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As our osteopathic specialty has evolved over the past decades, so does its identity as perceived by its practitioners, other specialties, government agencies, and the public.
That identity will undergo a formal transition effective January 1, 2012 when “family practice” is changed to “family medicine” in the official documents of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP).
Rationale for change
The transition has its origin with the Missouri Society of the ACOFP, which submitted a resolution that was approved by the ACOFP Congress of Delegates and ultimately by the AOA Board of Trustees.
The primary reason for the change is to better differentiate a family physician’s level of medical training and scope of practice from other practitioners and nonphysician providers.
The “family medicine” designation will enhance public perception by emphasizing the advanced training and specialty nature of the osteopathic family physician.
Implementing the change
AOBFP certificates will state that the diplomat is certified in “Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment” or “FM/OMT.”
It is not necessary for diplomats to obtain a replacement certificate. However, diplomats in good standing with current AOA membership may request a reissued original engraved certificate for a $100 fee. Submit the letter of request and fee to the AOBFP, 330 E. Algonquin Road, Suite 6, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
The ACOFP’s training documents will be titled Basic Standards for Residency Training in Osteopathic Family Medicine and Manipulative Treatment, and “family medicine” will replace “family practice” throughout these training documents. The AOA physician profile available from the American Osteopathic Information Association will reflect the updated “FM/ OMT” designation. This profile is the primary source verification for confirmation of AOA certification and membership standing. The AOA will communicate the change to “family medicine” to state licensing boards and other government agencies, Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTIs), and the residency programs, colleges of osteopathic medicine, and other audiences within the profession.
The ACOFP and the ABOFP will not be changing their organizational names.
George T. Sawabini, DO, FACOFP
President, ACOFP
Frank A. E. Bonifacio, DO, FACOFP
Chair, AOBFP