DOTHAN, Ala. – The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) is proud to announce that Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI, board-certified internist, was sworn in as the 130th president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) on Saturday during a ceremony in Chicago.

Dr. Thacker took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural speech at the AOA’s House of Delegates annual meeting in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Marriott Hotel, which was followed by the president’s reception. Dr. Thacker served as president-elect last year before assuming the 2026-27 presidency.

“Osteopathic medicine has always understood that healing the patient means seeing the whole person,” said Dr. Thacker during his acceptance speech. “As physicians, educators and advocates, we have a responsibility to carry that philosophy into every exam room, every classroom and every statehouse. I am honored to lead this profession as we inspire the next generation of DOs and fight for the patients and communities who count on us.”

“It is with great pride that we share Dr. Thacker’s distinguished leadership to inspire the osteopathic physicians and medical students who make up the AOA,” said Rick Sutton, president of ACOM. “We look forward to seeing the great things he does in the coming year with AOA and on behalf of Southeast Health and ACOM, we congratulate you on this great honor.”

The AOA represents more than 197,000 osteopathic physicians and students in the U.S., promoting public health, scientific research, and the distinctive osteopathic approach to medicine.

“Dr. Thacker has always been that rare leader who keeps two things front and center: the highest standards of quality and the foundational principles of osteopathic medicine,” said James C. Jones, DO, FACEP, dean of ACOM. “The AOA is incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Thacker stepping into this leadership role. I have no doubt his wisdom, humor, and big-hearted approach will strengthen our profession.”

Dr. Thacker, who joined the ACOM faculty in 2018, is associate dean of Clinical Sciences, a member of the dean’s cabinet and associate professor of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Thacker is board certified in hospice and palliative medicine, and he is a master fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Prior to being selected president-elect, Dr. Thacker served on the AOA board of trustees.

He is the 2024 recipient of the ACOM Student Advocate Award, which is voted on by the student body.

Dr. Thacker is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Florida, and he is a past president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. He is a long-time advocate for the profession with decades of legislative experience.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Thacker on this remarkable achievement and his continued dedication to advancing osteopathic medicine through this leadership role.