The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has long espoused the tenet that a great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision is derived from passion and committed to purposeful
results.
That closely held belief once again was evidenced in early August 2024, as LECOM Regional Dean, Richard A. Ortoski, D.O. received recognition at the highest level by the Pennsylvania Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, with the honor of the Raymond J. Saloom, DO, FACOFP Memorial Award.
The Award is presented in recognition of untiring efforts to promote the art of family practice and to preserve the integrity of the osteopathic profession. The accomplished physician-educator has served in leadership roles on multiple boards and committees, completing 9 years (the maximum) as a Board Member of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME).
As a LECOM leader, Dr. Ortoski serves as Chair of the Primary Care Education Department and he is Clinical Director of the Primary Care Scholars Pathway. In 2016, Dr. Ortoski was appointed President of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS). The POFPS is the noteworthy organization that represents family physicians who hold the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree.
The guiding force offered by capable and highly respected leaders, such as Dr. Ortoski, will further advance medical education, primary care, and ultimately, medical outcomes, throughout the state and, indeed, throughout the nation. The majority of LECOM graduates become primary care physicians; and LECOM ranks proudly among the top medical colleges for graduating physicians who choose the field of primary care for practice.
LECOM offers the Primary Care Scholars Pathway (PCSP), one of five of the only three-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree programs in the nation. Dr. Ortoski serves as the Clinical Director of the PCSP, which encourages medical students to pursue a career as a primary care physician and to address the national shortage.
In addition to his many positions and accomplishments, Dr. Ortoski was re-elected as the Chair of the Erie County Board of Health. Dr. Ortoski has worked with the Erie County Health Department since 1992, serving in various roles, including Assistant Medical Director, Public Health Officer, and as STD Clinic Physician. Guiding the evaluation of osteopathic students and residents in protecting public safety through patient care, Dr. Ortoski proudly advances the LECOM mission.
LECOM lauds the distinctive and extraordinary attainments of Dr. Richard Ortoski, a leader who serves as an exemplar of the constant and ready character that keeps LECOM ever in the vanguard of first-rate healthcare education.