Osteopathic Recognition
The UMKC Family Medicine Residency program has a long history of excellence in Osteopathic Education. We had dual accreditation by the ACGME and AOA for many years and now have Continued Accreditation for Osteopathic Recognition from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) under the single accreditation system.
Program Curriculum
The osteopathic recognition resident curriculum (PDF) is a longitudinal curriculum open to all D.O.'s, and to M.D.'s who have completed additional training in osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) — see osteopathic-recognition eligibility criteria/policy (PDF).
- Osteopathic-designated residents are expected to utilize their osteopathic skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat patients in a variety of locations, including inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Osteopathic-designated residents are scheduled an average of once a month to staff the OMT clinic. This clinic provides close mentoring by Osteopathic faculty and is an opportunity to learn new techniques and hone skills.
- OMT tables are available in the Family Medicine Center for integrating OMT into the residents’ own family practice continuity clinic.
- The Family Medicine Residency has osteopathic faculty who provide teaching in all settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient services and didactic sessions, and are mentors for scholarly activities.
- Osteopathic-recognized residents have scholarly activity and journal club requirements.
- Monthly didactic sessions that include a hands-on component are meant to enhance OMT skills.
- M.D.'s who have met the pre-matriculation eligibility and are osteopathic-designated will have additional requirements during residency to help enhance their osteopathic education (CME, OPP-focused electives).
- Osteopathic-designated residents have annual OPP standardized assessments, as well as OPP specific evaluations and milestones. They receive an additional Osteopathic Recognition Certificate and Osteopathic Summative Evaluation at the completion of residency.
Alternative Participation
M.D. residents who do not meet pre-matriculation requirements for osteopathic recognition but still have interest in learning OPP are welcome/encouraged to participate in/audit many of the educational experiences but will not receive official recognition. D.O. residents who do not choose the osteopathic recognition path may do the same.
Participating in Multiple Concentration Areas
Osteopathic-designated residents may also participate in any (one) of the UMKC family medicine residency program’s Areas of Concentration (AoCs), such as Women’s Health, Sports Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Informatics (described elsewhere) in addition the to osteopathic-recognition curriculum.
Certification Exams
Residents successfully completing the osteopathic recognition resident curriculum are eligible to take certification examinations from either/both the ABOFP or the ABFM. The ABOFP certifies you in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Medical Treatment. You will not be required to take both examinations.
Joining the Program
While there is no separate application, residents who would like to participate in the Osteopathic Recognition program will need to notify the residency program coordinator. Remember, there are additional pre-matriculation requirements for M.D. residents who wish to pursue osteopathic recognition — see policy (PDF).
Questions?
Please contact Dr. Steven Foote.

Steven Foote, D.O.
Director of Osteopathic Education