ISMA presented the 2026 ISMA Future Physician Leader Award at the Indiana University School of Medicine to Olwen Menez. This is the sixth year that ISMA is honoring an IUSM graduate who demonstrates a positive vision for organized medicine and enthusiastically contributes to making that vision a reality.

This year’s Future Physician Leader has demonstrated exceptional leadership through a variety of roles within the ISMA Medical Student Society (MSS). She has represented MSS on the Commission on Medical Education and has served as both a delegate and alternate delegate at ISMA Conventions. Her engagement spans Women in Medicine, District 1 meetings, Physician Advocacy Day, and Pints and Politics.

"Olwen has demonstrated deep rooted passion for advocacy and encouraging the strength and resilience of student and physician voices in Indiana," Ryan Singerman, DO, FAAFP, said. "She has taken an active role in her membership within the ISMA, intentionally seeking opportunities to serve, to grow as an advocate, to gain a deeper understanding of policy and all that it entails, and to educate and support her peers. She has set a high bar for those who will follow in her footsteps, and we look forward to her bright future!

Menez is beginning her pediatric residency at the University of Utah.