Robert G.G. Piccinini, D.O., D. FACN, Patenge Award recipient and Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, was elected to serve as the 2024-25 president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). He is not only the first Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus, but also the first psychiatrist to hold this role.
“Looking back, there have been so many great memories and so many great mentors that are responsible for my ability to reach this high honor,” Dr. Piccinini said. He added, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, stated in his final letter to his students that it was at the Still-Hildreth Sanatorium that osteopathy had reached its full potential in treating diseases in both the mind and spirit.
“To come full circle and have a psychiatrist reach this level of leadership is humbling to me, personally,” he said.
Dr. Piccinini, an AOA board-certified osteopathic psychiatrist in private practice in Macomb County, will begin as the 129th AOA president next summer, where he will help to continue the organization’s long-standing legacy of advocacy work with lawmakers federally, statewide and internationally to support enactment of legislation for the wellbeing of both patients and the D.O.s that serve them. Dr. Piccinini brings to this role his knowledge and experience researching and giving numerous presentations on topics, including medical ethics, workplace safety and physician wellness.
Prior to his appointment as president-elect of AOA, Dr. Piccinini has served as a trustee for the American Osteopathic Association, as well as in AOA roles from task forces to vice presidencies. Outside of his involvement with the AOA, Dr. Piccinini is the current director of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), and has served in various roles in other professional organizations, including the American Osteopathic Examining Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. His past presidencies include the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA), the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists (ACONP), the Macomb County Osteopathic Medical Association and the Michigan Osteopathic Service Corporation.
Since the early ‘90s, Dr. Piccinini has served as an adjunct instructor of Community Health Services with the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, a clinical instructor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, faculty for Reproductive System Biology and an assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry. In addition to being a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, he received a Fellow Award and a Sydney Kanev Resident Paper Award from the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, as well as the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Dean’s Award for Meritorious Contribution.
“I have to thank the Michigan Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists, its members and leadership for always encouraging me,” Dr. Piccinini said. “I never set out to be president-elect – I wanted to be a good osteopathic physician who cared for his patients.
“I'm a first-generation American, and my parents always instilled in me the idea of giving back. I’ve tried to live that in being an active part of these associations and giving back to the school that gave so much to me.”
By Kendall Cassella