In addition to education and networking, OMED is the place to find innovation and inspiration. Live from the OMED Main Stage, our general session lineup is sure to leave you feeling energized, impassioned and proud to be a DO! Make sure you join us each day to hear from a diverse group of standout DOs and leaders who will provide insights that will help take your practice and outlook on patient care to the next level.
Friday main stage highlights
JAMES D. POLK, DO
Friday, Sept. 20 | 8 a.m. CT
James D. Polk, DO, has served as the chief health and medical officer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), located in Washington, D.C., since Nov. 2016, and is also a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Dr. Polk is well published in the fields of emergency medicine, disaster medicine, space medicine and medical management.
Dr. Polk is the former dean of medicine for Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) and, prior to his work at DMU-COM, he served as the assistant secretary (acting) for health affairs and the chief medical officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He has received numerous awards and commendations, including citations from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the White House Medical Unit, the Association of Air Medical Services and the U.S. Air Force. He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards for his service to NASA.
TAMIKA CATCHINGS
Friday, Sept. 20 | 8:30 a.m. CT
Tamika Catchings is a retired professional basketball player who played for the Indiana Fever throughout her entire 15-year Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) career. In 2012, Catchings won the WNBA championship and was awarded the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. In addition to countless other awards and accolades, she is also the recipient of four Olympic gold medals. In 2011, Catchings was voted as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time by fans and was later named in two more top lists in 2020 and 2021.
From 2012 to 2016, Catchings served as the president of the WNBA Players Association. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2004, she founded a charitable organization called the Catch the Stars Foundation that provides basketball camps, fitness clinics, mentoring and literacy programs for underprivileged children. In 2008, Catchings was awarded the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award in recognition of her efforts with the Catch the Stars Foundation and her work throughout the Indianapolis community.
During the Friday main stage sessions, please join us to celebrate our osteopathic family and those receiving the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine awards and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unification awards.
Saturday main stage highlights
KEVIN O’CONNOR, DO
Saturday, Sept. 21 | 4 p.m. CT
Kevin O’Connor, DO, is a decorated military physician who served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. During his military service, Dr. O’Connor received the Combat Medic Badge. He has also dedicated 15 years to caring for the nation’s chief leaders as a key member of the White House Medical Unit, serving under multiple administrations. Dr. O’Connor first served as a physician in the White House during the George W. Bush administration for three years, later becoming then-Vice President Joe Biden’s physician and, subsequently, in 2021, Physician to the President.
In 2013, he was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Unit. He is currently on the faculty at George Washington University, serving as an associate professor of health, human function and rehabilitation services. In 2020, Dr. O’Connor was appointed as the medical director of St. Bonaventure University’s Franciscan Health Care profession program. In 2017, Dr. O’Connor collaborated on and contributed to the creation of a health care program for veterans. Most recently, Dr. O’Connor was the recipient of a presidential citation, awarded to him at the AOA’s annual House of Delegate meeting.
MONTEL WILLIAMS
Saturday, Sept. 21 | 4:30 p.m. CT
Montel Williams is a celebrated media personality who is also a decorated former marine and naval officer. For over 25 years, Williams has battled against multiple sclerosis and, in 2018, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, from which he has made a remarkable recovery, making his life story a testament to the power of perseverance and a positive mindset. Williams has completed extensive work as a health advocate; his contributions have significantly influenced public discussions on health care, making him an influential voice in the health sector.
Williams is also a best-selling author, with several of his books focusing on living well physically and emotionally, offering practical advice and heartfelt hope to those striving for better health. A recipient of an Emmy Award for his work as host of The Montel Williams Show, his television career has been marked by a deep commitment to exploring societal issues and empowering individuals facing challenging situations. Williams continues to make an impact through his current roles as the host of both Lifetime’s Military Makeover and two podcasts, in addition to his insightful contributions to The Balancing Act, a talk show that addresses pivotal life topics.
Williams is an active supporter of organizations that focus on veterans’ welfare, diversity, children’s wellbeing, animal rights and more. He is also a board member of the Fisher house Foundation, the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases and the Research & Recognition Project.
During the Saturday main stage sessions, please join us to celebrate our osteopathic family and those receiving the Outstanding Affiliates awards and the Mentor of the Year award.
Sunday general session highlights
NATHAN L. GONZALES
Sunday, Sept. 22 | 7:45 a.m. CT
“Analyzing the Latest, Most Important Election of Our Lives: A Fresh Look at the States and Races that Matter in the Fights for the White House and Congress”
Nathan L. Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, offers nonpartisan analysis across senate, house, governor and presidential campaigns. He co-hosts The Inside Elections Podcast and serves as an elections analyst for CQ Roll Call, known for his data-driven and accessible approach to electoral forecasting. Represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Gonzales is a dynamic speaker renowned for his deep political insights and engaging stage presence.
With over 20 years of campaign coverage experience, Gonzales combines reporting with data to provide detailed insights into key races and election dynamics. His expertise, showcased on platforms like PBS and ABC News, blends historical trends, polling data and personal candidate interviews to project electoral outcomes and assess partisan shifts.
Based in Washington, D.C., Gonzales holds a Master of Arts from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Vanguard University. He began his career as an intern in the White House Press Office and lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and four children.