Frequently Asked Questions on Starting an
Osteopathic Internal Medicine Residency
Why should we start an AOA-approved internal medicine residency instead of an
ACGME-approved internal medicine residency program?
There are many advantages to starting an AOA-approved internal medicine residency
program. Here is a list of some of the advantages:
1. Flexibility to individual programs and program directors to set caps on the
numbers of patients that residents can manage. ACGME programs have predefined caps on the numbers of patients that residents can manage. This restriction is
as low as five new patients/PGY-1 in a given day. Programs and program directors in
osteopathic internal medicine residency set their own caps on the number of patients
that they feel give their residents the best balance of education and service tailored to
the dynamics of their institution.
2. Osteopathic internal medicine residency programs are more economical. AOAapproved internal medicine residency programs are not required to have a predefined number of full-time faculty per resident like ACGME-approved programs do.
This allows programs to use more volunteer faculty who enjoy teaching, but want the
freedom to have their own practices. This also allows for greater sustainability of the
programs as their is less of a chance for any negative financial impact on the hospital.
A recent cost analysis at Palmetto General Hospital showed that a 15-position
ACGME-approved program would cost the hospital an additional $1.2 million dollars
annually over an AOA-approved program of the same size.
3. Less disruptive to the medical staff. AOA-approved programs are less disruptive to
the medical staff of a hospital as the program(s) use volunteers from the existing
medical staff and do not have the full-time faculty requirements.
What is the approval process for an osteopathic internal medicine residency
program?
An application is sent to the AOA. From there, it is forwarded onto the ACOI Council on
Education and Evaluation that meets in February, April, and September. After the
application is approved, it is forwarded onto the PTRC for final approval. The process
typically takes about 3 - 6 months, depending on when the application is submitted.
What is the deadline to apply for an osteopathic internal medicine residency
program?
There is no deadline. Applications are accepted year-round with an average approval
time of 3 - 6 months.
What is the best way to learn about the requirements of an osteopathic internal
medicine residency program?
Rough Draft
Reading the Basic Standards is the best way to learn about the requirements of an
osteopathic internal medicine residency program. They are available from
osteopathic.org.
Can I start an osteopathic internal medicine residency program/fellowship with a
M.D. Program Director?
Yes and no. The AOA-allows for an M.D. to serve as a program director for up to 36
months. The ACOI Council on Education and Evaluation has approved a number of
fellowships with an M.D. serving as the initial program director and is currently
considering a number of applications for residency programs with M.D. program
directors. Any application for a program with an M.D. program director, must include a
recruitment plan for an AOBIM-certified D.O. program director.
Can I start an osteopathic internal medicine subspecialty fellowship without an
osteopathic internal medicine residency program?
No. There must be an osteopathic internal medicine residency program to start an
osteopathic internal medicine subspecialty fellowship.
Rough Draft