2 osteopathic organizations win 2023 Outstanding Affiliate Awards

The AOA recently selected the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) and the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) as the recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Affiliate Awards.

The Outstanding Affiliate Awards recognize state and specialty college affiliates that demonstrate innovation, creativity, resourcefulness and flexibility; highlight outstanding affiliate performance; recognize affiliate contributions that advance the osteopathic profession; and celebrate and share noteworthy programs and initiatives with all affiliates to encourage best practices.

The recent achievements of this year’s recipients are highlighted below.

American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI)

• Leadership worked closely with the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) on member training and professional development initiatives. A crossover of talent was seen between the ACOI and AOBIM, where opportunities were enhanced. Members were actively recruited and engaged by establishing a connection through certification and CME.
• Sharing information about Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) and the early entry Internal Medicine Primary Exam created a greater understanding by members of the process. The numbers were nearly tripled for the early entry exam.

• The In-Training Service Exam alerted residents of the opportunity for board certification with the AOBIM. It allowed residents to take the exam before graduating and complete an important task before entering the workforce.
• Strategic partnerships created with the affiliates sector and organizations that benefit the osteopathic community and having an ex officio seat on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Review Committee resulted in positive outcomes and shared knowledge.
• Provided AOBIM support and unique opportunities to engage with members, leaders and staff at the ACOI annual, spring and leadership meetings.

Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS)

• The AMOPS Annual Conference had a record-breaking 226 attendees representing 45 colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs), including active duty DOs, retired DOs, students and residents. A total of 36 CME credits were offered, with a special ultrasound skills lab and battlefield emergency skills stations.
• The Leadership and Mentoring Program for Military Medical Students was created to provide leadership and officer training and support the military medical students facing the rigors of medical school. Students were paired with DO residents and physicians to assist them throughout their training. In 2022, the program paired over 400 students with a mentor.
• Initiated a membership campaign that expanded student reach to 45 COMs and grew membership from 426 to 691 in less than eight months.
• Participated in AOA DO Day for the first time, where three students, a board member, and the executive director attended a “meet and greet” with the Senate Armed Services Committee staff. Important topics highlighted include the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), osteopathic medicine, military medicine and the military residency match.
• Organized a social service project at the AMOPS Annual Conference. The service project included working with veteran housing facilities with over 120 member volunteers who participated.

Winners recognized

AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, MHA, FACOFP, bestowed these esteemed awards upon ACOI and AMOPS during the awards ceremony held in-person during OMED23 on Saturday, Oct. 7.