Engagement and Resources

Noorda-COM Advocates at Utah State Capitol: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) faculty and student doctors made their second annual trip to the Utah State Capitol to discuss the school’s mission with state legislative officials, including Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson. Beyond capitol visits with students, Noorda-COM administrators spend time advocating for legislation related to healthcare access, medical residency expansion and overall medical education-related issues. Noorda-COM Dean John Dougherty, DO, serves on the Utah Medical Education Council. View photos.

It’s Not Too Late to Provide Input on Proposed Changes to NIH Grant Review Process: Building on AACOM’s pivotal appropriations victory, where Congress acknowledged the benefit of osteopathic research, we continue to urge the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to increase funding for our community. The NIH issued a request for information (RFI) on a proposal to revise its peer review framework for research project grant applications, aiming to reduce bias and the influence of an investigator or institution. AACOM believes continued input from the osteopathic community can mitigate bias and address the disparity in NIH funding. We encourage COMs and osteopathic researchers to submit comments by March 10, 2023. To amplify your recommendations, AACOM asks that you share your ideas with us at aacomgr@aacom.org.

Reminder to Eligible Hospitals – Apply for New GME Slots: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting applications for the second round of 1,000 new GME slots. At least 14 formerly American Osteopathic Association-accredited programs across nine different states were awarded in the first round of new GME slots. CMS will award 200 new GME slots every year for five years. Qualifying hospitals are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2023. View application information and review the AACOM-hosted webinar on the new slots and implementation.

Applications Now Open for the NHSC 2023 Loan Repayment Programs: Osteopathic physicians who commit to serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas may receive loan repayment through the National Health Service Corp (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP), Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP and Rural Community LRP. Each program has varying eligibility requirements and award levels. To navigate the application process, join a webinar on March 21, 2023, from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM EDT. Applications are due on April 25, 2023, at 7:30 PM EDT.

Join the AACOM Talent Bank to Be Considered for Federal Nominations: AACOM encourages members of the OME community to join our Talent Bank to be considered for nominations to federal advisory committees to increase the voice of the osteopathic medical profession. The Talent Bank is also used to identify candidates for national boards and task forces, media representatives and mentors. Your registration does not obligate you to serve in a particular role but will demonstrate your interest. AACOM will obtain your approval prior to nomination or media outreach. Register today and download our flyer to learn more.

Call for Rural Reviewers for HRSA Grant Applications: As the HRSA Federal Office of Rural Health Policy gears up for a number of competitive grant programs, they are looking for additional grant reviewers with expertise in rural health. Reviews are virtual and you can register online.

Reminder to Apply for the Learning Health System Embedded Scientist Training and Research Centers Grant: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute invite applications from qualified institutions to create Learning Health System Embedded Scientist Training and Research Centers to support the professional development of scientists to conduct research that accelerates progress towards an integrated learning health system. Applications are due by March 24, 2023. Apply now.

Reminder - HRSA Payment Program for Eligible Buprenorphine-Trained Providers Remains Open: While the Waiver is no longer needed to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, eligible Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) may apply for funding through the HRSA Data 2000 Waiver Training Program to defray prior training costs. Payment to eligible RHCs will be done on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is exhausted.