The transition to a single accreditation system is nearing a closing date of June 30, 2020. As of this writing profession wide, 7,518 training positions, 88% of all former AOA accredited positions are now ACGME accredited. Overall 898 of the 1,244 AOA programs that existed at the start of the transition have achieved ACGME accreditation. So far 215 have achieved Osteopathic Recognition in the ACGME system.
In regards to orthopedic surgery, 34 osteopathic programs and one hand fellowship are ACGME accredited. Seven programs remain in continued pre-accreditation. Of the 34 programs, two have obtained Osteopathic Recognition. The AOA Board of Directors, in 2018, adopted a Position Statement that strongly urges Osteopathic Recognition for all or a majority of those positions previously AOA accredited. The next orthopedic review committee of the ACGME meets January 17 and 18, 2020. Although the agenda is not publically available, I anticipate most of the 7 programs still seeking accreditation will be acted upon. After the January meeting, those programs not viewed as ACGME accredited will have one more chance, in April 2020, to cross the finish line. Those programs without ACGME accreditation after April will be able to “teach out” their current residents under an agreement with the AOA and ACGME. The AOAO Evaluating Committee has recently revised our basic standards to accommodate those residents in a “teach out” position.
In the final six months of the transition, the AOA, AACOM and ACGME will complete a new agreement reiterating the organizations’ enduring partnership to benefit all DO graduates. Going forward, Dr. Klauer, AOA CEO, and Dr. Nasca, ACGME CEO, will meet monthly to discuss solutions for items that AOA members have raised. Affirming the ACGME’s commitment to osteopathic medicine, Karen Nichols, DO, is now the first osteopathic physician to become Chair-Elect of the ACGME Board of Directors.
Newest AOAO Director
Please join me in congratulating Richard L. Crank, DO, FAOAO, the newest member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Crank specializes in orthopedic trauma and complex hip and knee reconstruction for adults and children in Lakeland, FL. He has been an active member of the CME Committee, serving as the Vice Chair in 2018 and 2019. He also served on the Editorial Subcommittee, as well as speaker and moderator for AOAO meetings.
Holiday Wishes
As the year quickly draws to a close, I want to personally thank those of you who have contributed to the success of the AOAO in 2019. Your commitment to osteopathic orthopedics and the AOAO does not go unnoticed. The future of the Academy is dependent on all of our members, but especially the volunteers who give so generously of their time, but especially their ideas and talents. My personal prayer for each of our members is that you and your loved ones experience a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season. I look forward to continuing to represent the AOAO in 2020.