06/10/2026
The Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) welcomed more than 50 attendees and 11 exhibitors and sponsors to its 41st Annual Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Convention, held June 5-7, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock. The event brought together osteopathic physicians, healthcare leaders, medical students, residents, and industry partners from across Arkansas for three days of continuing medical education, networking, and professional collaboration. Attendees participated both in person and virtually, allowing physicians from across the state to engage in the conference's educational offerings.
The conference featured a diverse educational agenda covering some of the most important topics facing healthcare today. Friday's sessions focused on longevity, cardiovascular health, maternal care, autism spectrum disorder, and brain injury resources. Keynote speaker Dr. Seger Morris challenged attendees with his presentation, "Physician 3.0: Leading a New Era of Care," while additional presentations explored regenerative medicine, interventional cardiology, and women's health.
Saturday's program continued with sessions dedicated to oncology, women's health, neuroscience, and medical education. Presentations addressed advances in cancer screening technology, vascular tumors and malformations, polycystic ovarian syndrome, medication management, and physician workforce development. A panel discussion featuring Dr. Sam Moore, Dr. John Biery, and Dr. Dewey McAfee examined the importance of precepting osteopathic medical students and strengthening the future physician workforce in Arkansas. Poster presentations and networking opportunities throughout the conference provided attendees with additional opportunities to exchange ideas and build professional relationships.
A highlight of the convention was the annual business meeting, where members reflected on a year of significant growth and achievement for the association. Outgoing President Dr. Sam Moore delivered a State of the Association address, highlighting accomplishments including substantial membership growth, the development of a strong financial reserve fund, increased outreach to medical students, and the successful ex*****on of multiple educational conferences. In recognition of his leadership and service, Dr. Moore was presented with the newly established Distinguished Leadership Award.
The convention also marked an important leadership transition for the organization. Dr. Kristin Martin was installed as the new President of the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association, while Dr. Jesse Abeler assumed the role of Secretary/Treasurer. The association also welcomed Dr. Joseph Queeney and Dr. Saman Farr as new members of the Board of Directors, alongside returning resident board member Dr. Nassim Zangenah. The AOMA expressed its appreciation to outgoing board members Dr. Dewey McAfee and Dr. James Zini for their dedicated service and contributions to the organization.
Concluding the weekend was a new educational offering for 2026: an optional Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Workshop presented by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Led by Dr. John Biery, the four-hour program provided participants with continuing medical education credit and Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) hours while helping physicians strengthen and refresh their osteopathic manipulative treatment skills. The addition of this workshop reflects AOMA's continued commitment to advancing osteopathic education and supporting physicians throughout their careers.
As the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association looks ahead to the coming year under new leadership, the success of the 2026 convention demonstrates the strength of Arkansas' osteopathic community and its ongoing dedication to improving patient care, advancing medical education, and promoting the osteopathic profession across the state.
