AWARDS
Charles L. Ballinger Distinguished Osteopathic Surgeon Award
The Distinguished Osteopathic Surgeon Award, established in 1972 by the Board of Governors, is awarded annually to an ACOS member in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and leadership in the field of surgery. Following the death of Charles L. Ballinger in 1974, the award has been presented in his memory, honoring his legacy and enduring contributions to the profession. This distinguished honor celebrates excellence across clinical practice, education, and research, recognizing surgeons whose impact extends throughout their communities and the broader surgical field. The award is formally presented during the Ceremonial Conclave at the Annual Clinical Assembly.
*Nominations will open September 29, 2026
Award Qualifications
- Nominee must be an ACOS member
- Nominee must be board certified by the AOA or by an ABMS recognized certifying board
- Nominations must be submitted with a curriculum vitae
- Nominations must be received at the ACOS office by February 1
Required Documents
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae
- Letter of Nomination outlining the nominees outstanding accomplishments as a surgeon, educator, and/or researcher.
Award Notification
Nominations for this award are open following the Annual Clinical Assembly through February 1st. Recipients will be notified in April.
Award Recipients
| Lisa J. Finkelstein, D.O. FACOS | 2025 |
| Adam B. Smith, D.O., DFACOS, FASMBS | 2024 |
| Constance Cashen, D.O., FACOS, FACS | 2023 |
| Dan E. Miulli, D.O., FACOS | 2022 |
| Albert H. Olivencia-Yurvati, D.O., FACOS | 2021 |
| Stephen Fisher, D.O., FACOS | 2020 |
| Daniel J. Waters, D.O., FACOS | 2019 |
| Gary L. Roth, D.O., FACOS | 2018 |
| Eric A. Goldsmith, D.O., FACOS | 2017 |
| Laurence H. Belkoff, D.O., FACOS | 2016 |
| Allan M. Arkush, D.O., FACOS | 2015 |
| Alan L. Meshekow, D.O., FACOS | 2014 |
| Dale H. Brancel, D.O., FACOS | 2013 |
| James E. Hoogeboom, D.O., FACOS | 2012 |
| Michael H. Whitworth, D.O., FACOS | 2011 |
| Arthur J. Sesso, D.O., FACOS | 2010 |
| D. Keith Watson, D.O., FACOS | 2009 |
| Earl T. Hecker, D.O., FACOS | 2008 |
| Don N. Peska, D.O., FACOS | 2007 |
| William R. Henwood, D.O., FACOS | 2006 |
| David P. Sufian, D.O., FACOS | 2005 |
| David W. Smith, D.O., FACOS | 2004 |
| Walter L. Wilson, D.O., FACOS | 2003 |
| William R. Jenkins, D.O., FACOS | 2002 |
| Larry J. Dullye, D.O., FACOS | 2001 |
| Ronald W. Wadle, D.O., FACOS | 2000 |
| John R. Socey, D.O., FACOS | 1999 |
| Galen S. Young Sr., D.O., FACOS | 1998 |
| Richard J. Citta, D.O., FACOS | 1997 |
| Richard T. Caleel, D.O., FACOS | 1996 |
| Paul Peter Koro, D.O., FACOS | 1995 |
| Charles V. Gemma, D.O., FACOS | 1994 |
| Peter E. Johnston, D.O., FACOS | 1993 |
| Leonard H. Finkelstein, D.O., FACOS | 1992 |
| John H. Finley Jr., D.O., FACOS | 1991 |
| Sydney P. Ross, D.O., FACOS | 1990 |
| J. Richard Costin, D.O., FACOS | 1989 |
| Jerome L. Axelrod, D.O., FACOS | 1988 |
| Arnold Gerber, D.O., FACOS | 1987 |
| Robert O. Hinkle, D.O., FACOS | 1986 |
| Richard P. Rounce, D.O., FACOS | 1985 |
| C. W. Elliott, D.O., FACOS | 1984 |
| Donald Siehl, D.O., FACOS | 1983 |
| Daniel L. Wisely, D.O., FACOS | 1982 |
| Milton K. Miller, D.O., FACOS | 1981 |
| P. Robert Lombardo, D.O., FACOS | 1980 |
| R. William Bradway, D.O., FACOS | 1979 |
| Nicholas G. Palmarozzi, D.O., FACOS | 1978 |
| John W. Phardel, D.O., FACOS | 1977 |
| Robert C. Erwin, D.O., FACOS | 1976 |
| Ellis Siefer, D.O., FACOS | 1975 |
| David Silverman, D.O., FACOS | 1974 |
| J. Natcher Stewart, D.O., FACOS | 1973 |
| John A. Fetzer, D.O., FACOS | 1972 |