Student Doctor Abigail Burnett of Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) has been named the recipient of the Dr. Hugh Ettlinger Award for Osteopathic Excellence, presented during this year’s American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Convocation. This marks the first time the award has been given to a member of the National Undergraduate Fellows Association (NUFA).
“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition,” Burnett said. “The theme of our conference this year was walking in the footsteps of giants. Dr. Hugh Ettlinger is one that I am grateful to walk in the footsteps of. I look forward to continuing learning from him.”
The award, presented by the Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO), honors a NUFA member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, leadership, research, and a strong commitment to osteopathic principles—qualities that reflect Dr. Ettlinger’s lifelong dedication to the profession.
“This award will continue to inspire and encourage future NUFAs to follow in his footsteps,” Burnett said. “He is a role model to so many, and it is humbling to be recognized as someone who embodies these same characteristics.”
Burnett served as a scholar and teaching fellow at LMU-DCOM, where she worked closely with first- and second-year students. Known for her dedication both in and out of the classroom, she mentored students through hands-on training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and fostered a learning environment built on trust and encouragement.
“I spent countless hours outside of office hours helping train students,” she said. “I believe it was because of the time I spent being intentional about building relationships outside of the classroom that the time spent inside the classroom was more impactful.”
In addition to her teaching, Burnett contributed to two research projects during her scholar year and served as a resource for students navigating both academic and personal challenges.
“I am forever grateful to have a small fingerprint on so many future physicians,” she said. “It has been such a privilege to be part of their journey.”
Burnett’s accomplishments have earned high praise from LMU-DCOM leadership.
“Student Doctor Abigail Burnett exemplifies the heart and hands of osteopathic medicine,” said Dr. Christopher Loyke, dean and chief academic officer of LMU-DCOM. “She leads with compassion, teaches with purpose, and inspires those around her. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and the way she represents LMU-DCOM on the national stage.”
Burnett’s path to osteopathic medicine was inspired by her family's involve ment in ministry work through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She credits that foundation for shaping her approach to holistic care and her passion for healing through touch.
“The mission of an osteopath is to be a physician of mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “That resonated with me and is how I envision myself as a future physician.”
She attributes much of her growth and success to the support she received from LMU-DCOM faculty and peers, including Dr. Douglas Weston, Dr. Chloe Cross, Dr. Paula Archer, and her fellow Harrogate Scholars Albert Vasquez, Shannon Cameron, and Kaitlyn Geers.
“Dr. Weston helped me discover my passion for OMM,” Burnett said. “Dr. Archer was a constant inspiration and encouragement. And my fellow scholars became a family to me—we pushed each other to be better every day.”
Looking ahead, Burnett hopes to inspire future osteopathic students to pursue OMM beyond the classroom and maintain a lifelong commitment to hands-on healing.
“Many learn just what’s required to pass an exam but never get the experience of truly treating someone outside of their classmates,” she said. “If I can be a small voice of encouragement to get more students using it, that is a win for not just me, but their future patients.”
Burnett said receiving this award has been both personally affirming and professionally motivating.
“Personally, it has given me confidence I didn’t know I needed,” she said. “Professionally, this recognition helps open doors. One day, I hope to return to academics and help train the next generation of osteopathic physicians.”
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, and at LMU-DCOM in Orange Park, Florida. 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.
