Dawn Mollica, BA

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) is pleased to announce that Dawn Mollica, BA, administrative director for the Office of Rural and Underserved Programs at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) in Athens, OH, has been selected to receive its 2024 Friend of Family Medicine Award.

Dawn is a passionate healthcare advocate and strategic leader with a demonstrated history of success in rural healthcare access and program management. As administrative director, Dawn leads initiatives for students and community stakeholders to advance healthcare education and outreach to underserved communities in Ohio.

“In my role at OU-HCOM, I support students through programs such as the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) program which prepares students to practice medicine in underserved areas,” Dawn explained. “RUSP just celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2023, in which time the program participation increased sevenfold. I am in awe of these students who are really making an impact.”

Dawn is also a state representative for the Rural Health Policy Institute and orchestrates visits with legislators on Capitol Hill for students and community stakeholders to advocate for healthcare policy reform and promote awareness of rural healthcare challenges.

Award nominator, Olivia Dhaliwal, recent graduate from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, explained, “Dawn goes above and beyond in organizing programming and connecting students interested in rural family Medicine across the state of Ohio.”

Prior to her role at OU-HCOM, Dawn was the executive director for Integrating Professionals for Appalachian Children where she oversaw daily operations and the fiscal management of the non-profit, as well as the implementation of programs that provide essential care coordination for at-risk populations, fosters community partnerships, and promotes healthcare solutions in the region.

“I have dedicated most of my adult life to improving healthcare access and enhancing services for those most in need in underserved communities in Ohio; I am honored and humbled to receive the OAFP’s Friend of Family Medicine Award because I work with so many deserving recipients every day.”

Dawn is a fierce advocate for rural and urban healthcare and continuously works to advance access to care and improve outcomes for underserved communities.

The OAFP is thankful for Dawn’s work and congratulates her for this recognition.

To learn more about the Friend of Family Medicine Award, please visit the OAFP website.

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is a statewide, professional association with nearly 5,000 members, including practicing physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes, and every disease entity. Family physicians provide comprehensive, continuing care to all members of the family. For more information, visit the OAFP website.

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Editor’s Note
To receive a copy of Dawn Mollica’s photograph, please email Communications Manager Lauren Heberling.