.
| HOME |
| EDUCATION |
| HISTORY |
| REGISTRATION |
| LINKS |
| CONTACTS |
| FAQ |
| DOCUMENTS |
| OFFICERS |
| AID SOCIETY |
| COMSA STUDENT ASSOCIATION |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| BRITISH
COLUMBIA OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION |
What is
Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical practice in Canada and the United States. The practice of osteopathic medicine utilizes all available modern medical technologies to assess and treat injury and disease. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Osteopathic physicians understand how all the body’s systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others. When indicated, they focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems. D.O.s know that the body’s structure plays a critical role in its ability to function. They can use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.
AACOM has launched “Osteopathic Medical Student Profiles: In their Own Words: A Snapshot of the Osteopathic Medical Student,” a student recruitment web page that features the experiences of students at each of the nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine. With each student profile, included is a link to the student’s college of osteopathic medicine web site, so that prospective applicants can learn more about that medical college and its academic programs. Visitors can also click on links to the Recruitment Calendar and to order/view the 2012 College Information Book: http://www.aacom.org/InfoFor/applicants/profiles/Pages/default.aspx
To view a new 8 minute video regarding osteopathic medical education from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine called "Explore the DO Difference", follow this link: http://data.aacom.org/video/AACOMv14.wmv
What services does an Osteopathic Physician provide?
D.O.s are complete physicians, and
through comprehensive residency training, may specialize in any field of
medicine of their choosing. That means they are fully trained and licensed
to order any required laboratory and imaging diagnostic procedures,
prescribe medication, and perform surgery. D.O.s and allopathic
physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians in North
America. Osteopathic
manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice
of osteopathic physicians. By combining all available medical
procedures with OMT, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive
care available in medicine today.
Are osteopathic
physician services
covered by my provincial health insurance plan?
Yes. Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical practitioners and, like MDs, most medical services provided are covered by your provincial health care plan.
I am interested in
pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine. How do I apply?
Contact the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine at www.aacom.org
NEW ! - The 2012 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (CIB) now available. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 'College Information Book' (CIB) is the official publication for prospective applicants, students, pre-health advisors and others interested in gaining information about or applying to US osteopathic medical colleges. This year's CIB, for students applying for the fall of 2012 has been expanded to cover a variety of new topics, and includes updated admission requirements, tuition, fees, deposits, important deadlines and special programs at each of the osteopathic medical colleges. To order or download the 2012 College Information Book, follow this link: http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Pages/default.aspx
NOTE : If you are a Canadian
interested in applying to AACOM schools, the AACOM has confirmed that the
following colleges of osteopathic medicine may accept applications from
Canadians that do not hold U.S. Permanent Resident Status (contact your
school of interest directly to confirm eligibility): ATSU-KCOM, AZCOM, CCOM,
DMUCOM, KCUMB-COM, LECOM-Erie, LECOM-
I am a Canadian graduate of a US osteopathic medical school and wish to pursue postgraduate training in the USA. What Visa do I need?
NOTE: the links below are only a starting point for research on US Visas. Those who are interested in obtaining US visas may want to consult with legal counsel.
Please see the following links for further information regarding H1-B and J-1 visas required to pursue ACGME postgraduate training in the USA:
1) Visit the DO Online website for further explanation regarding H1-B and J-1 Visas at:
US Visa Documentation Information: http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/development/internationl-licensure/Documents/us-visa-information.pdf
2) Visit the Health Canada website with respect to the 'Statement of Need' document required by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to pursue a J-1 visa at:
Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/hhr-rhs/postgrad-postdoc/index-eng.php
3) Visit the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) website with respect to obtaining Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, required to obtain the J-1 visa at:
ECFMG: http://www.ecfmg.org/
ECFMG J-1 Visa Sponsorship Fact Sheet: http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/j1fact.pdf
I am a US osteopathic
graduate. Is my ACGME Family Medicine Residency accepted for
certification in Canada?
Yes. If you have a degree from a US college of osteopathic medicine, have completed an ACGME accredited Family Medicine residency program, and have certification with the ABFM, the College of Family Physicians of Canada will consider your credentials for certification without further training or examinations. Please see the following links:
http://www.cfpc.ca/RecognizedTraining/
https://www.theabfm.org/cert/certificationpolicies.aspx
Are there COA/AOA accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in Canada?
No. Currently, the only accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine graduating qualified osteopathic graduates are found in the USA. There are 29 accredited osteopathic medical schools in the United States.
I hold an osteopathic
diploma or certificate granted from a school outside of North America.
Can I register to practice osteopathy in Canada?
No. Only those graduates from COA/AOA accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine meet the qualifications and are eligible for registration with the provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons.
I am aware of a
non-physician 'osteopathic practitioner' practicing without college of physician
registration. What should I do?
Please advise your provincial Minister of
Health, and the Registrar of your provincial College of Physicians and
Surgeons.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CANADIAN STUDENTS APPLYING TO AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL SCHOOLS
January 17, 2012