Engagement and Resources

Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Rank Highly in U.S. News & World Report: AACOM applauds its member colleges for their impressive performance in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Medical Schools rankings. Colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) are ranked first in three categories, with many COMs seeing their rankings increase this year. COMs recognized as national leaders include William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked first for Medical Schools with Graduates Practicing Patient Care in Rural Areas, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked first for Medical Schools with Most Graduates Practicing Primary Care and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked first for Medical Schools with Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas. See other notable COM results from the rankings.

Reminder – Comment on CMS Proposed GME Changes: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its FY24 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule, which would implement changes to graduate medical education (GME) policy. CMS proposes to treat Rural Emergency Hospitals similar to Critical Access Hospitals for purposes of determining GME payments. CMS also provided a clarification for calculating the Indirect Medical Education resident-to-bed ratio where there is a change in a hospital’s full-time equivalent (FTE) residents due to participation in a GME affiliation agreement under which the hospital is sharing FTE cap slots with another hospital. Comments are accepted through 5:00 PM ET on June 9, 2023. See AACOM’s summary to learn more, and please share with AACOM at aacomgr@aacom.org if you have recommendations or submit comments to CMS.

Submit Photos for Pictures of Rural Campaign by May 26, 2023: To kick off National Rural Health Day (NRHD) 2023, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health is asking all rural health collaborators, innovators, providers and community stakeholders to share their pictures of rural! All submitted photos will be considered for use in the 2023 NRHD promotional campaign, including social media graphics and toolkits (posters, flyers, etc.) developed to celebrate the "Power of Rural" on November 16, 2023. Learn more.

Reminder to Apply for the New HCOP Funding Opportunity: The Health Careers Opportunities Program (HCOP) provides opportunities for people from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to develop their skills to compete for, enter and graduate from health or allied health professions schools. The Health Resources and Services Administration will award approximately $13.5 million to fund up to 21 grants for five years. To check eligibility status and navigate the application process, view the funding notice. Applications are due May 24, 2023.