Allopathic family medicine residents can learn osteopathic manipulation techniques in a 1-month elective.
BACKGROUND
Graduating family medicine residents report a relative lack of confidence in managing musculoskeletal problems, and many primary care physicians desire more instruction in manual medicine.


METHODS
We conducted a 1-month osteopathic manipulative treatment elective with five allopathic family medicine residents, utilizing multiple teaching and assessment strategies.


RESULTS
Residents averaged 30 patient encounters each. Faculty graded their attainment of the knowledge and skills objectives at 3.9 and 3.8 on a 5-point scale, respectively. Residents reported unanimously that the course had reasonable expectations and fostered independent decision making and that they achieved the educational goals.


CONCLUSIONS
After a 1-month elective, allopathic residents demonstrated competency in a defined set of osteopathic principles and skills.
Leiber
James D
JD
Malcolm Grow Medical Center Family Medicine Residency, Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20762, USA. James.Leiber@andrews.af.mil
D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D026301:Manipulation, Osteopathic / Q000193:education*