WesternU Alumna Honored With National Medical Award

Mara Baier, DO, a 1997 graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of

the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), has been

selected by the American Osteopathic Foundation to receive the Bristol-

Myers Squibb Outstanding Resident Award.

She received the award, in the form of a $2,000 check, at the American

Osteopathic Association’s annual convention October 24-28 in San

Francisco. She was one of eight award winners this year, and one of two

representing WesternU.

“”Getting this award means so much to me,”” said Dr. Baier, chief family

practice resident at Mesa General Hospital in Tempe, Arizona. She also

works as an adjunct instructor at the Midwestern University-Arizona

College of Osteopathic Medicine and is a resident of Tempe. “”I literally

jumped for joy when I found out I’d gotten it; I can’t thank Bristol-Myers

Squibb or the awards committee enough.””

The award was established in 1997 to recognize exemplary osteopathic

physicians in their second or third year of a primary care residency in

family practice, internal medicine or pediatrics. To be eligible for the

award, a physician must first be nominated by their residency director,

then submit application materials and letters of recommendation.

Applicants are evaluated on their commitment to patient care, community

service, leadership and the osteopathic philosophy, among other things.

Dr. Baier was nominated by her residency director at Mesa General

Hospital. She previously received the Richard H. and Anna Kaiser Memorial

Award from WesternU for best exemplifying osteopathic medicine in family

practice.

According to William D. French of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company’s

Medical Association Alliances department, it was these very

characteristics that set Dr. Baier apart from other applicants.

“”Dr. Baier represents the bright future of medicine, and Bristol-Myers

Squibb is pleased to recognize her many achievements,”” said French.

Dr. Baier views herself as a doctor for the millenium, as she balances her

roles as a doctor, mother, wife and teacher. She holds membership with the

Cranial Academy and the American Association of Family Physician. She is

also part of the American Osteopathic Association and hopes to get more

involved in that organization in the upcoming years.