Medical education for osteopathic physicians is a lifelong process.
Every D.O. must acquire a minimum 120 credits in continuing
medical education (CME) every three years to remain a member in
good standing with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
The Foundation is accredited by the AOA as a CME sponsor. Since
1986, thousands of physicians have attended Foundation-supported
CME programs, receiving over 1000 category 1A credits. As a service
to physicians, the Foundation maintains local records of all CME
credits earned at Foundation programs.
Currently, all CME programs are based on a formal needs assessment
conducted by the Foundation every three years. Programs offered
via the Foundation have included: The Annual Southwestern Conference,
Strain and Counterstrain, Ophthalmology, Office Dermatology, Basic
and Advanced Percussion Vibration, Comprehensive Biomechanical
Diagnostics, Comprehensive Colposcopy, Rheumatology, Flexible
Sigmoidoscopy and many CME dinners presenting other medical topics.
Please see our CME calendar for details on our upcoming medical conference and other continuing medical education opportunities.
Student Medical Education
From its inception in 1986, the Foundation has financially assisted
qualified medical students attending colleges of osteopathic medicine
throughout the country.
The program is called the Founders' Awards Program.
The purpose of the program is to encourage osteopathic students
to practice in southern Arizona. The program honors the five osteopathic
physicians who were the original incorporators of southern Arizona's
first osteopathic hospital, Tucson General Hospital.
The current program stipulates that one-fifth of the student loan
be forgiven for each year that the doctor maintains a primary
practice in southern Arizona.
