The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), an independent, nonprofit organization that provides competency assessments for osteopathic medical licensure and related health care professions, is pleased to recognize the 2025 Item Writer and Case Author of the Year award winners from its distinguished National Faculty.
Throughout the year, this group of individuals graciously volunteered their time and expertise to contribute to the COMLEX-USA and COMAT examination programs.
Each year, the NBOME selects the best-in-class item writers and case authors from a large group of contributors whose work supports our mission to protect the public through osteopathic competency assessment.
Congratulations to these esteemed awardees for their exemplary commitment to producing valid and high-quality exam content.
COMLEX-USA Level 1 Item Writer of the Year
Ryan M. Smith, DO, PhD, MBA, MSEd
Smith is the founding associate dean of clinical affairs and graduate medical education at the proposed Indiana University of Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine. He joined the National Faculty in 2014 and has served as a Department Chair for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Clinical Neurosciences, and is the current vice chair of the Level 1 Advisory Committee. He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine and his master of science, medical education leadership degrees from University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE Item Writer of the Year
Pamela E. Potter, PhD
Potter is the pharmacology chair at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She joined the National Faculty in 2014 and is a member of the Level 2-CE Advisory Committee. She received her PhD in pharmacology from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
COMLEX-USA Level 3 Item Writer of the Year
Pratik D. Patel, DO
Patel is a family medicine physician in Oakland, Calif. He joined the National Faculty in 2024 and participated in the Level 2-CE Standard Setting Panel. He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and his master’s in biomedical sciences from Tufts University.
Clinical Decision-Making (CDM) Case Writer of the Year
Amber N. Stroupe, DO
Stroupe is an associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the Carolinas campus of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. She joined the National Faculty in 2023 and has written and reviewed clinical decision making (CDM) cases every year since then. She received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va.
Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Item Writer of the Year
Jennifer E. Wilson, DO
Wilson is a clinical associate professor and chair of the OMM Department at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She joined the National Faculty in 2019 and serves as a member of the Level 3 Advisory Committee. She received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University.
Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion Item Writer of the Year
Chunfa Jie, PhD
Jie is a professor of biochemistry and nutrition at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He joined the National Faculty in 2023 and attended multiple item writing and review meetings in 2024 and 2025. He received his PhD in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from Iowa State University.
COMAT Clinical Item Writer of the Year
John V. Ashurst, DO, EdD, MSc
Ashurst serves as clinical assistant professor at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. He joined the National Faculty in 2023 and most recently attended the June 2025 COMAT Clinical Item Writing Workshop. He received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, his doctor of education in health profession from AT Still University, and his master’s in clinical research from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.