Dr. Nichols, DO, MA, MACOI, MACP, FAMWA, CS-F, is a Past Chair of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Board of Directors, serving from 2020-2022, following six years as a board member. She was Dean of Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine from 2002-2018. She was Chair of Internal Medicine at Midwestern University/Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and Assistant Dean for GME from 1997-2002. Her academic career followed 17 years in the private practice of internal medicine in Arizona. She holds a master’s degree in management with a specialty in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University.

Dr. Nichols has received the highest awards from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine as well as Kansas City University/College of Osteopathic Medicine, her alma mater. She received the American Osteopathic Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Dr. Nichols holds nine honorary degrees.

She has served as President of the AOA, the American College of Osteopathic Internists, and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association, being the first woman to hold these positions. She was President of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago Board of Directors, chaired the Hope International University Board of Directors, and serves on the Carol Emmott Foundation Leadership Council. Having made over 900 presentations, Dr. Nichols also speaks nationally on her book “Physician Leadership: The 11 Skills Every Doctor Needs to be an Effective Leader.”