AACOM Announces Shane Speights, DO, as New Chair of Board of Deans

Dr. Speights succeeds H. William Craver, DO, who retired at the end of April.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – Today, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) announced the elevation of Shane Speights, DO as the new chair of its Board of Deans. Dr. Speights is the dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University. He succeeds H. William Craver, DO, who retired at the end of April.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Speights as chair of the Board of Deans,” said Robert A. Cain, DO, AACOM president and CEO. “He has been actively involved in AACOM leadership and will play a vital role as we move forward and continue to grow. Osteopathic medical education continues to be the fastest growing sector with new schools accepting students this coming summer and more planned to come online. Having a strong partnership with our board and our member colleges is critical for our continued success. We thank Dr. Craver for his leadership and service and look forward to working with Dr. Speights.”

“It’s an honor, and privilege, to serve as the Chair of AACOM's Board,” said Dr. Speights. “The rapid growth of our organization, and profession, are evidence that osteopathic medicine has needed solutions for healthcare in our nation and beyond.”

Dr. Speights received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, MO. He is board certified in family medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Arkansas Medical Science Northeast Family Medicine Residency, St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, AR. Dr. Speights also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR.

As site dean for NYITCOM at Arkansas State University, he leads faculty and students in academic and co-curricular activities while engaging in community outreach with hospitals and physicians in the Jonesboro and greater Delta region. Previously, Dr. Speights served as associate dean of clinical education for NYITCOM at Arkansas State.

About AACOM

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 35,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 39 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 63 teaching locations in 35 states. 

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Media and Public Affairs Senior Manager
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org