Newsroom

By Alex Branch

Mark A. Baker, DO, a UNT Health Science Center alumnus and educator, has been voted President-elect of the American Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Baker, a recently retired radiologist, will assume the presidency in July 2017. The association represents more than 123,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students nationwide. He will be the first Texas physician to lead the organization since 1986.

“I am tremendously honored to be chosen to lead this great organization in 2017,” Dr. Baker said. “As an osteopathic physician, I believe we have a responsibility to give back to our profession. I am eager to do my part to help further the AOA’s mission of advancing the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine.”

The American Osteopathic Association promotes public health, encourages scientific research and serves as the primary certifying body for DOs. It also has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities.

Dr. Baker (TCOM ‘76) has had a decorated career at the Health Science Center. He was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 1995, earned the Dean’s Award for Philanthropy in 2006 and received the Founder’s Medal, which honors a lifetime of teaching, listening and learning.

Dr. Baker also has supported the field of osteopathic medicine through leadership roles in the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association and the American Osteopathic College of Radiology. Prior to retirement, he was President of Western Radiology in Hurst.

Every school year, Dr. Baker and his wife, Rita, invite the incoming class of 230 medical students at the Texas College of Osteopathic to their home for a backyard swimming party. Dr. Baker said he plans to continue that tradition.

“Dr. Baker is a tireless supporter, not just of the field of osteopathic medicine but of the Health Science Center and our faculty and students,” said Don Peska, DO, Dean of TCOM. “We know that through his leadership, the American Osteopathic Association will continue to advance the practice of osteopathic medicine.”

• Share
• Tweet