Guiding the Future of Healthcare
Committed to fostering excellence in osteopathic medical education, the Northwest Osteopathic Foundation is proud to be a beacon of leadership within the Northwest, US healthcare community. Our distinguished team of leaders guides our mission with dedication and compassion. Together, we strive to empower the next generation of physicians and shape a brighter, healthier future for all communities through education and collaboration.
Board of Directors
Officers
Jennifer Ribar, D.O., President
Dr. Ribar is excited to be in her hometown of Fairbanks, practicing Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Her grandfather was a physician in Fairbanks for many years, and hearing stories about his practice inspired her to become a physician. She loves to hear stories from patients and their family members who knew him. In practice, Dr. Ribar enjoys the bond that is developed with patients, getting to know each patient and their goals. She finds it extremely fulfilling to help people feel better at the time of treatment, as well as getting them back to the activities they love. In particular, she loves treating babies and children. She is a certified Lactation Consultant and particularly likes working with mother-baby dyads to help in their breastfeeding journey and goals.
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Interests
Dr. Ribar’s hobbies include outdoor activities, cooking and baking, reading, and binge-watching baking shows. Living in Alaska allows her to spend time doing anything outside – boating, fishing, hiking – the options are endless and “right at my fingertips”
Medical Education
- Dr. Ribar earned her medical degree from the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.
- Internship at Sparrow Osteopathic in Lansing, MI, and ONMM residency at Michigan State University
Board Certification
- Board-certified through the American Osteopathic Association.
Additional Certifications
Juliet Bliss, D.O., President-Elect
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Interests
Away from work, Dr. Bliss enjoys camping, reading, family game nights, and bicycling.
Medical Education
- Residency: The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education/National Family Medicine Network, Auburn, WA
- Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa, AZ
Board Certification
- Family Medicine/OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment)
John Mozena, D.P.M., Treasurer
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Medical Education
Surgical Residency:
- Hillside Hospital, San Diego, 1983-1984
- Residency Director, Medical Center Hospital, 1985-1991
- Director of Podiatric Surgery, Medical Center Hospital, 1989-1991
- Consultant for Nike shoe company, Tahnu division, 1987
- Team Doctor, Central Catholic High School Football, 1987-1990
- United States Patent: Planter Surface Baseball Cleat Design, 1982
Features on Television and in Print
- Who’s Who in the World, America, West, Executives and Professionals, Science and Engineering.
- Health & Living, August 1996; “Summer Heel Pain & Pediatrics” and various other segments
- AM Northwest, January 1994, April 1994, June 1995, November 2000
- “Good Evening Show”, Channel 2 News
- March 1994, ESPN, “Cold Pizza”, 2006
- Channel News 2, “Orthosorb” Pins, June 1993
- “Endoscopic Heel Surgery,”, September 1994
- Featured in Oregonian newspaper article, “Great toe implants.”
- Consulting Editor, Podiatry Today, national publication, 2000-current
- Consulting Editor Podiatry Management Magazine, national publication 1994-1997
- Adjunct Faculty, Heath Professional Section, Portland Community College
- 1999 Clinician of the Year, Eastmoreland Hospital
- 2000-2001 National Satellite Media Tour on Onychomycosis
- 2003 National Spokesperson, Dermik Lab “Best Foot Forward” Marathon Program
- 2005-2006 Legislative Chairman, Oregon Podiatric Medical Association, O.P.M.A.
- 2000-2014 Clinical Associate Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery: Western University of Health Sciences 2010-Present.
Doug Woerner, D.O., Immediate Past President
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Medical Education
- Abrazo Central Campus
- Residency, Family Medicine, 2008
- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Medical School, 2005
Board Certification
- Family Medicine
- American Board of Family Medicine, 2009
Board Members
Thomas Kincheloe, D.O.
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Fields
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Medical Education
Areas of Expertise
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
- Chronic Pain
- Interrater Reliability
- Common Compensatory Pattern and Fascial Planes
- Fascial Distortion Model
Methodological Expertise
- Case studies
- Systematic reviews
Current Projects
- Investigation in Sink’s Common Compensatory Pattern with Frequency, Variability, and Inter-rater Reliability
- Use of Artificial Intelligence in Undergraduate Medical Education
Nancy Kragt, D.O.
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Specialties
- Emergency Medicine
- General Emergency Medicine
Richard Koss, D.O.
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Driven by his dedication to holistic care, Dr. Koss returned to Kirksville to specialize in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), which remains his central practice focus today. Throughout his career, Dr. Koss has held influential teaching and leadership positions. He served as an Assistant Professor at A.T. Still University and as Vice Chair of the OMM Department at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center. His accolades include Educator of the Year in 1997 and recognition as one of “Seattle’s Best Doctors” in 2002. Since 1999, Dr. Koss has dedicated himself to his Maple Valley practice, focusing exclusively on osteopathic manipulative treatments and sharing his knowledge
Certifications and Expertise
- Board Certified in Family Practice and OMM
- Certified in Medical Acupuncture
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
Dave Miller, D.O.
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Physician at Family Health Services
Family Health Services provides high-quality, culturally sensitive primary medical and dental care, behavioral health, and social services that are affordable and accessible to the people of South Central Idaho.
Medical Education
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Yakima, Washington – Graduated 2014
- Osteopathic Family Practice and Manipulative Treatment
- Allegiance Health Residency Program, Jackson, Michigan – Completed 2017
Lisa Newton, D.O.
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Specialty
- Family Medicine
Kevin Wilson, D.O.
Staff
Jacqueline Forsythe, Executive Director
Phone: 971-491-5566
Email: jforsythe@nwosteo.org
Jacqueline Forsythe does not have voting privileges.









