Two Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine students were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the osteopathic profession by the Osteopathic Founders Foundation (OFF).

Fourth-year OSU-COM students Eddy Bagaruka and Gabrielle Siemer received the 2026 Osteopathic Tribute Scholarships. Siemer was awarded the Outstanding Scholar Award and Bagaruka received the Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship.

The Osteopathic Founders Foundation awards these scholarships annually to two OSU-COM students who demonstrate personal and professional excellence.

Sherri Wise, president and CEO of OFF, said the Osteopathic Tribute Scholarships are an investment in the future of osteopathic medicine.

“We believe one of the best ways to strengthen the future of healthcare is to invest in the people who will provide it. These scholarships allow us to support students who have answered the call to serve others through medicine,” Wise said.

For Siemer, that call came from being a Division I soccer player in college.

She spent a lot of time around physicians because of sports injuries, which gave her an early appreciation for how patients feel when their health, mobility or sense of identity is disrupted.

“These experiences let me see how meaningful it is when someone helps you return to the parts of life that matter most. It confirmed my decision to pursue medicine because I wanted a career where I could care for people during difficult moments, support them through recovery and help them work toward a better quality of life,” Siemer said.

Personal experience also shaped Bagaruka’s decision to attend medical school.

Growing up in Rwanda, Bagaruka witnessed the healthcare disparities in rural areas firsthand through his mom volunteering at local hospitals and his own work as a sonographer.

“Even though I was in healthcare, watching the gap in access and getting to see those experiences made me wish I could do more,” he said.

Both Bagaruka and Siemer’s drive to make a difference in their patients’ lives and in their communities extends to their extracurricular and volunteer activities.

At OSU-COM, Siemer serves as president of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club and president of the American Medical Women’s Association. She actively volunteers with the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges and other community organizations in Tulsa.

Bagaruka has also held leadership positions in OSU-COM student organizations, including treasurer for the American Muslim Medical Student Association and secretary for the Student National Medical Association. Additionally, he has authored peer-reviewed publications and received numerous academic honors, including the 2025 American Osteopathic Foundation Golden Ticket Scholarship.

These accomplishments are some of the qualities that led OFF to select them for the 2026 Osteopathic Tribute Scholarships.

“What stands out most about Gabrielle and Eddy is their commitment to serving others. They have worked hard to get where they are and are motivated by a desire to make a difference in the lives of their patients and communities. Those qualities reflect the very heart of osteopathic medicine,” Wise said.

Both Bagaruka and Siemer said they are incredibly honored and grateful to have been chosen for the scholarships.

For Siemer, receiving the Outstanding Scholar Award is a recognition of her leadership, service and personal growth that have shaped her experience at OSU-COM.

“This award reflects the kind of student doctor I have tried to become. Throughout medical school, I have tried to lead with purpose, serve meaningfully and stay grounded in the whole-person approach that first drew me to osteopathic medicine,” she said.

The Osteopathic Tribute Scholarship serves as a recognition of Bagaruka’s journey.

“It’s more than financial support. It’s recognition of the resilience that carried me through my past experiences and validates the values that drew me to osteopathic medicine in the first place: empathy, service and a commitment to caring for the whole person,” Bagaruka said.

As they finish their rotations and prepare for residency, Siemer and Bagaruka said the scholarship funds will help them cover the associated costs.

Following medical school, Siemer hopes to pursue a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation, while Bagaruka plans to specialize in urology, with a focus on rural and underserved communities, including Rwanda.

Wise said OFF is proud to support students like Bagaruka and Siemer and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as physicians.

“When we support students like Gabrielle and Eddy, we’re not just helping them achieve their dreams; we’re investing in healthier communities and the future of osteopathic medicine,” she said. “We are proud to support students who lead with both excellence and empathy, and we look forward to seeing the impact they’ll have as future physicians.”