by Brooke Bunch

Many OU-COMers have been honored over the past academic year. Two that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked for the honors they received for their service to the University and the osteopathic profession are Jay Shubrook Jr., D.O. (’96), and William Burke, D.O. (’88).

Shubrook, associate professor of family medicine, and Burke, director of the Doctors Hospital Family Practice Center in Grove City, were honored at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Convention and Scientific Seminar held in San Francisco last November.

Sharon Zimmerman, director of OU-COM alumni affairs; Ralph Amos, assistant vice president for Ohio University Alumni Relations; and Thomas Anderson, D.O. (’83), president of the OU-COM Society of Alumni and Friends, presented Shubrook and Burke with citations and award obelisks for superior service and contributions to Ohio University alumni programs during the annual alumni business luncheon at the AOA conference.

“They are dedicated to their alma mater,” says Zimmerman. “Both have always displayed a willingness to selflessly give back and go the extra mile.”

Shubrook, “a revered mentor and devoted volunteer,” was honored for his never ceasing, important contributions. Shubrook, the 2002 recipient of the OU-COM Standard of Excellence Award, has been involved in a variety of alumni initiatives, serving as the brainchild of a number of them, says Zimmerman.

As the former president of Society of Alumni and Friends, Shubrook played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Continuing Medical Education Program and Alumni Reunion. Shubrook wrote the invaluable student manual, Charting Your Way through Medical Education. The recipient of various research and teaching awards, he has mentored numerous OU-COM students.

Burke, “an accomplished alumnus and respected physician,” and “a gifted teacher, skilled physician and tireless volunteer,” has, since his days as president of the OU-COM Student Council, shown himself an exceptional leader. He has served as an alumni representative to the Ohio University Board of Trustees, the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees and as a member of the Ohio University Bicentennial Commission. He also served as chairman of the Ohio University Alumni Association Board and chairman of the OU-COM Advisory Board.

“Shubrook and Burke consistently provide exceptional energy and commitment to OU-COM and University,” Zimmerman says. “They are two of our OU-COM superstars.”