The most newsworthy

The top 10 news stories of 2018

There’s a lot going on in osteopathic medicine. Here are the 10 stories to get you up to speed on DOs this year.

From international recognition of DOs to scope of practice wins, the world of osteopathic medicine saw much activity this year. In case you need a refresher, The DO rounded up the 10 biggest news stories in the profession from 2018. We’re looking forward to seeing osteopathic medicine continue to grow and progress next year.

1. DOs help defeat bills that seek to cut doctors out of health care

As APRNs and nurse-midwives ramp up their efforts to practice independently, DOs are fighting back.

2. AMA officially recognizes COMLEX as equivalent to USMLE

AMA HOD resolution calls for the association to help educate residency program directors on using and interpreting COMLEX scores.

3. DOs receive international recognition as fully licensed physicians

Recognition from the UN’s International Labor Organization should help osteopathic physicians gain practice rights throughout the world.

4. Single GME update: More than 6,600 AOA residency positions are now ACGME-accredited

The transition is complete for all AOA residency programs in two specialties and nearly complete for those in another seven specialties.

Eight AOA general surgery residency programs received initial accreditation from ACGME in October.

5. Proposed CME requirements for the 2019-2021 cycle

The proposed CME requirements for AOA board certification in all 18 certifying boards were posted in November. Although the initial comment period for the proposed requirements closed on Wednesday, Dec. 19, you can see the proposed changes for your specialty here.

6. US DO school graduates to get new opportunities in the 2020 Canadian Match

DOs have become eligible for additional residency training opportunities in Canada since all 10 provinces now recognize DO graduates as equal to MDs.

7. What the final AOA Match means for DO students

Learn about changes to matching coming with the single GME accreditation system.

8. Fake DO in Massachusetts investigated; agrees to stand down

A physical therapist assistant misrepresenting himself as a DO agrees to stop using unearned credentials.

9. Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education gives AOA provisional accreditation

ACCME approval is expected to increase the number of osteopathic learning opportunities offered by AOA and its affiliates.

10. High-profile DO forensic psychiatrist shot dead outside office

Steven Pitt, DO, was well-known for his work on the JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation, Ben Roethlisberger’s civil lawsuit and other notable cases.

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