Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) third-year student Makenna Meyers has been named the recipient of the Dr. Hugh Ettlinger Award for Osteopathic Excellence by the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO).
The award recognizes one member nationwide from the National Undergraduate Fellows Association (NUFA) who demonstrates excellence as a student, teacher, and leader in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). NUFA is composed of osteopathic medical students who dedicate an additional year of training to deepen their understanding of OMM while teaching first- and second-year students.
“This designation is reserved for someone who demonstrates a passion for osteopathic medicine, participates often in NUFA events, and demonstrates the qualities of leadership and excellence in teaching and research, much like Dr. Ettlinger,” Meyers explained. “Saying ‘I’m honored’ doesn’t quite capture how much receiving this award means to me. To be recognized in this way is validation that the work I’m doing has a positive impact on our students, which is all I really wanted when I applied for the scholar position.”
Meyers was honored for her academic work, research, and leadership. At the Second Annual LMU-DCOM Research Day last October, she earned the First Place Poster Award for her presentation, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in the Treatment of Postextubation Dysphagia: A Case Report. She also served as president of LMU-DCOM’s SAAO chapter and provided research support to fellow scholars.
Her interest in osteopathic medicine took a unique path that began while studying engineering at Baylor University. She said her background in systems-based problem-solving aligned closely with osteopathic principles.
“The idea of treating the patient as a whole, by addressing the mind, body, and spirit, rather than homing in on specific symptoms, immediately resonated with me,” she said. “I spent four years solving problems that required me to look at every aspect of a system, and I saw no reason for the human body to be approached any differently. Once the door to osteopathic medicine was opened, I wanted no alternative.”
Meyers credited LMU-DCOM faculty with preparing her for this national recognition.
“From the first day of orientation, [they] instilled in me the importance of the osteopathic tenets,” she said. “In one way or another, these tenets have been present in every lecture and lab since.”
She also highlighted the role of mentorship and collaboration in her development.
“Dr. Paula Archer and Dr. Anne Marie Zeller saw something within me during my first two years and encouraged me to apply for a position as a scholar,” Meyers said. “Their support has only strengthened during my scholar year, and they continually push me to bring my best each day.”
She said this honor has broadened her perspective on her future.
“Professionally, this award opens doors to the national osteopathic community and has made me consider returning to academics in the future,” Meyers said. “LMU-DCOM’s OPP department has shaped so much of who I am and how I aspire to build my future practice, and to be able to give back even a fraction of that impact is a blessing.”
About LMU-DCOM
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
