TCOM graduate named AOF Physician of the Year, two others honored by AOA
Three distinguished graduates of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNT Health Fort Worth were honored at the American Osteopathic Association’s annual House of Delegates meeting.
The American Osteopathic Foundation announced that Dr. Robert DeLuca, FACOFP dist., has been named the 2025 Physician of the Year—one of the foundation’s highest honors.
DeLuca, a 1984 TCOM graduate, will be formally recognized at the AOF Honors Gala on Sept. 26 in conjunction with the AOA’s annual Osteopathic Medical Education Conference. He is the first TCOM graduate to receive the award since it was established in 2009.
“Dr. DeLuca is deeply deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Scott Cyrus, president of the AOF Board of Directors. “He is emblematic of the care that osteopathic physicians provide our great nation and how we are addressing gaps in rural care. Nearly one in five Americans relies on rural healthcare providers and facilities. Dr. DeLuca is committed to providing exceptional, quality care to the citizens of Eastland, TX, and the surrounding communities.”
The Physician of the Year Award honors an individual who has been in practice for at least 10 years and whose extraordinary service brings pride to the profession, advances the science of osteopathic medicine and the betterment of public health.
“His leadership of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians during the pandemic was masterful, and his unwavering service as an osteopathic family physician in a rural, medically underserved community is truly commendable,” said Rita Forden, CEO of AOF. “Dr. DeLuca embodies the values of the osteopathic profession and advances the foundation’s mission each and every day.”
Two additional TCOM alumni were also recognized by the AOA.
Dr. Carolyn Quist received the AOA Distinguished Service Award. A dedicated OB-GYN with more than 35 years of experience, Quist was honored for her lifelong commitment to advancing osteopathic medicine and women’s health.
Dr. Ray Morrison received a Presidential Citation from the AOA. A board-certified surgeon and founding dean of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Louisiana campus. Morrison was recognized for his leadership, service and lasting contributions to the osteopathic profession.
Both Quist and Morrison are 1986 graduates of TCOM.
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