American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

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  Logo of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is a prominent organization that represents the interests of osteopathic medical schools in the United States. It plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing osteopathic medical education and serves as a unifying voice for the osteopathic medical profession.

History

AACOM was established in 1898 to promote the growth and development of osteopathic medicine as a distinct branch of medical practice. Over the years, it has been instrumental in advocating for the recognition and accreditation of osteopathic medical schools and their graduates.

Mission

The mission of AACOM is to support its member institutions in educating and training future osteopathic physicians who are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. AACOM aims to advance osteopathic medical education through advocacy, research, and the dissemination of information.

Functions

AACOM performs several key functions, including:

• Advocacy: AACOM advocates for policies that support the growth and development of osteopathic medical education and the osteopathic medical profession.
• Accreditation: While AACOM itself does not accredit osteopathic medical schools, it works closely with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to ensure that schools meet high standards of educational quality.
• Research and Data Collection: AACOM collects and analyzes data related to osteopathic medical education and workforce trends, providing valuable insights to its member institutions and the broader medical community.
• Professional Development: AACOM offers resources and opportunities for professional development to faculty and administrators at osteopathic medical schools.

Membership

AACOM's membership includes all 38 accredited osteopathic medical schools in the United States. These schools are responsible for educating and training the next generation of osteopathic physicians, who earn the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Osteopathic Medical Education

Osteopathic medical education emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the interrelationship between the body's structure and function. Students in osteopathic medical schools receive training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Related Organizations

AACOM collaborates with several related organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), which is the professional organization for osteopathic physicians, and the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), which administers the licensing exams for osteopathic physicians.

Related pages

• Osteopathic medicine in the United States
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• Osteopathic manipulative medicine
• American Osteopathic Association
• Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation