Congress Recognizes Need to Expand Osteopathic Research at NIH

AACOM has announced a pivotal victory as part of their strategy to increase National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for osteopathic medical schools. The fiscal year 2022 (FY22) omnibus spending bill acknowledges the benefit of osteopathic research and requires the NIH to report on the status of NIH funding to colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) and the representation of DOs on NIH national advisory councils and study sections.

The congressional report language states that "increased access to research funding for the osteopathic profession will significantly bolster NIH's capacity to support robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, address health disparities in rural and medically underserved populations and advance research in primary care, prevention, and treatment" (View Complete Statement Here)

Osteopathic medicine plays a vital role in the nation's healthcare system and is the fastest-growing medical field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Health Professions. Yet COMs receive only 0.1 percent of NIH grants and are almost nonexistent on NIH study councils and study sections. This large discrepancy in research funding discourages osteopathic researchers from applying for NIH research dollars and disadvantages osteopathic medical students pursuing residencies.

AACOM will continue to pursue all legislative and regulatory solutions until osteopathic medical schools attain NIH funding matching their workforce representation. They will leverage your advocacy and support as they continue to move this priority forward.

AACOM thanks its deans, students, faculty, and all members of the osteopathic community for helping them achieve this success.

DOH Immunization Schedule for Schools and Childcare Immunization Requirements Webinar – Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Join the Department of Health staff on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, 12-1 p.m. (PST) for the Immunization Schedule for Schools and Childcare Immunization Requirements Webinar.

Presented by:

Trang Kuss, RN, MN, MPH

Trang Kuss is the Immunization Nursing Consultant with the WA Department of Health Office of Immunization. Trang received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, her Master of Nursing, and Master of Public Health from the University of Washington. She has been with the Department of Health for over 20 years. Trang is responsible for providing training and clinical consultation to healthcare providers and the public about vaccine recommendations.

Katherine Graff, BSN, RN, School and Child Care Immunization Nurse Consultant

Katherine has worked as a registered nurse for more than 38 years including 15 years as a school nurse. Since 2016 she has worked for the Washington State Department of Health Office of Immunization and Child Profile. She supports school staff and childcare staff, parents, and providers regarding the immunization requirements in WA and the use of the WA Immunization Information System School Module.    

The webinar will cover:

• Identify updates to the 2022 immunization schedule
• Describe the immunization requirements needed to attend school and childcare in WA
• Identify the changes to the requirements from previous school years
• Know where to find relevant immunization resources

The webinar will be recorded and available for viewing after the live webinar. Continuing education credit will be available for nurses & medical assistants, and pharmacists/pharmacy techs.

Questions- Program Contact:

Trang Kuss at trang.kuss@doh.wa.gov

Agenda for Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Webinar Meeting March 28, 2022

Click below to view the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery board meeting agenda for Monday, March 28, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. This meeting will be held via webinar. The agenda contains a link to join the meeting.

Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Annual Meeting

To Active Members of the foundation:

NOMF's annual membership meeting is next Wednesday, March 30th at 6:30 pm Pacific. This will be a zoom meeting and you can get the meeting link by registering HERE.

The first item of business will be the presentation of the J Scott Heatherington, DO Lifetime Achievement Award to our friend and colleague Paul Aversano, DO.

Other business includes the election of new Board members and Officers, plus the annual report on the Foundation. More information about the annual meeting is available HERE.

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