The 2023 winners of the prestigious iO Awards were announced at the Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, 21 October following the 2023 Convention.

These awards highlight the diversity and breadth of good practice, innovation and collaboration across the osteopathic profession. The judges, representatives from the research community, undergraduate education, post-registration training and the Osteopathic Foundation charity, were presented with numerous nominations from across the country.

‘Over the years, our Awards have significantly enhanced the reputation of shortlisted nominees. Each category serves as a platform, demonstrating to both colleagues and patients the remarkable contributions of osteopaths,’ said Maurice Cheng, CEO of the iO. ‘We’ve witnessed a continuous surge in exceptional innovation and collaboration within the field. We aim to provide a spotlight for those who are truly driving progress in elevating the profession’s recognition and improving access to care.’

The prestigious Practice of the Year Award went to Bedale Osteopaths. The judges stated that the team ‘are well engaged with their local community, working with local businesses, supporting schools and local charity and even provide pro-bono care for teenage care trust. They had extremely impressive endorsements through their patient votes – confirming they are undoubtedly working hard to support their patients and each other.’

Highly-commended was awarded to City Way Health.

Beth Gilks from Origin Health was the recipient of the Associate of the Year Award. In the words of her principal, ‘Beth is a wonderful osteopath and a valued member of the team. She immediately impressed us with her knowledge, ability and patient-centred approach. Patients have said that she is supportive, approachable and knowledgable.’

Highly-commended was awarded to Nonica Papageorgiou from Finchley Osteopaths and Terry Emery from Moore Osteopathy.

The Collaboration in Practice Award was introduced to shine a light on the tremendous collaborative work we have seen by groups and individuals in areas such as community support, and multidisciplinary work in delivering exceptional patient care.

This was awarded to the National Council for Osteopathic Research who have been working closely with osteopaths towards the development of a Practice-Based Research Network. The judges were impressed with the ‘real collaboration between all the stakeholders, rallying the troops and getting out there and drawing people in practices and the mentoring aspects as far as research is concerned.’

Highly-commended was awarded to James Gill from Bodytonic Clinic.

The Innovation in Practice Award was awarded to High Peak Osteopathic. Since its formation in 2022, the practice has funded planting two trees per treatment through a partnership with Ecologi, the tree planting and carbon offset organisation.

The collaboration with Ecologi and driving non-healthcare social value is a new business model within osteopathy. Whilst the cost of tree planting per treatment is a direct cost to the business, it has a positive impact on both patient perception of osteopathy and it’s integration with wider health and wellbeing.

The judges were very impressed with the practice and said: ‘We thought this was absolutely brilliant. Sustainability and green initiatives are so important, and this practice is a real trailblazer. it is such an innovative idea and we’ve got to try to back groups and clinics that promote sustainability.’

The Rising Stars were awarded to:

Arthur Kyeyune – University College of Osteopathy, Rory Boggett – NESCOT, Megan Wickham – Swansea University, Isabelle Scobie – British College of Osteopathic Medicine, Karen Smith – The College of Osteopaths, Sophie Clinch – European School of Osteopathy and Louisa Henson – London School of Osteopathy.

Glynis Fox, iO President, said, ‘Well done to all our rising Stars. Seeing such a committed and dedicated new generation of osteopaths join our ranks is great. You join an alum of Rising Stars – who have gone on to contribute significantly to our profession, showing innovation and collaboration underpinned by a desire to make a positive impact on patient care.’

We want to extend a huge congratulations to the winners, highly commended and all the finalists. It was a truly memorable event.