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. We have an affiliation with Kansas City University (KCU) as our osteopathic post-doctoral training institution. KCU Faculty provide an annual workshop during intern orientation for all incoming Osteopathic Designated residents as well as providing Osteopathic resources for faculty in Osteopathic education.

The Osteopathic Designation Resident Curriculum is a longitudinal curriculum open to all DOs, and to MDs who have completed additional training in osteopathic principles and practice (OPP)- see Osteopathic Designation Eligibility Criteria/Policy.

  • 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.
  • UMKC Family Medicine Residency has 5 core osteopathic faculty who provide teaching in all settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient services and didactic sessions and are mentors for scholarly activities.
  • Osteopathic Designated residents have scholarly activity and journal club requirements.
  • Monthly didactic sessions that include a hands-on component are meant to enhance OMT skills.
  • MDs 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.

MD residents who do not meet pre-matriculation requirements for Osteopathic Designation 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. DO residents who do not choose the Osteopathic Designation path may do the same.

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 Designation curriculum.

Residents successfully completing the Osteopathic Designation 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.

Plan to notify us of your interest in the Osteopathic educational opportunities during your interview. There is not a separate application, however, you need to be designated as Osteopathic Designated Residents prior to the start of your residency. Remember, there are additional pre-matriculation requirements for MD residents who wish to pursue Osteopathic Designation (see policy).


Steven Foote, DO
Director of Osteopathic Education

Steven.Foote@uhkc.org