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Michael L Kuchera, DO

Chair, Director, Professor

Marian University Medical School


Brief Biography – Michael L. Kuchera, DO, FAAO
Michael L. Kuchera, DO, FAAO is a senior educator and internationally known leader, teacher and researcher in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). He is also a third-generation osteopathic physician whose grandfather practiced for 40 years in Albert Lea Minnesota. Dr. Kuchera has published extensively on osteopathic medicine topics. In addition to writing numerous research articles and book chapters, Dr. Kuchera co-authored Osteopathic Considerations in Systemic Dysfunction as well as two other osteopathic textbooks with his father (who also practiced in Albert Lea with his father for several years).

Dr. Kuchera earned bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees from Iowa State University. He graduated with a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) where over the next 20 years he served in positions of advancing responsibilities as chair of OMM, OMM residency director, vice president for International Osteopathic Research and Education, and vice president for Academic Affairs and dean. For the next decade he directed the Human Performance and Biomechanics Research Laboratory at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) where he conducted clinical research, taught OMM and co-directed the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging. In 2012 he was recruited to Indianapolis to serve as founding OMM chairperson at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM). 

Dr. Kuchera earned several fellowship designations, was elected to numerous leadership positions and has been honored with a number of prestigious awards from his students and peers. He served as president of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), sat on or led several American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Councils and Bureaus and currently represents the United States in the International Federation of Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine as Secretary-General. In 2001, the AOA Council of Research awarded Dr. Kuchera the Gutensohn-Denslow Award, the highest honor for a career of research and research mentorship.  In 2006 he was awarded the AAO’s highest distinction, the A.T. Still Medallion of Honor and between 2009-2014 he was inducted into several fellowship areas by the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators. With yet another Minnesotan connection, in 2008 the American Osteopathic Foundation named him the Darryl A. Beehler Research Mentor of the Year.