Resident Physician University Hospitals Geauga Regional Medical Center Cleveland, Ohio
Background and Hypothesis: Since the change to combined accreditation of residency programs in 2020, historically Osteopathic residency programs have begun receiving applications from and at times matching MD graduates. This poses a unique challenge for programs who wish to open their doors to a broad variety of applicants, while at the same time maintaining their Osteopathic distinction. Allopathic graduates matching to Osteopathic programs are entering residency with some interest in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. This poses a new challenge to training programs, as existing curriculum is typically geared toward maintaining and expanding skills that new DO residents possess on entering residency. However, MD residents typically enter without these skills. Published educational literature describes the implementation of an OMT skills curriculum for interested allopathic graduates in the context of large departments. However, developing a track and elective course system as described may not be feasible for smaller programs and departments. We aim to demonstrate that a resident-driven initiative can provide an effective means of skills development in the context of a small community program with limited time and resources.
Methods: Participants consist of current residents at University Hospitals Regionals Geauga Family Medicine residency program. All residents participated in the curriculum, however surveys were only sent to allopathic residents (n=4). Curriculum is delivered as a series of monthly didactic and hands-on modules. Both didactic and hands-on components are designed to complement topics being covered in our systems-based curriculum. Participant knowledge of and comfort with OMM was assessed using a pre-course survey adapted from that used by Dubey, et al to allow comparison with published research. Mid-course survey will be obtained prior to submission of final poster.
Results: Initial survey results showed that our allopathic residents were not pleased with their current options to treat a variety of common primary care conditions. Some residents reported comfort with indications for OMT, however all reported being uncomfortable with mechanisms and performance of a variety of techniques. Since implementation of this curriculum, allopathic residents have been given the opportunity to assist their osteopathic colleagues during OMM visits.
Conclusion: Changing our curriculum has been necessary to appropriately engage with our allopathic colleagues who are interested in learning about Osteopathic principles and practices. Since implementing these changes, we have noticed increased engagement with our Osteopathic residents becoming involved with the teaching process. We have also been able to involve allopathic residents in OMM office visits with direct supervision. One shortcoming we have noticed is some ongoing difficulty with terminology and mechanisms, which we plan to address by developing some brief learning tools to assist with background knowledge; these components will likely not require dedication of further didactic time.
Acknowledgement of Research Study Sponsors and IRB: No sponsors or grants.
Project is currently under review with University Hospitals IRB, anticipating exempt status.
