The AOA Board of
Trustees today announced it has approved the creation of two pathways for AOA board certification. Candidate diplomates
will be given the choice of two initialcertification pathways: To become board certified
in the osteopathic practice of their specialty; or to become board certified in their specialty only,
taking an exam without formal osteopathic content.
The existing
osteopathic specialty board certification exams will continue to serve DOs who
wish to validate their expertise of osteopathic principles and practice. The
AOA also will develop an examination pathway that embraces osteopathic
medicine’s unique holistic thinking, but does not evaluate candidates’ skills
in the principles and practice of osteopathic medicine. Exams for both pathways
will be developed by practicing osteopathic physicians, and distinctive
certificates will be awarded for each.
The decision at the
AOA’s Midyear Meeting followed thoughtful consideration of perspectives from
physician leaders across the profession and specialties.
The Board’s commitment
to realign and enhance board certification is in response to changing
demographics and the evolving needs and expectations of a new generation of
DOs.
Demand for
certification options has grown, and the potential diplomate pool for initial
and ongoing continuous certification is larger due to the Single
Accreditation System. This is an opportunity to reach a broader
market of DOs and to provide a certification pathway for MDs as well,
especially those trained in osteopathically-recognized programs.
