Emerging Professionals Membership

The AOCA welcomes doctors actively engaged in an ACGME-approved residency training program in anesthesiology and full-time students desiring to pursue a career in anesthesiology to apply for student or resident membership. The College encourages and supports emerging professionals through key career milestones and offers emerging professionals an opportunity to network with practicing anesthesiologists and residency programs.

Joining AOCA is your gateway to all the privileges and benefits of being a member. Student, Resident, and Fellow Membership Dues are just $25.

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Awards & Scholarships

Timothy D. Ernst, DO AOCA Resident of the Year Award

The Timothy D. Ernst AOCA Resident of the Year Award is designated to provide up to two residents with an opportunity to attend the AOCA Annual Convention in honor of Dr. Timothy D. Ernst who had a passion for education and always strived to help and mentor residents.

The grant includes $1,000, plus complimentary meeting registration, and lodging at the convention hotel. A Candidate may be nominated by any member of the College and must be supported by a Program Director. More information about how to apply will be released in January 2026.

AOCA Student of the Year Award

Given annually this award is designated to provide one (1) OMS III medical student, enrolled in a recognized osteopathic medical school, with an opportunity to attend the AOCA Annual Convention. It recognizes and honors outstanding students who embody the spirit of osteopathic medicine and who demonstrate clinical promise, dedication, and commitment to osteopathic-centered patient care. 

A monetary award of $500, plus complimentary meeting registration, and lodging at the convention hotel, if available, is awarded. A Candidate may be nominated by any member of the College and must be supported by a letter from the nominator and a letter from their academic advisor or Dean. More information about how to apply will be released in January 2026.

This scholarship supports residents pursuing osteopathic board certification in anesthesiology. The award includes a $500 payment to cover the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology (AOBA) Primary Written Exam fee.

The AOBA Written Exam is offered once a year in August and is an essential step toward primary board certification in anesthesiology. Residents must complete their second year of residency (Clinical Base Year and CA-1) to be eligible. Click here for full details on AOBA certification requirements and the exam timeline. Contact [email protected] to learn more and apply.

Research Opportunities

Abstract submissions will be accepted for presentation at the AOCA 2026 Annual Convention & Conclave. Abstracts are accepted in two categories, complex case and scientific investigation. The peer-reviewed and accepted abstracts will be presented in a moderated poster scientific session. Resident and Student presenters are eligible for monetary recognition for the top abstracts.

The call for abstract submissions will be released in January 2026.

Resources for Osteopathic Medical Students

AOCA hosts webinars designed to provide support for osteopathic medical students interested in pursuing anesthesiology. View the recordings from past webinars below.

Interview Support Webinar Recording

Audition Rotations Webinar Recording

2025 Match Panel Recording