nichols is highly qualified to lead the American Osteopathic Association with her comprehensive understanding of medical education, physician practices and the demands on the healthcare providers around the country. Midwestern University is most supportive of her making an importance in her presidency over the next year," said Kathleen Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and CEO of Midwestern University.

Dr. Nichols began her career with Midwestern University on the Glendale Campus where she served as Internal Medicine Director for the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and as Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Education while practicing as a physician. Dr. Nichols has been a member of the AOA since 1981 and a member of the Board of Trustees since 1999. While Dean of CCOM, she has been instrumental in created a caring, compassionate, and respected osteopathic medicine program and has mentored thousands of physicians.

Dr. Nichols is a board-certified internist currently residing in Oak Brook, IL. She graduated from what is now the Kansas City (Mo.) University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and entered a residency training program in internal medicine at the former Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital in Tulsa. In addition to her board certification, Dr. Nichols earned a certificate of added qualifications in geriatrics and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internist.

Dr. Nichols has received many honors and awards including the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association's Physician of the Year award; AOA Mentor Hall of Fame Inductee; the Outstanding Achievement Award from the CCOM Alumni Association Board of Governors; Fellow of the Institute of Medicine-Chicago chapter; recipient of the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society Distinguished Service Award; Clinician of the Year from Mesa General Hospital; and the Horizon Award from the American Osteopathic Foundation.

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More Information

For more information, please contact:
Office of Communications
630/515-7333 (IL) or 623/572-3353 (AZ)
communications@midwestern.edu

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