Free
AOA Communication  |   April 2011
Osteopathic Specialty Board Certification
Ronald E. Ayres, DO; Stephen Scheinthal, DO; Cheryl Gross, MA, CAE; Elaine C. Bell, BA
Author Notes
  • From the departments of obstetrics and gynecology (Dr Ayres) and psychiatry (Dr Scheinthal) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, where Dr Scheinthal also serves at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging. Also, from the Department of Education's Division of Certification at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) (Ms Gross and Ms Bell). Dr Ayres currently serves as chair of the AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, Dr Scheinthal as vice chair, and Ms Gross as secretary. 
  • Address correspondence to Cheryl Gross, MA, CAE, Department of Education, American Osteopathic Association, 142 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611-2864. 
Article Information
AOA Communication   |   April 2011
Osteopathic Specialty Board Certification
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, April 2011, Vol. 111, 280-288. doi:https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2011.111.4.280
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, April 2011, Vol. 111, 280-288. doi:https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2011.111.4.280
Abstract

The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists continually assesses the skills of osteopathic physician specialists in response to the growth of specialization in the osteopathic medical profession. Most recently, the Bureau has mandated that all osteopathic specialty certifying boards fully implement Osteopathic Continuous Certification no later than January 1, 2013. The authors discuss communication efforts related to this change, including a survey to assess physician needs in light of the new requirement. Also reported are rates of osteopathic specialty board certification and recertification for 2010.

The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) is the authoritative body that develops, reviews, and enforces all policies and requirements for osteopathic certification as approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The AOA Board of Trustees has mandated that all specialty certifying boards1 fully implement Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) no later than January 1, 2013. 
Communicating Osteopathic Continuous Certification
The objective of OCC is to assist physicians in maintaining excellence—enhancing the quality of healthcare nationwide. The introduction of continuous certification models by the BOS and the American Board of Medical Specialties is a step intended to ensure quality of care. Adding to these efforts, the Federation of State Medical Boards has been active in the discussion to assess continued physician competence for the maintenance of licensure and to enact stricter requirements for renewal. 
A communications plan has been developed and implemented by the BOS to inform osteopathic physicians about OCC requirements. The first step of the plan was to survey current diplomates to determine the current level of understanding and knowledge about OCC and its requirements. To measure the effectiveness of OCC messaging, the survey will be repeated in fall 2011 and 2012. 
The survey was first sent in September 2010 to a random sample of 5003 board-certified osteopathic physicians with e-mail addresses taken from the AOA's database. Valid e-mail addresses were available for 4691 DOs, of whom 835 completed the survey for a response rate of nearly 18%. Half of the respondents indicated they held time-limited certifications; the other half indicated they held certifications without expiration dates. 
The results of the survey demonstrate that the AOA has much work ahead in terms of communication to diplomates. Five hundred thirty-one of 835 respondents (64%) indicated that they were not familiar with OCC or maintenance of certification and were not aware that there will be new requirements for maintenance of their board certification. Because the remaining questions focused on OCC, those respondents that indicated they were unfamiliar with OCC were excluded from the second half of the survey. 
The remaining 304 survey participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with statements about OCC. The responses are outlined in Table 1. In open-ended comments, survey respondents indicated that it would be helpful to know the reasons for the requirement of continuous certification and to see studies on the benefits of the continuous certification process to the public and to medical practice. The BOS is taking all of the comments into consideration for the promotion of OCC benefits and requirements. 
Table 1.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification Awareness Survey Responses (N=304) *
Survey Responses, No. (%)
Survey Item
 Strongly Agree/Agree
 Strongly Disagree/Disagree
 Don't Know/N/A
I am prepared for OCC.142 (48)119 (39)40 (13)
The rigor of OCC ensures greater quality of health care. 109 (36) 143 (47) 51 (17)
There is value in OCC for my practice.107 (36)143 (45)60 (20)
OCC will help me maintain my state licensure. 155 (51) 67 (23) 81 (27)
OCC will help me keep my knowledge and skills current.137 (45)124 (41)41 (14)
I will be recognized as a leader due to my participation in OCC. 59 (19) 175 (58) 68 (23)
I do not plan to participate in OCC.59 (19)165 (55)77 (26)
The potential cost of OCC concerns me. 209 (70) 45 (15) 46 (15)
I am concerned that I will not be able to meet the requirements of OCC.86 (29)174 (58)41 (14)
Time and paperwork will be overly burdensome when OCC is implemented. 182 (60) 53 (17) 65 (22)
AOA is developing OCC only because of the ABMS' Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.159 (53)63 (21)77 (26)
I need more information about the OCC requirements.
230 (76) 45 (15) 24 (8)
 Abbreviations: AOA, American Osteopathic Association; ABMS, American Board of Medical Specialties; N/A, not applicable; OCC, Osteopathic Continuous Certification.
 *Totals do not equal 304 because some respondents did not answer all questions. Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding.
View Large
Table 1.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification Awareness Survey Responses (N=304) *
Survey Responses, No. (%)
Survey Item
 Strongly Agree/Agree
 Strongly Disagree/Disagree
 Don't Know/N/A
I am prepared for OCC.142 (48)119 (39)40 (13)
The rigor of OCC ensures greater quality of health care. 109 (36) 143 (47) 51 (17)
There is value in OCC for my practice.107 (36)143 (45)60 (20)
OCC will help me maintain my state licensure. 155 (51) 67 (23) 81 (27)
OCC will help me keep my knowledge and skills current.137 (45)124 (41)41 (14)
I will be recognized as a leader due to my participation in OCC. 59 (19) 175 (58) 68 (23)
I do not plan to participate in OCC.59 (19)165 (55)77 (26)
The potential cost of OCC concerns me. 209 (70) 45 (15) 46 (15)
I am concerned that I will not be able to meet the requirements of OCC.86 (29)174 (58)41 (14)
Time and paperwork will be overly burdensome when OCC is implemented. 182 (60) 53 (17) 65 (22)
AOA is developing OCC only because of the ABMS' Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.159 (53)63 (21)77 (26)
I need more information about the OCC requirements.
230 (76) 45 (15) 24 (8)
 Abbreviations: AOA, American Osteopathic Association; ABMS, American Board of Medical Specialties; N/A, not applicable; OCC, Osteopathic Continuous Certification.
 *Totals do not equal 304 because some respondents did not answer all questions. Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding.
×
As OCC is implemented, specialty affiliates and specialty colleges are supporting the AOA in communication regarding OCC requirements. Leaders from the AOA and specialty certifying boards are speaking at specialty college and affiliate meetings. In addition, information about OCC is available at http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/development/aoa-board-certification/Pages/osteopathic-continuous-certification.aspx. 
Components and Core Competencies of Osteopathic Continuous Certification
The specialty certifying boards are working to develop the OCC process for diplomates holding time-limited certificates. The plans for OCC were approved by the BOS Standards Review Committee in April 2010. 
The OCC process consists of 5 components, which are listed in Figure 1. Each of these components must incorporate the following 7 core competencies3: 
  • Osteopathic Philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine—Physicians are expected to demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards in osteopathic manipulative treatment appropriate to their specialty and remain dedicated to life-long learning and to practice habits in osteopathic philosophy and manipulative medicine.
  • Medical Knowledge—Physicians are expected to demonstrate and apply knowledge of accepted standards of clinical medicine in their respective specialty, remain current with new developments in medicine, and participate in life-long activities, including research.
  • Patient Care—Physicians must demonstrate the ability to effectively treat patients by providing medical care that incorporates the osteopathic philosophy, patient empathy, awareness of behavioral issues, the incorporation of preventive medicine, and health promotion.
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills—Physicians are expected to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of healthcare teams.
  • Professionalism—Physicians are expected to uphold the Osteopathic Oath in the conduct of their professional activities. The Oath promotes advocacy of patient welfare, adherence to ethical principles, collaboration with other health professionals, life-long learning, and sensitivity to diverse patient populations. Physicians should be cognizant of their own physical and mental health in order to effectively care for patients.
  • Practice-Based Learning and Improvement—Physicians must demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate their methods of clinical practice, integrate evidence-based medicine into patient care, show an understanding of research methods, and improve patient care practices.
  • Systems-Based Practice—Physicians are expected to demonstrate an understanding of healthcare delivery systems, provide effective and qualitative patient care within the system, and practice cost-effective medicine.
Certification Growth in 2010
The BOS views the certification process both as an assessment tool to enhance the quality of healthcare and a means to protect the public. Since 1939, the BOS has issued 34,751 certifications, including primary specialties, subspecialties, and added qualifications. 
As of late December 2010, a total of 23,170 osteopathic physicians—nearly 60% of active AOA members—were currently certified by the AOA and held a combined total of 26,698 active certificates. In 2010, 1679 certificates were awarded in primary specialty and subspecialty areas (Table 2), representing an increase of over 31% from 2009. 
Table 2.
New Specialty and Subspecialty Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Board of.../Specialty or Subspecialty
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 28 (2)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology 28 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 193 (11)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Family practice and OMT 477 (28)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Cardiology 53 (3)
□ Endocrinology4 (<1)
□ Family physicians 14 (1)
□ Gastroenterology14 (1)
□ Hematology 4 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases4 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 393 (23)
□ Nephrology14 (1)
□ Oncology 2 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases10 (1)
□ Rheumatology 8 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child neurology 0
□ Child psychiatry0
□ Neurology 9 (1)
□ Psychiatry0
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM/special proficiency in OMT67 (4)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine0
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology0
□ Maternal and fetal medicine 2 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology72 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery 0
□ Ophthalmology9 (1)
□ Otolaryngology 1 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery22 (1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery 75 (4)
▪ Pathology
□ Allergy and immunology 0
□ Anatomic pathology3 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine 0
□ Forensic pathology0
□ Laboratory medicine 1 (<1)
□ Pediatrics
□ Neonatology 1 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy and immunology0
▪ Pediatrics 37 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 11 (1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational-environmental medicine2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 0
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0
▪ Radiology
□ Diagnostic radiology 24 (1)
□ Radiation oncology0
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 6 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery12 (1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 5 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)67 (4)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery 0
□ Urological surgery 17 (1)
▪ Total
1679
 Abbreviations: OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
View Large
Table 2.
New Specialty and Subspecialty Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Board of.../Specialty or Subspecialty
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 28 (2)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology 28 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 193 (11)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Family practice and OMT 477 (28)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Cardiology 53 (3)
□ Endocrinology4 (<1)
□ Family physicians 14 (1)
□ Gastroenterology14 (1)
□ Hematology 4 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases4 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 393 (23)
□ Nephrology14 (1)
□ Oncology 2 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases10 (1)
□ Rheumatology 8 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child neurology 0
□ Child psychiatry0
□ Neurology 9 (1)
□ Psychiatry0
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM/special proficiency in OMT67 (4)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine0
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology0
□ Maternal and fetal medicine 2 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology72 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery 0
□ Ophthalmology9 (1)
□ Otolaryngology 1 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery22 (1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery 75 (4)
▪ Pathology
□ Allergy and immunology 0
□ Anatomic pathology3 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine 0
□ Forensic pathology0
□ Laboratory medicine 1 (<1)
□ Pediatrics
□ Neonatology 1 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy and immunology0
▪ Pediatrics 37 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 11 (1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational-environmental medicine2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 0
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0
▪ Radiology
□ Diagnostic radiology 24 (1)
□ Radiation oncology0
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 6 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery12 (1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 5 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)67 (4)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery 0
□ Urological surgery 17 (1)
▪ Total
1679
 Abbreviations: OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
×
Figure 1.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 1.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 2.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 2.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
In addition, 214 certificates of added qualifications were granted (Table 3), more than double the number of those issued in 2009 (98). In 2010, 1134 recertifications were issued, an increase of more than 10% compared with recertifications issued in the previous year (Table 4). A listing of total number of active certifications by specialty is also found in Table 4. 
Table 3.
New Certification of Added Qualifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Association Board of...*/Certificate of Added Qualification and Specialty Board
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Critical care medicine 0
□ Pain management1 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatopathology0
□ Mohs micrographic surgery 5 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medical services 1 (<1)
□ Medical toxicology0
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Family Physicians
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Adolescent and young adult medicine0
□ Geriatric medicine 3 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine56 (26)
□ Sleep medicine 2 (1)
□ Sports medicine13 (6)
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Critical care medicine16 (7)
□ Clinical cardiac electrophysiology 3 (1)
□ Geriatric medicine2 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine 17 (8)
□ Interventional cardiology14 (7)
□ Sleep medicine 34 (16)
□ Sports medicine1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Addiction medicine0
□ Geriatric psychiatry 5 (2)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine2 (1)
□ Neurophysiology 0
□ Sleep medicine6 (3)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Sports medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Occupational Medicine
□ Occupational medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Otolaryngic allergy 2 (1)
□ Sleep medicine4 (2)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Hand surgery3 (1)
▪ Pathology
□ Dermatopathology0
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Sports medicine 0
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine0
▪ Radiology
□ Vascular and interventional§0
□ Body imaging 0
□ Neuroradiology6 (3)
□ Nuclear radiology 0
□ Pediatric radiology1 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Surgical critical care 10 (5)
▪ Total
 214
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Total are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
 §Formerly named angiography and interventional radiology.
View Large
Table 3.
New Certification of Added Qualifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Association Board of...*/Certificate of Added Qualification and Specialty Board
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Critical care medicine 0
□ Pain management1 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatopathology0
□ Mohs micrographic surgery 5 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medical services 1 (<1)
□ Medical toxicology0
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Family Physicians
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Adolescent and young adult medicine0
□ Geriatric medicine 3 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine56 (26)
□ Sleep medicine 2 (1)
□ Sports medicine13 (6)
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Critical care medicine16 (7)
□ Clinical cardiac electrophysiology 3 (1)
□ Geriatric medicine2 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine 17 (8)
□ Interventional cardiology14 (7)
□ Sleep medicine 34 (16)
□ Sports medicine1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Addiction medicine0
□ Geriatric psychiatry 5 (2)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine2 (1)
□ Neurophysiology 0
□ Sleep medicine6 (3)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Sports medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Occupational Medicine
□ Occupational medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Otolaryngic allergy 2 (1)
□ Sleep medicine4 (2)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Hand surgery3 (1)
▪ Pathology
□ Dermatopathology0
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Sports medicine 0
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine0
▪ Radiology
□ Vascular and interventional§0
□ Body imaging 0
□ Neuroradiology6 (3)
□ Nuclear radiology 0
□ Pediatric radiology1 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Surgical critical care 10 (5)
▪ Total
 214
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Total are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
 §Formerly named angiography and interventional radiology.
×
Table 4.
Specialty, Subspecialty, and CAQ Recertifications and Total Active Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards *
Specialty
2010 Recertifications
Total Active Certifications
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 10 (1) 581 (2)
CAQ
– Critical care 0 5 (<1)
– Pain management1 (<1)68 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology0368 (1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†05 (<1)
– Mohs micrographic surgery 0 21 (<1)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 105 (9) 2046 (8)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
CAQ
– Emergency medical services010 (<1)
– Medical toxicology 0 9 (<1)
– Sports medicine†05 (<1)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Hospice and palliative medicine†‡NA56 (<1)
□ Family practice§ NA 4995 (19)
□ Family practice and OMT640 (56)5976 (22)
□ Sleep medicine†‡ NA 2 (<1)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†NA7 (<1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine†2 (<1)4 (<1)
– Adolescent and young adult medicine§ NA 8 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine12 (1)348 (1)
– Sports medicine† 3 (<1) 148 (1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Allergy and immunology 1 (<1) 10 (<1)
□ Cardiology13 (1)424 (2)
□ Endocrinology 1 (<1) 35 (<1)
□ Gastroenterology2 (<1)196 (1)
□ Hematology 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases5 (<1)59 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 123 (11) 3158 (12)
□ Nephrology6 (1)126 (<1)
□ Oncology 1 (<1) 91 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases2 (<1)178 (1)
□ Rheumatology 1 (<1) 60 (<1)
□ Sleep medicine†‡NA35 (<1)
CAQ
– Clinical cardiac electrophysiology1 (<1)24 (<1)
– Critical care medicine 2 (<1) 126 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine1 (<1)58 (<1)
– Sports medicine† 0 7 (<1)
– Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child psychiatry2 (<1)41 (<1)
□ Neurology 9 (1) 203 (1)
□ Neurology and psychiatry§NA1 (<1)
□ Psychiatry 13 (1) 275 (1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine† 0 3 (<1)
– Child neurology‡NA3 (<1)
– Neurophysiology 0 6 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA6 (<1)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM26 (2)489 (2)
□ Special proficiency in OMM§ NA 132 (<1)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine 0 30 (<1)
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology 0 3 (<1)
□ Maternal and fetal medicine020 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecologic surgery§ NA 60 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology18 (2)949 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 0 11 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery§ NA 7 (1)
□ Ophthalmology19 (2)
□ Otolaryngology 0 11 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery1 (<1)352 (1)
□ Otorhinolaryngology§ NA 36 (<1)
CAQ
– Otolaryngic allergy 3 (<1) 19 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery37 (3)1031 (4)
CAQ
– Hand surgery026 (<1)
▪ Pathology
□ Anatomic pathology 0 28 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine020 (<1)
□ Forensic pathology 0 3 (<1)
□ Laboratory medicine015 (<1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†02 (<1)
▪ Pediatrics
□ Adolescent medicine01 (<1)
□ Neonatology 1 (<1) 30 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy immunology03 (<1)
□ Pediatric endocrinology 0 2 (<1)
□ Pediatric pulmonology§NA2 (<1)
□ Pediatrics 18 (2) 430 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 0 227 (1)
CAQ
– Sports medicine† 0 4 (<1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational medicine§NA9 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 2 (<1) 37 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational environmental medicine6 (1)90 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and environmental medicine 0 109
□ Sports medicine†1 (<1)1
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡ NA 5 (<1)
CAQ
– Occupational medicine 2 (<1) 49 (<1)
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0 25 (<1)
▪ Radiology
□ Angiography and intervention radiology§ NA 17 (<1)
□ Body imaging§NA11 (<1)
□ Diagnostic radiology 4 (<1) 567 (2)
□ Diagnostic roentgenology§NA2 (<1)
□ Diagnostic ultrasonography 0 1 (<1)
□ Neuroradiology§2 (<1)52 (<1)
□ Radiation oncology 0 20 (<1)
□ Radiation therapy§01 (<1)
□ Radiology 0 62 (<1)
□ Vascular/interventional radiology013 (<1)
CAQ
– Nuclear radiology06 (<1)
– Pediatric radiology 0 19 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery 0 3 (<1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine‡NA1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 2 (<1) 108 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery1 (<1)88 (<1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1 (<1) 52 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)22 (2)896 (3)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery§ NA 55 (<1)
□ Thoracic surgery§NA6 (<1)
□ Urological surgery 3 (<1) 191 (1)
CAQ
– Surgical critical care 7 (1)
48 (<1)
Total
 1134 26,698
 Abbreviations: CAQ, Certification of Added Qualifications; NA, not applicable; OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Data presented as No. (%). Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2010.
 †Conjoint certification. Available to all specialties during the clinical pathway period and to participating specialities thereafter.
 ‡New Certification. No candidates were up for recertification in 2010.
 §No longer issued.
View Large
Table 4.
Specialty, Subspecialty, and CAQ Recertifications and Total Active Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards *
Specialty
2010 Recertifications
Total Active Certifications
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 10 (1) 581 (2)
CAQ
– Critical care 0 5 (<1)
– Pain management1 (<1)68 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology0368 (1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†05 (<1)
– Mohs micrographic surgery 0 21 (<1)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 105 (9) 2046 (8)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
CAQ
– Emergency medical services010 (<1)
– Medical toxicology 0 9 (<1)
– Sports medicine†05 (<1)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Hospice and palliative medicine†‡NA56 (<1)
□ Family practice§ NA 4995 (19)
□ Family practice and OMT640 (56)5976 (22)
□ Sleep medicine†‡ NA 2 (<1)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†NA7 (<1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine†2 (<1)4 (<1)
– Adolescent and young adult medicine§ NA 8 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine12 (1)348 (1)
– Sports medicine† 3 (<1) 148 (1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Allergy and immunology 1 (<1) 10 (<1)
□ Cardiology13 (1)424 (2)
□ Endocrinology 1 (<1) 35 (<1)
□ Gastroenterology2 (<1)196 (1)
□ Hematology 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases5 (<1)59 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 123 (11) 3158 (12)
□ Nephrology6 (1)126 (<1)
□ Oncology 1 (<1) 91 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases2 (<1)178 (1)
□ Rheumatology 1 (<1) 60 (<1)
□ Sleep medicine†‡NA35 (<1)
CAQ
– Clinical cardiac electrophysiology1 (<1)24 (<1)
– Critical care medicine 2 (<1) 126 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine1 (<1)58 (<1)
– Sports medicine† 0 7 (<1)
– Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child psychiatry2 (<1)41 (<1)
□ Neurology 9 (1) 203 (1)
□ Neurology and psychiatry§NA1 (<1)
□ Psychiatry 13 (1) 275 (1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine† 0 3 (<1)
– Child neurology‡NA3 (<1)
– Neurophysiology 0 6 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA6 (<1)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM26 (2)489 (2)
□ Special proficiency in OMM§ NA 132 (<1)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine 0 30 (<1)
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology 0 3 (<1)
□ Maternal and fetal medicine020 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecologic surgery§ NA 60 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology18 (2)949 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 0 11 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery§ NA 7 (1)
□ Ophthalmology19 (2)
□ Otolaryngology 0 11 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery1 (<1)352 (1)
□ Otorhinolaryngology§ NA 36 (<1)
CAQ
– Otolaryngic allergy 3 (<1) 19 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery37 (3)1031 (4)
CAQ
– Hand surgery026 (<1)
▪ Pathology
□ Anatomic pathology 0 28 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine020 (<1)
□ Forensic pathology 0 3 (<1)
□ Laboratory medicine015 (<1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†02 (<1)
▪ Pediatrics
□ Adolescent medicine01 (<1)
□ Neonatology 1 (<1) 30 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy immunology03 (<1)
□ Pediatric endocrinology 0 2 (<1)
□ Pediatric pulmonology§NA2 (<1)
□ Pediatrics 18 (2) 430 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 0 227 (1)
CAQ
– Sports medicine† 0 4 (<1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational medicine§NA9 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 2 (<1) 37 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational environmental medicine6 (1)90 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and environmental medicine 0 109
□ Sports medicine†1 (<1)1
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡ NA 5 (<1)
CAQ
– Occupational medicine 2 (<1) 49 (<1)
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0 25 (<1)
▪ Radiology
□ Angiography and intervention radiology§ NA 17 (<1)
□ Body imaging§NA11 (<1)
□ Diagnostic radiology 4 (<1) 567 (2)
□ Diagnostic roentgenology§NA2 (<1)
□ Diagnostic ultrasonography 0 1 (<1)
□ Neuroradiology§2 (<1)52 (<1)
□ Radiation oncology 0 20 (<1)
□ Radiation therapy§01 (<1)
□ Radiology 0 62 (<1)
□ Vascular/interventional radiology013 (<1)
CAQ
– Nuclear radiology06 (<1)
– Pediatric radiology 0 19 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery 0 3 (<1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine‡NA1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 2 (<1) 108 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery1 (<1)88 (<1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1 (<1) 52 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)22 (2)896 (3)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery§ NA 55 (<1)
□ Thoracic surgery§NA6 (<1)
□ Urological surgery 3 (<1) 191 (1)
CAQ
– Surgical critical care 7 (1)
48 (<1)
Total
 1134 26,698
 Abbreviations: CAQ, Certification of Added Qualifications; NA, not applicable; OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Data presented as No. (%). Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2010.
 †Conjoint certification. Available to all specialties during the clinical pathway period and to participating specialities thereafter.
 ‡New Certification. No candidates were up for recertification in 2010.
 §No longer issued.
×
Conclusion
As the specialty certifying boards continue to develop their requirements for OCC, the BOS will work to communicate the requirements to all stakeholders. 
 Financial Disclosures: None reported.
 
AOA specialty certifying boards. American Osteopathic Association Web Site. http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/development/aoa-board-certification/Pages/aoa-specialty-boards.aspx. Accessed March 28, 2011.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification. American Osteopathic Association Web Site. http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/development/aoa-board-certification/Pages/osteopathic-continuous-certification.aspx. Accessed March 28, 2011.
Ayres RE, Scheinthal S, Gross C, Bell EC. American Osteopathic Association specialty board certification. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2010;110(3):183-192.
Figure 1.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 1.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
Five components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification.2 *The AOA's Code of Ethics is available online at http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=aoa_ethics. †The general process for Component 4 is found in Figure 2.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 2.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Figure 2.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
Process for Component 4 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification: Practice Performance Assessment and Improvement.
View Original  |  Slide (.ppt)
Table 1.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification Awareness Survey Responses (N=304) *
Survey Responses, No. (%)
Survey Item
 Strongly Agree/Agree
 Strongly Disagree/Disagree
 Don't Know/N/A
I am prepared for OCC.142 (48)119 (39)40 (13)
The rigor of OCC ensures greater quality of health care. 109 (36) 143 (47) 51 (17)
There is value in OCC for my practice.107 (36)143 (45)60 (20)
OCC will help me maintain my state licensure. 155 (51) 67 (23) 81 (27)
OCC will help me keep my knowledge and skills current.137 (45)124 (41)41 (14)
I will be recognized as a leader due to my participation in OCC. 59 (19) 175 (58) 68 (23)
I do not plan to participate in OCC.59 (19)165 (55)77 (26)
The potential cost of OCC concerns me. 209 (70) 45 (15) 46 (15)
I am concerned that I will not be able to meet the requirements of OCC.86 (29)174 (58)41 (14)
Time and paperwork will be overly burdensome when OCC is implemented. 182 (60) 53 (17) 65 (22)
AOA is developing OCC only because of the ABMS' Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.159 (53)63 (21)77 (26)
I need more information about the OCC requirements.
230 (76) 45 (15) 24 (8)
 Abbreviations: AOA, American Osteopathic Association; ABMS, American Board of Medical Specialties; N/A, not applicable; OCC, Osteopathic Continuous Certification.
 *Totals do not equal 304 because some respondents did not answer all questions. Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding.
View Large
Table 1.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification Awareness Survey Responses (N=304) *
Survey Responses, No. (%)
Survey Item
 Strongly Agree/Agree
 Strongly Disagree/Disagree
 Don't Know/N/A
I am prepared for OCC.142 (48)119 (39)40 (13)
The rigor of OCC ensures greater quality of health care. 109 (36) 143 (47) 51 (17)
There is value in OCC for my practice.107 (36)143 (45)60 (20)
OCC will help me maintain my state licensure. 155 (51) 67 (23) 81 (27)
OCC will help me keep my knowledge and skills current.137 (45)124 (41)41 (14)
I will be recognized as a leader due to my participation in OCC. 59 (19) 175 (58) 68 (23)
I do not plan to participate in OCC.59 (19)165 (55)77 (26)
The potential cost of OCC concerns me. 209 (70) 45 (15) 46 (15)
I am concerned that I will not be able to meet the requirements of OCC.86 (29)174 (58)41 (14)
Time and paperwork will be overly burdensome when OCC is implemented. 182 (60) 53 (17) 65 (22)
AOA is developing OCC only because of the ABMS' Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.159 (53)63 (21)77 (26)
I need more information about the OCC requirements.
230 (76) 45 (15) 24 (8)
 Abbreviations: AOA, American Osteopathic Association; ABMS, American Board of Medical Specialties; N/A, not applicable; OCC, Osteopathic Continuous Certification.
 *Totals do not equal 304 because some respondents did not answer all questions. Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding.
×
Table 2.
New Specialty and Subspecialty Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Board of.../Specialty or Subspecialty
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 28 (2)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology 28 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 193 (11)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Family practice and OMT 477 (28)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Cardiology 53 (3)
□ Endocrinology4 (<1)
□ Family physicians 14 (1)
□ Gastroenterology14 (1)
□ Hematology 4 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases4 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 393 (23)
□ Nephrology14 (1)
□ Oncology 2 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases10 (1)
□ Rheumatology 8 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child neurology 0
□ Child psychiatry0
□ Neurology 9 (1)
□ Psychiatry0
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM/special proficiency in OMT67 (4)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine0
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology0
□ Maternal and fetal medicine 2 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology72 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery 0
□ Ophthalmology9 (1)
□ Otolaryngology 1 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery22 (1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery 75 (4)
▪ Pathology
□ Allergy and immunology 0
□ Anatomic pathology3 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine 0
□ Forensic pathology0
□ Laboratory medicine 1 (<1)
□ Pediatrics
□ Neonatology 1 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy and immunology0
▪ Pediatrics 37 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 11 (1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational-environmental medicine2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 0
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0
▪ Radiology
□ Diagnostic radiology 24 (1)
□ Radiation oncology0
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 6 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery12 (1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 5 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)67 (4)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery 0
□ Urological surgery 17 (1)
▪ Total
1679
 Abbreviations: OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
View Large
Table 2.
New Specialty and Subspecialty Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Board of.../Specialty or Subspecialty
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 28 (2)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology 28 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 193 (11)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Family practice and OMT 477 (28)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Cardiology 53 (3)
□ Endocrinology4 (<1)
□ Family physicians 14 (1)
□ Gastroenterology14 (1)
□ Hematology 4 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases4 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 393 (23)
□ Nephrology14 (1)
□ Oncology 2 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases10 (1)
□ Rheumatology 8 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child neurology 0
□ Child psychiatry0
□ Neurology 9 (1)
□ Psychiatry0
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM/special proficiency in OMT67 (4)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine0
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology0
□ Maternal and fetal medicine 2 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology72 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery 0
□ Ophthalmology9 (1)
□ Otolaryngology 1 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery22 (1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery 75 (4)
▪ Pathology
□ Allergy and immunology 0
□ Anatomic pathology3 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine 0
□ Forensic pathology0
□ Laboratory medicine 1 (<1)
□ Pediatrics
□ Neonatology 1 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy and immunology0
▪ Pediatrics 37 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 11 (1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational-environmental medicine2 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 0
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0
▪ Radiology
□ Diagnostic radiology 24 (1)
□ Radiation oncology0
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 6 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery12 (1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 5 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)67 (4)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery 0
□ Urological surgery 17 (1)
▪ Total
1679
 Abbreviations: OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
×
Table 3.
New Certification of Added Qualifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Association Board of...*/Certificate of Added Qualification and Specialty Board
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Critical care medicine 0
□ Pain management1 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatopathology0
□ Mohs micrographic surgery 5 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medical services 1 (<1)
□ Medical toxicology0
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Family Physicians
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Adolescent and young adult medicine0
□ Geriatric medicine 3 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine56 (26)
□ Sleep medicine 2 (1)
□ Sports medicine13 (6)
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Critical care medicine16 (7)
□ Clinical cardiac electrophysiology 3 (1)
□ Geriatric medicine2 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine 17 (8)
□ Interventional cardiology14 (7)
□ Sleep medicine 34 (16)
□ Sports medicine1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Addiction medicine0
□ Geriatric psychiatry 5 (2)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine2 (1)
□ Neurophysiology 0
□ Sleep medicine6 (3)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Sports medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Occupational Medicine
□ Occupational medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Otolaryngic allergy 2 (1)
□ Sleep medicine4 (2)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Hand surgery3 (1)
▪ Pathology
□ Dermatopathology0
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Sports medicine 0
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine0
▪ Radiology
□ Vascular and interventional§0
□ Body imaging 0
□ Neuroradiology6 (3)
□ Nuclear radiology 0
□ Pediatric radiology1 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Surgical critical care 10 (5)
▪ Total
 214
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Total are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
 §Formerly named angiography and interventional radiology.
View Large
Table 3.
New Certification of Added Qualifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards, 2010 *
American Osteopathic Association Board of...*/Certificate of Added Qualification and Specialty Board
No. (%)
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Critical care medicine 0
□ Pain management1 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatopathology0
□ Mohs micrographic surgery 5 (2)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medical services 1 (<1)
□ Medical toxicology0
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Family Physicians
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Adolescent and young adult medicine0
□ Geriatric medicine 3 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine56 (26)
□ Sleep medicine 2 (1)
□ Sports medicine13 (6)
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Addiction medicine 0
□ Critical care medicine16 (7)
□ Clinical cardiac electrophysiology 3 (1)
□ Geriatric medicine2 (1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine 17 (8)
□ Interventional cardiology14 (7)
□ Sleep medicine 34 (16)
□ Sports medicine1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Addiction medicine0
□ Geriatric psychiatry 5 (2)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine2 (1)
□ Neurophysiology 0
□ Sleep medicine6 (3)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine†
□ Sports medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Occupational Medicine
□ Occupational medicine 1 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Otolaryngic allergy 2 (1)
□ Sleep medicine4 (2)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Hand surgery3 (1)
▪ Pathology
□ Dermatopathology0
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation‡
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Sports medicine 0
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Sports medicine 0
□ Undersea and hyperbaric medicine0
▪ Radiology
□ Vascular and interventional§0
□ Body imaging 0
□ Neuroradiology6 (3)
□ Nuclear radiology 0
□ Pediatric radiology1 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Hospice and palliative medicine1 (<1)
□ Surgical critical care 10 (5)
▪ Total
 214
 *Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Total are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2011.
 †Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Special Proficiency in OMM.
 ‡Formerly named the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
 §Formerly named angiography and interventional radiology.
×
Table 4.
Specialty, Subspecialty, and CAQ Recertifications and Total Active Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards *
Specialty
2010 Recertifications
Total Active Certifications
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 10 (1) 581 (2)
CAQ
– Critical care 0 5 (<1)
– Pain management1 (<1)68 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology0368 (1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†05 (<1)
– Mohs micrographic surgery 0 21 (<1)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 105 (9) 2046 (8)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
CAQ
– Emergency medical services010 (<1)
– Medical toxicology 0 9 (<1)
– Sports medicine†05 (<1)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Hospice and palliative medicine†‡NA56 (<1)
□ Family practice§ NA 4995 (19)
□ Family practice and OMT640 (56)5976 (22)
□ Sleep medicine†‡ NA 2 (<1)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†NA7 (<1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine†2 (<1)4 (<1)
– Adolescent and young adult medicine§ NA 8 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine12 (1)348 (1)
– Sports medicine† 3 (<1) 148 (1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Allergy and immunology 1 (<1) 10 (<1)
□ Cardiology13 (1)424 (2)
□ Endocrinology 1 (<1) 35 (<1)
□ Gastroenterology2 (<1)196 (1)
□ Hematology 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases5 (<1)59 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 123 (11) 3158 (12)
□ Nephrology6 (1)126 (<1)
□ Oncology 1 (<1) 91 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases2 (<1)178 (1)
□ Rheumatology 1 (<1) 60 (<1)
□ Sleep medicine†‡NA35 (<1)
CAQ
– Clinical cardiac electrophysiology1 (<1)24 (<1)
– Critical care medicine 2 (<1) 126 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine1 (<1)58 (<1)
– Sports medicine† 0 7 (<1)
– Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child psychiatry2 (<1)41 (<1)
□ Neurology 9 (1) 203 (1)
□ Neurology and psychiatry§NA1 (<1)
□ Psychiatry 13 (1) 275 (1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine† 0 3 (<1)
– Child neurology‡NA3 (<1)
– Neurophysiology 0 6 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA6 (<1)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM26 (2)489 (2)
□ Special proficiency in OMM§ NA 132 (<1)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine 0 30 (<1)
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology 0 3 (<1)
□ Maternal and fetal medicine020 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecologic surgery§ NA 60 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology18 (2)949 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 0 11 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery§ NA 7 (1)
□ Ophthalmology19 (2)
□ Otolaryngology 0 11 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery1 (<1)352 (1)
□ Otorhinolaryngology§ NA 36 (<1)
CAQ
– Otolaryngic allergy 3 (<1) 19 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery37 (3)1031 (4)
CAQ
– Hand surgery026 (<1)
▪ Pathology
□ Anatomic pathology 0 28 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine020 (<1)
□ Forensic pathology 0 3 (<1)
□ Laboratory medicine015 (<1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†02 (<1)
▪ Pediatrics
□ Adolescent medicine01 (<1)
□ Neonatology 1 (<1) 30 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy immunology03 (<1)
□ Pediatric endocrinology 0 2 (<1)
□ Pediatric pulmonology§NA2 (<1)
□ Pediatrics 18 (2) 430 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 0 227 (1)
CAQ
– Sports medicine† 0 4 (<1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational medicine§NA9 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 2 (<1) 37 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational environmental medicine6 (1)90 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and environmental medicine 0 109
□ Sports medicine†1 (<1)1
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡ NA 5 (<1)
CAQ
– Occupational medicine 2 (<1) 49 (<1)
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0 25 (<1)
▪ Radiology
□ Angiography and intervention radiology§ NA 17 (<1)
□ Body imaging§NA11 (<1)
□ Diagnostic radiology 4 (<1) 567 (2)
□ Diagnostic roentgenology§NA2 (<1)
□ Diagnostic ultrasonography 0 1 (<1)
□ Neuroradiology§2 (<1)52 (<1)
□ Radiation oncology 0 20 (<1)
□ Radiation therapy§01 (<1)
□ Radiology 0 62 (<1)
□ Vascular/interventional radiology013 (<1)
CAQ
– Nuclear radiology06 (<1)
– Pediatric radiology 0 19 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery 0 3 (<1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine‡NA1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 2 (<1) 108 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery1 (<1)88 (<1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1 (<1) 52 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)22 (2)896 (3)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery§ NA 55 (<1)
□ Thoracic surgery§NA6 (<1)
□ Urological surgery 3 (<1) 191 (1)
CAQ
– Surgical critical care 7 (1)
48 (<1)
Total
 1134 26,698
 Abbreviations: CAQ, Certification of Added Qualifications; NA, not applicable; OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Data presented as No. (%). Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2010.
 †Conjoint certification. Available to all specialties during the clinical pathway period and to participating specialities thereafter.
 ‡New Certification. No candidates were up for recertification in 2010.
 §No longer issued.
View Large
Table 4.
Specialty, Subspecialty, and CAQ Recertifications and Total Active Certifications Awarded by Osteopathic Medical Specialty Boards *
Specialty
2010 Recertifications
Total Active Certifications
▪ Anesthesiology
□ Anesthesiology 10 (1) 581 (2)
CAQ
– Critical care 0 5 (<1)
– Pain management1 (<1)68 (<1)
▪ Dermatology
□ Dermatology0368 (1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†05 (<1)
– Mohs micrographic surgery 0 21 (<1)
▪ Emergency Medicine
□ Emergency medicine 105 (9) 2046 (8)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
CAQ
– Emergency medical services010 (<1)
– Medical toxicology 0 9 (<1)
– Sports medicine†05 (<1)
▪ Family Physicians
□ Hospice and palliative medicine†‡NA56 (<1)
□ Family practice§ NA 4995 (19)
□ Family practice and OMT640 (56)5976 (22)
□ Sleep medicine†‡ NA 2 (<1)
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†NA7 (<1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine†2 (<1)4 (<1)
– Adolescent and young adult medicine§ NA 8 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine12 (1)348 (1)
– Sports medicine† 3 (<1) 148 (1)
▪ Internal Medicine
□ Allergy and immunology 1 (<1) 10 (<1)
□ Cardiology13 (1)424 (2)
□ Endocrinology 1 (<1) 35 (<1)
□ Gastroenterology2 (<1)196 (1)
□ Hematology 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Infectious diseases5 (<1)59 (<1)
□ Internal medicine 123 (11) 3158 (12)
□ Nephrology6 (1)126 (<1)
□ Oncology 1 (<1) 91 (<1)
□ Pulmonary diseases2 (<1)178 (1)
□ Rheumatology 1 (<1) 60 (<1)
□ Sleep medicine†‡NA35 (<1)
CAQ
– Clinical cardiac electrophysiology1 (<1)24 (<1)
– Critical care medicine 2 (<1) 126 (<1)
– Geriatric medicine1 (<1)58 (<1)
– Sports medicine† 0 7 (<1)
– Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡NA1 (<1)
▪ Neurology and Psychiatry
□ Child psychiatry2 (<1)41 (<1)
□ Neurology 9 (1) 203 (1)
□ Neurology and psychiatry§NA1 (<1)
□ Psychiatry 13 (1) 275 (1)
CAQ
– Addiction medicine† 0 3 (<1)
– Child neurology‡NA3 (<1)
– Neurophysiology 0 6 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA6 (<1)
▪ Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
□ Neuromusculoskeletal medicine and OMM26 (2)489 (2)
□ Special proficiency in OMM§ NA 132 (<1)
▪ Nuclear Medicine
□ Nuclear medicine 0 30 (<1)
▪ Obstetrics and Gynecology
□ Gynecologic oncology 0 3 (<1)
□ Maternal and fetal medicine020 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecologic surgery§ NA 60 (<1)
□ Obstetrics and gynecology18 (2)949 (4)
□ Reproductive endocrinology 0 11 (<1)
▪ Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
□ Facial plastic surgery§ NA 7 (1)
□ Ophthalmology19 (2)
□ Otolaryngology 0 11 (<1)
□ Otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery1 (<1)352 (1)
□ Otorhinolaryngology§ NA 36 (<1)
CAQ
– Otolaryngic allergy 3 (<1) 19 (<1)
– Sleep medicine†‡NA4 (<1)
▪ Orthopedic Surgery
□ Orthopedic surgery37 (3)1031 (4)
CAQ
– Hand surgery026 (<1)
▪ Pathology
□ Anatomic pathology 0 28 (<1)
□ Anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine020 (<1)
□ Forensic pathology 0 3 (<1)
□ Laboratory medicine015 (<1)
CAQ
– Dermatopathology†02 (<1)
▪ Pediatrics
□ Adolescent medicine01 (<1)
□ Neonatology 1 (<1) 30 (<1)
□ Pediatric allergy immunology03 (<1)
□ Pediatric endocrinology 0 2 (<1)
□ Pediatric pulmonology§NA2 (<1)
□ Pediatrics 18 (2) 430 (2)
▪ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
□ Physical medicine and rehabilitation 0 227 (1)
CAQ
– Sports medicine† 0 4 (<1)
▪ Preventive Medicine
□ Preventive medicine and aerospace medicine 1 (<1) 43 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational medicine§NA9 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and public health 2 (<1) 37 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and occupational environmental medicine6 (1)90 (<1)
□ Preventive medicine and environmental medicine 0 109
□ Sports medicine†1 (<1)1
□ Undersea hyperbaric medicine†‡ NA 5 (<1)
CAQ
– Occupational medicine 2 (<1) 49 (<1)
▪ Proctology
□ Proctology 0 25 (<1)
▪ Radiology
□ Angiography and intervention radiology§ NA 17 (<1)
□ Body imaging§NA11 (<1)
□ Diagnostic radiology 4 (<1) 567 (2)
□ Diagnostic roentgenology§NA2 (<1)
□ Diagnostic ultrasonography 0 1 (<1)
□ Neuroradiology§2 (<1)52 (<1)
□ Radiation oncology 0 20 (<1)
□ Radiation therapy§01 (<1)
□ Radiology 0 62 (<1)
□ Vascular/interventional radiology013 (<1)
CAQ
– Nuclear radiology06 (<1)
– Pediatric radiology 0 19 (<1)
▪ Surgery
□ Cardiothoracic surgery 0 3 (<1)
□ Hospice and palliative medicine‡NA1 (<1)
□ General vascular surgery 2 (<1) 108 (<1)
□ Neurological surgery1 (<1)88 (<1)
□ Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1 (<1) 52 (<1)
□ Surgery (general)22 (2)896 (3)
□ Thoracic cardiovascular surgery§ NA 55 (<1)
□ Thoracic surgery§NA6 (<1)
□ Urological surgery 3 (<1) 191 (1)
CAQ
– Surgical critical care 7 (1)
48 (<1)
Total
 1134 26,698
 Abbreviations: CAQ, Certification of Added Qualifications; NA, not applicable; OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine; OMT, osteopathic manipulative treatment.
 *Data presented as No. (%). Percentages do not total 100 because of rounding. Totals are calculated by date of final approval by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. Data are current as of December 31, 2010.
 †Conjoint certification. Available to all specialties during the clinical pathway period and to participating specialities thereafter.
 ‡New Certification. No candidates were up for recertification in 2010.
 §No longer issued.
×