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Resident Physicians Training Recognition Recognition of PGY1

Recognition of PGY1

Step by step

For DOs whose first residency year was in an ACGME program

To gain AOA recognition of PGY1 training, you'll apply online, have your program submit a verification letter and complete an osteopathic educational activity.

If you completed your first year of residency in an ACGME-accredited program and plan to practice in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to have your training recognized by the AOA. You can obtain recognition anytime after you’ve completed your first year of residency (PGY1).

The three-step process is outlined below.


1. Submit an application for training recognition

The first step of applying for training recognition is submitting the online application for AOA recognition of ACGME PGY1 training.


2. Ask your program to submit an official verification letter

Your PGY1 residency training verification letter must be submitted by your residency program directly to the AOA. The letter must also:

  • Be written on institutional letterhead and include the date.
  • List your specialty, along with the exact start and end date of your PGY1 year.
  • List the length and date of each rotation you completed.
  • Include the title and signature of the program director.

The AOA only recognizes training that has been successfully completed. Letters must come directly from your program via mail, email postdoc@osteopathic.org or fax 312-202-8375. Letters from applicants will not be accepted.

Currently in residency? Here is a template.
Completed your residency? Here is a template.


AOA comparison of rotations

Once the AOA has received your verification letter, the rotations you completed will be compared to the curriculum of the traditional rotating internship or the AOA’s OGME-1 specialty rotations.

If you have questions on how to meet rotational requirements or your training institution has closed, please contact the AOA Department of Education at (312) 202-8000 or postdoc@osteopathic.org. In cases of hospital closure, the Program and Trainee Review Council will review and determine approvals on a case-by-case basis.


3. Complete an osteopathic educational activity

To finish the process of obtaining AOA recognition for your first year of residency, you’ll need to participate in one of the following osteopathic medical activities:

  • Attend a CME conference that offers at least 8 AOA Category 1-A CME credits. You must earn all 8 credits at the same conference. Acceptable forms of verification include either a certificate of attendance or an official letter from the program sponsor indicating the conference title, date(s) of attendance, and number of CME credits obtained. Attestation forms are not acceptable. You can search for upcoming conferences using our CME Search tool. Note that NALs- and PALS-type courses are not accepted for this requirement.
  • Prepare and conduct an original osteopathic clinical presentation for peer resident physicians and faculty at your ACGME-accredited residency program. The presentation must reflect your specialty, contain at least 20 slides with references, and include picture illustrations that explain and describe a minimum of four OMM techniques. You must submit your PowerPoint presentation via email within one year of being presented along with verification from the program director or sponsoring program indicating the date, title and audience in attendance. Only one applicant will be considered per presentation. Videos are not accepted for this requirement.
  • Develop an original research paper on a clinical or education topic in osteopathic medicine that is suitable for publication in the JAOA or another osteopathic publication. Manuscripts submitted can be prepared using JAOA, ICMJE or AMA guidelines. Research papers older than two years are not acceptable for this requirement.
  • If you’ve completed your ACGME residency training, you may prepare and present a clinical presentation at an osteopathic CME conference that offers AOA Category 1-A CME credit. An acceptable form of verification would be an official letter from the program sponsor indicating the conference title, modules presented, date(s) of attendance, and number of CME credits obtained.
  • You can upload a copy of your osteopathic education activity while are completing the online application for PGY1 recognition in step 1 above.

Additional questions? We are here to help! Contact us at postdoc@osteopathic.org.

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