Dean recognized for contributions to osteopathic medical education
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Senior Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu
Dr. Natasha Bray, dean of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, received the Robert S. Kistner Leadership Award from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
While the plaque may just have her name inscribed, Bray said it really honors an entire team of people who share a common mission.
The Robert A. Kistner Award recognizes someone for their significant contributions to osteopathic medical education throughout their career.
Bray said it is incredibly humbling and deeply gratifying to receive the Robert A. Kistner Award.
“My career has been fueled by a passion for advancing osteopathic medical education and preparing compassionate, skilled physicians ready to serve all communities, especially in rural, tribal and underserved populations,” she said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from AACOM, an organization dedicated to excellence in osteopathic medical education.”
Bray, who graduated from OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003, returned to her alma mater in 2017 as a clinical professor and soon moved into leadership and administrative roles. She was instrumental to the team that developed and opened OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation, the country’s first tribally affiliated medical school in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
“This honor highlights the significance of our groundbreaking partnership between OSU and the Cherokee Nation,” she said. “This achievement belongs to our entire team whose bold vision and unwavering commitment have created this innovative learning environment.”
“This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team — faculty, staff and students
— who share a commitment to advancing osteopathic medicine and improving health care
for all Oklahoma communities.”
Dr. Robert A Cain, president and CEO of AACOM, said Bray represents the very best of the osteopathic medical education community.
“From her lifelong service as an educator to her leadership as an advocate, Dr. Bray exemplifies the excellence and dedication that define our profession,” Cain said. “We are proud to celebrate her and honor her achievements as she inspires the next generation of leaders in osteopathic medicine.”
As an educator, mentor and dean, Bray said this recognition holds profound meaning.
“I find deep fulfillment in nurturing potential in others. By creating meaningful educational opportunities for medical students and residents, we build pathways for students from underserved communities to become compassionate health care providers who return to serve their communities,” she said.
This type of servant leadership approach creates ripple effects that extend beyond the OSU-COM campuses in Tulsa and Tahlequah, touching the lives of graduates’ patients.
Bray again emphasized that the Robert S. Kistner Leadership Award truly belongs to the entire OSU-COM community.
“While I’m personally honored by this award, I see it primarily as recognition of our collective achievements and the positive impact the osteopathic community is making on health care access and outcomes across our state and beyond,” she said. “This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team — faculty, staff and students — who share a commitment to advancing osteopathic medicine and improving health care for all Oklahoma communities.”