Amanda S. Wright, DO
Dr. Amanda Wright, DO, is a force of compassion and stability in the medical world, serving as the Dean of the Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University while also holding a position as Associate Professor of Family Medicine. Inspired by her sister, who lives with a rare syndrome, Amanda entered medicine with a childhood belief that she could “fix” her. Over time, she discovered a deeper truth: her sister was never broken; rather, the family needed greater support and resources. This realization has shaped her entire ethos, guiding her commitment to patient-centered care, advocacy, and medical education. In her current role, she directs all aspects of the college’s medical programs, ensuring alignment with the institution’s mission, strategic goals, and accreditation standards, while continuing to maintain a clinical practice in family medicine.
Her medical interests span women’s health and obstetrics, global medicine, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), social determinants of health, and advocacy for LGBTQA populations. Academically, Dr. Wright focuses on integrated curricular design, team-based learning, interprofessional education, and quality improvement, dedicating herself to shaping the next generation of physicians with a holistic and compassionate approach. Before joining Marian University, she served as Associate Dean of Clinical Medicine at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and directed the family medicine residency program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, blending administrative leadership with hands-on clinical expertise.
A graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a degree in biology and pre-medicine, Dr. Wright earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys horseback riding, trail running, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two sons, embodying a balance of dedication, resilience, and personal fulfillment that mirrors her professional philosophy of care and support for others.
• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College - BS
• Midwestern University - DO
• American Osteopathic Association
• American Medical Association
• Indiana Osteopathic Association
• American Osteopathic Family Medicine
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the challenges and opportunities that shaped my journey. The achievement I hold dearest is leading my institution’s medical school through the tumultuous convergence of 2020—navigating a global pandemic, a complete leadership turnover, and my own new motherhood. From that crisis, I built a resilient leadership team that stabilized the school and thrived, creating programs we are immensely proud of. For me, there is no greater honor than walking alongside patients and, now on the education side, mentoring students who are excited not for themselves, but for the privilege of serving others.