Student Parity Summit convenes organizational leaders & GME experts

This is the first in a series of Student Parity Advocacy Updates shared with the osteopathic medical profession. The message is attributable to AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, and AOA CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA.

As the professional home for the nation’s 148,000+ DOs and 38,000+ osteopathic medical students, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) continually works to eliminate barriers that adversely impact access to training and employment opportunities for members of the osteopathic medical profession.

With the understanding that medical student parity is a top-of-mind concern for thousands of future DOs who are preparing for the next phase of their careers, the AOA collaborates closely with partners across the House of Medicine to help ensure full recognition of osteopathic medical education and credentials.

Following extensive discussion of student parity issues during its 2023 annual meeting, the AOA House of Delegates requested a midyear update regarding the AOA’s activities related to advancing equitable treatment of all medical students seeking rotations and training positions.

In furtherance of this goal, the AOA joined with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) to hold a summit on student parity, during which AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, and CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA, along with AACOM representatives, met with leaders from national organizations that oversee osteopathic and allopathic medical education and training, including the American Medical Association (AMA), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

During the summit, participants identified several outcomes and next steps that are being advanced as part of a shared action plan that includes:

A joint statement outlining the workforce benefits of including osteopathic physicians in residency programs.
Meetings with program directors across various specialties to gain insights on current behaviors and attitudes.
Further data analysis.
Review of VSLO and ERAS filters and participation policies.
Plans for future meetings to identify additional opportunities for collaboration.

As these activities progress, we will provide frequent updates on our efforts. Together, we will continue to champion the advancement of our great profession and ensure a bright future for the next generation of osteopathic physicians.