Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network (OPEN)
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.
Co-Chairs
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Brian C. Schutte, PhD
Co-Director, DO/PhD Training Program
Associate Professor, Departments of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology & Pediatrics and Human Development
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Michael L. Smith, PhD
Director, Multidisciplinary Programs
Pre-Clinical Curriculum Director
Professor, Department of Physiology and Anatomy
DO/PhD Program Training Committee Representatives
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Kim Tran, MD, PhD
Professor and Director, PhD in Biomedical Sciences Programs
Professor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program & Physiology and Pharmacology
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- John Goudreau, DO, PhD
Co-Director, DO/PhD Training Program
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Acting Chair, Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology - Michelle Volker, CHRS, CFMLAS
Academic Program Coordinator
Research Staff
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Michael Hadjiargyrou, PhD
Director, DO/PhD Program
Distinguished Professor, Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences - Ramona Buschel-Tracy
Administrative Specialist
Research Staff
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Shigeru (Nick) Okada, PhD
Director, DO/PhD Program
Associate Investigator, Edison Biotechnology Institute
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Jeff Hackler, JD, MBA
Associate Dean of Enrollment Management - Randall L. Davis, PhD
Director, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences
Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology - Sarah Vizza
Academic Programs Manager
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
- Carl E. Hock, PhD
Senior Associate Dean for Research
Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience - Diane Worrad, PhD
Director, Clinical and Translational Research Management
Physician-Scientist Track and Special Programs Committee Representatives
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Rebecca Ryznar, PhD, MA
Physician Scientist Track Director, Department of Tracks and Special Programs
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) Program
Health Equity
Purpose: Support AACOM member institutions in their mission to train a robust and diverse osteopathic physician-scientist workforce.
Mentorship
Purpose: Serve as a mentorship home for osteopathic physician-scientists and trainees by providing resources and support for their career and professional concerns. Cultivate leadership and encourage the development of professional skills by providing and/or sharing opportunities for osteopathic physician-scientists.
Network Building
Purpose: 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.
UME-GME Continuum
Purpose: Advise AACOM member institutions on strategies to develop and strengthen pathway programs for physician-scientist careers during pivotal career junctures.
AACOM Staff Liaison
Aisha Ali, MHRM
Research Analyst
Contact Aisha Ali
Physician-Scientist Degree Programs
DO/PhD Programs at U.S. COMs
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Physician-Scientist Track and Special Programs at U.S. COMs
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.