Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network

Vision, Mission and Goals

The Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network (OPEN) is an interest group of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) composed of administrators, physician-scientists, DO-PhD program directors and trainees.

Vision Statement

Aspire to advance the education, training and career development of osteopathic physician-scientists and physician-scientist trainees. 

Mission Statement

The Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network (OPEN) supports and promotes the development and nurturing of physician-scientists by representing the interests of DO-PhD programs and research-focused osteopathic physicians and trainees throughout the continuum of their research careers.

Core Goals

• Support AACOM member institutions in their mission to train a robust and diverse population of osteopathic physician-scientists.
• Build relationships and liaise with colleagues across the medical education continuum to further develop and expand physician-scientist training programs with an emphasis on distinctive osteopathic medical education through the exchange of ideas and best practices.
• Advise AACOM member institutions on strategies to develop and strengthen pathway programs for physician-scientist careers during pivotal career junctures.
• Cultivate leadership and encourage the development of professional skills by providing and/or sharing opportunities for osteopathic physician-scientists.
• Serve as a primary resource for persons interested in exploring a career as an osteopathic physician-scientist.
• Serve as a mentorship home for osteopathic physician-scientists and trainees by providing resources and support for their career and professional concerns.

Resources

Research Residency & Training Programs

The American Physician Scientists Association (APSA) offers several resources that enables physician-scientists and trainees to search for research residency programs to advance their career development. Visit APSA’s database to search for research residency programs by country or its quick list of current physician-training programs in residency.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers extensive resources and sponsors numerous research training and career development programs to prepare physician-scientists and trainees at all levels. Whether you are a program director or administrator, physician-scientist or trainee, the NIH Research Training and Career Development website has all the resources you need.