Pathways to Certification

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Pathways to Certification

AOBFP CERTIFICATION

While the ACOFP does not manage the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP) certification, we have been actively involved in conversations with the AOBFP and AOA, who do oversee it. We remain committed to being an advocate for current and future AOBFP diplomates to ensure high-quality certification that is both streamlined and cost-effective. ACOFP and AOBFP have had terrific conversations over the last year and we are very excited about changes coming to the AOBFP certification process. While details will be announced by AOBFP and AOA, the AOBFP has developed a plan to offer an early entry exam for residents. There will also be two pathways for initial certification with an option to take the OMT practical exam or not. While we hope all residents take the practical exam to demonstrate their abilities and commitment to the practice of OMM, this will be optional. AOBFP also works closely with us on the In-Service Exams to ensure a strong and positive alignment with the board certification.

The key take-away on this subject is that positive change is coming soon and positive collaboration with AOBFP and AOA is helping this become a reality.

ACOFP BOARD OUTREACH HUB PROGRAM

The ACOFP Board of Governors has created a hub program in an effort to connect with members, assigning a Governor to an area of the country. They will contact residency program directors (PDs) across the country, provide accurate information about certification, clarify ACOFP’s exam resources and options available residents, and answer questions that may help residency PDs make exam decisions. The Board also aims to instill osteopathic philosophy and potentially engage residents to remain committed to the same.

Each Governor is also responsible for communicating with the ACOFP Resident Council members in their geographical area. The Resident Council members can then forward information on to residents. Next, the Governors will contact medical schools in their hubs through ACOFP Student Chapter leadership so they are aware of the new hub program and know who on the Board can serve as a resource to them. As often as possible, the Governors will attend local student functions such as monthly student chapter meetings, state meetings, white coat ceremonies, NOM week and more. Since many students have not yet declared their specialty, Governors will highlight positive aspects of family medicine, osteopathic philosophy, and the practice of OMT.

The last goal of the hub structure is to establish a connection with new physicians. ACOFP recognizes the importance of developing a network of mentorship with physicians who are in the first few years of practicing family medicine. The Governors will be available to provide information about ACOFP opportunities, such as the New Physician Program and Committee participation, CME resources, and recertification options.

COMMITTEES TO HELP STUDENTS, RESIDENTS & PDS

ACOFP has created Committees to provide information and mentorship to students, residents and program directors regarding ACOFP exams, certification and continuing education. Also, residents can reach out to the ACOFP Resident Council for peer- to-peer support. The mission of the Committee on Osteopathic Recognition & Development (CORD) & Program Directors strives to maintain and advance the process of osteopathically-focused graduate medical education and increase the number of programs that enhance in this process. This is accomplished by supporting the development of quality osteopathic family medicine residency training programs through its basic standards, program director training, the In-Service exams, CORTEx and program reviews.

The Preceptorship Committee has been charged with identifying and educating high-quality preceptors to promote excellence and innovation with third and fourth-year osteopathic medical students to enhance their interest in osteopathic family medicine.

FOUNDATION SUPPORTS RESIDENTS

The ACOFP Education and Research Foundation recently created the Resident AOBFP Initial Certification Fund to support the ongoing participation of osteopathic family medicine residents in the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physician’s (AOBFP) Initial Certification Exam. Grants will be made available from this fund for unreimbursed examination fees and airfare to qualifying residents taking the exam.

Continuing to have osteopathically trained residents become AOBFP certified is critically important to growing our profession and creating a bright future for the next generation of osteopathic physicians. Terms and conditions will be posted on the website in the coming months.

To support this critically important certification initiative, the Education and Research Foundation has set an ambitious annual goal of $400,00 and has already raised $150,000. Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated to help reach this target!

Visit acofpfoundation.org to learn more and donate.

The ACOFP Board hopes that these resources provide the information needed to clarify the certification and exam processes for all members, but of course, please contact ACOFP at any time with questions.

Robert C. DeLuca, DO, FACOFP dist.

2019 - 2020 ACOFP President

SEE CHART FOR REQUIREMENTS FULFILLED BY EACH EXAM.	ACOFP IN-SERVICE EXAM PLUS (ISE+)	CORTEx	TRADITIONAL ACOFP IN-SERVICE EXAM (ISE)	ABFM IN-TRAINING EXAM (ITE)
Meets AOA’s Basic Standard for Residency Training in Osteopathic Family Medicine and Manipulative Treatment	X		X
Meets ACGME’s Basic Requirement	X		X	X
Meets ACGME’s Osteopathic Recognition Requirement	X	X
Number of exam questions	265 (190 ISE & 75 OPP/OMM)	75 (OPP/OMM)	220 (190 ISE & 30 OPP/OMM)	245 (Approximately)

Please see the ACOFP website for exam pricing.