From the President
Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH  

Over the past several months, the nation’s credit crisis has drawn public attention with increasing regularity, as surging mortgage defaults have become fodder for nightly news anchors, economic forecasters, and even presidential candidates.

As the crisis mentality has spread to other arenas, some lenders have become unable to sell federally guaranteed loans on the secondary market. Dozens of student loan companies have left the federal government’s student loan program, and some banks have retreated from the school-as-lender program. There are bright spots in this somewhat bleak landscape: the combined aggregate Stafford loan limit for certain health professions students has been raised from $189,125 to $224,000, and Congress and the President  are nearing approval of legislation that will strengthen federal student loan programs and increase the amount that certain students can borrow under those programs. (See the Government Relations Update items on this news and on the upcoming Department of Education Roundtable on economic factors affecting student aid.) 

In the meantime, college tuitions (and concomitant debt loads) continue to rise. At public colleges, tuition increases are driven at least in part to state budget decisions. At both public and private colleges, tuition increases also are a result of the rising costs associated with the inflationary pressures in the U.S. economy and the growing costs of providing education. Economic microcosms of the broader society, colleges are subject to the same global inflationary pressures that are driving up the cost of gasoline, food, basic services and other staples.

Financial aid officials at the colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) are working hard to minimize the impact of the credit crunch on incoming and current osteopathic medical education students. The COMs are keeping a close eye on emerging trends, continuing their good cost containment efforts, and providing ongoing financial counseling services to their students. AACOM, working with the colleges and other education organizations, is closely monitoring federal student aid policy developments, advocating on behalf of the COMs and keeping the community abreast of changes in this critical area.

New Online AACOMAS Application Now Available

AACOMAS 2009 opened for applicants to 24 osteopathic medical schools and three branch campuses on Thursday, May 1.  (All medical schools in Texas, including UNTHSC-TCOM, use the system managed by that state.) The on-line application service features a new “look and feel” for applicants and enhanced underlying technology for processing applications.  As of Monday morning, May 5, more than 1,300 applicants had created accounts on the system, and a dozen applications had been completed and submitted (a “submitted application” is complete and waiting on transcripts for verification and transmission to college admissions offices).  

AACOMAS staff have been closely monitoring applicant comments and questions (coming directly to AACOMAS and through studentdoctor.net), and a brief e-mail survey was sent to a sample of applicants to gauge response to the new application.  Comments are favorable, although a few comments and questions will lead to revisions and clarifications in the instructions for AACOMAS 2009.  These adjustments are being made.

AACOM staff involved with developing the new application include Jason Vargas, Craig Benson, Kona Beysolow, Seth N’kansah, Josie Perales, Gina Moses and Tom Levitan.  The application service is powered by the technology of Interfolio, which has served the education community since 1999 in collecting, managing and showcasing academic and professional credentials for applications to higher education, post-graduate study and other opportunities.

Government Relations Update  

Department of Education Announces Health Professions Loan Limit Increase
In a Dear Colleague letter dated April 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Education formally announced its decision to raise the combined aggregate Stafford loan limit for certain health professions students from $189,125 to $224,000.  The increase was effective April 18, 2008, and will allow medical students to borrow at a 6.8 percent interest rate, avoiding higher rates under the GradPLUS and private loans.  AACOM joined nearly 60 other health education organizations in signing a September 2007 letter to U.S. Department of Education Margaret Spellings requesting this increase.

Congress Contacted to Support Reinstatement of Pathway for Economic Hardship Deferment
The U.S. Department of Education plans to eliminate the economic hardship deferment’s debt-to-income ratio (“20/220 pathway”) as of July 1, 2009, with the start of a new income-based repayment program.  The economic hardship deferment allows medical residents to postpone repayment of their federal educational loans during the first three years of their residency training without the additional interest penalties of forbearance.  Currently, more than two-thirds of medical residents qualify for the economic hardship deferment under the 20/220 pathway.

AACOM’s member colleges are contacting their senators and representatives, urging them to support legislative reinstatement of the 20/220 pathway in the ongoing Higher Education Act reauthorization conference and to co-sponsor S. 2303 or H.R. 4344, which are stand-alone reinstatement bills.  Senators and representatives are also being asked to contact Secretary Spellings to request that she retain the 20/220 pathway.

Senate Majority Leader Fast-Tracks Student Loan Legislation
After Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid fast-tracked student loan legislation, bypassing the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, the Senate unanimously approved legislation that will strengthen the federal government’s loan program and increase the amount certain students can borrow.  Similar legislation, which passed the House on April 17 by a 383-27 vote, is designed to keep the credit crisis from affecting students’ ability to pay for college. 

The House is expected to approve the Senate-modified version of this package.  When this legislation reaches President Bush, he is expected to sign it.  The Bush Administration had been advocating for legislation of this nature when they determined there were limits to what could be done administratively.  The quick passage of this legislation will allow members and staff to continue negotiating the conference on the Higher Education Act reauthorization, for which a short-term extension is needed. 

Congress and the administration believe that this legislation will put the necessary infrastructure in place to guarantee that students have access to loans once peak loan season begins.

Department of Education Roundtable to Cover Economic Factors Affecting Student Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a roundtable of its Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid (ACSFA), which will focus on ways to ensure access to college for low- and middle-income students and the possible impact of our nation’s current economic situation on college access and enrollment.  The roundtable is open to the public and will be held Friday, June 13, 2008, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, at the Wyatt Center Rotunda, Peabody College of Education, 1930 South Drive.  The ACSFA serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to Congress and the U.S. Secretary of Education on student financial aid policy.

The roundtable registration deadline is Monday, June 2, 2008, and space is limited.  To register, send an email to acsfa@ed.gov or tracy.deanna.jones@ed.gov or fax your registration information to 202-219-3032.  Include your name, title, affiliation, complete address (including Internet and e-mail addresses, if available), and telephone and fax numbers.

Senate Fast-Tracks Medicaid Moratorium Legislation
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid granted fast-track status to legislation that would extend the moratorium on seven Medicaid regulations until April 1, 2009.  The proposed legislation will bypass the Senate Finance Committee and head straight to the Senate floor for consideration.  Under the Bush Administration-proposed legislation, states could not use federal Medicaid funds to help pay for physician training; it would also limit Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and nursing homes operated by state and local governments and would limit rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities  and mental illnesses. 

The House passed the bill by a more than veto-proof majority of 342-62.  Since the vote, the administration has urged senators to vote against the House bill, but has appeared willing to negotiate some of the rules, including the one prohibiting the use of federal Medicaid dollars to fund graduate medical education. 

Campus Roundup

KCUMB-COM Appoints New Dean
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCUMB-COM) has appointed Darin L. Haug, DO, as Dean, effective July 1, 2008. Dr. Haug will also serve as Executive Vice President for Academic and Medical Affairs at the University. He currently works in Marshall, MO, where he serves as President/Chief of the Medical Staff and a member of the Board of Trustees for Fitzgibbon Hospital; Medical Director for Grand River Medical Clinic; and Medical Director for the Saline County Health Department. In 2000, Dr. Haug was elected Chair of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP). A cum laude graduate of KCUMB-COM, Dr. Haug has served on KCUMB’s Board of Trustees since 2003.

ATSU President Resigns
On April 15, 2008, James J. McGovern, PhD, announced his resignation as President of A. T. Still University (ATSU), citing medical reasons for his departure. During his 10-year tenure, Dr. McGovern led the school in many landmark achievements, including the establishment of the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) and other doctoral programs. Jack Magruder, EdD, former member of the ATSU Board of Trustees and President Emeritus of Truman State University, has accepted the position of Interim President. During the leadership transition, Dr. McGovern will serve as a consultant to Dr. Magruder.

LECOM to Expand Medical School to Seton Hill University
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has received preliminary approval to open an additional campus at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.  LECOM will accept 104 students at this campus, growing LECOM Erie to 354 students. Another 150 students study at LECOM Bradenton, a branch campus in Florida.  LECOM at Seton Hill University will open for the 2009 academic year.

TUNCOM  Dean Honored by NOMA
Mitchell Forman, DO, Dean of Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), has been recognized by the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association (NOMA) for his work in advocating on behalf of the osteopathic medical profession. Dr. Forman received the Carrison Award for raising the level of public awareness of the osteopathic profession, promoting education and supporting community service. He is a practicing physician who specializes in rheumatology, and has been active in medical education at a variety of residency training programs. Dr. Forman has worked as an academic faculty member at both osteopathic and allopathic medical schools and is the founding Dean of Medicine at TUNCOM.

OSU-COM Faculty Recognition
Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) Professor Stanley Grogg, DO, received the 2008 Harold H. Finkel, DO, Pediatrician of the Year Award in April from the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP). Dr. Grogg is the faculty advisor for the ACOP student pediatrics club, which was honored as the 2008 Student Chapter of the Year for its community outreach programs and activities.

CCOM Alum First DO to Receive Prestigious Citation
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (CCOM) graduate Maria I. Brown, DO, has received the 2008 Henry P. Russe, MD Citation for Exemplary Compassion in Healthcare. The prestigious award recognizes one outstanding medical professional each year for demonstrating compassion and commitment to the welfare of patients and the community. Dr. Brown is an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Rush Medical College and the volunteer Medical Director of Pilsen Homeless Services in Chicago, a free clinic that is dedicated to reducing homelessness by creating a consistent health care environment that patients can easily navigate. Dr. Brown is the first osteopathic physician to receive this distinguished citation.

AACOM/AODME Annual Meeting Gathers Full Osteopathic Medical Education Community

A record 450-plus osteopathic medical education deans, medical education directors, faculty, administrators, advisors, students and association representatives convened in St. Louis, MO, April 9 – 12 for the first-ever joint AACOM/AODME Annual Meeting. Gathering the constituencies of the two groups resulted in a rich programmatic and networking opportunity that many cited as the best Annual Meeting they had attended. If you attended the meeting but have not yet completed the conference evaluation survey, please do so. Your input will help us make future Annual Meetings even better!

In addition to insightful keynote addresses by Carnegie Foundation Research Scholar Bridget O’Brien, PhD, MBA, on The Education of a Physician and by Clark University Research Professor Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, PhD, on The Millennium Generation (pdf, 30 pgs, 2.8 mb) and its impact on education and the workforce, the conference featured a variety of plenary and concurrent sessions exploring the critical challenges and opportunities confronting the profession. For full program information and links to many of the presentations, visit the AACOM website.

The AACOM Board of Deans met at the Annual Meeting and elected the following officers:

• Chair: Michael Adelman, DO, JD (Dean, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine)
• Chair-Elect: Anthony Silvagni, DO, PharmD (Dean, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine)
• Secretary-Treasurer: Marc Hahn, DO (Dean, University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Osteopathic Medicine)
• Kendall Reed, DO (Dean, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine), was elected to the AACOM Executive Committee, joining AACOM Past Chair Silvia Ferretti, DO (Dean, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine); John Fernandes, DO (Dean, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine); and John Ferretti, DO (President, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Chair of the AACOM Assembly of Presidents).

The AACOM Awards Luncheon was a new feature of the meeting. AACOM Board Chair Michael D. Adelman, DO, JD, Dean of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, served as Master of Ceremonies at the luncheon, presenting AACOM’s leadership, student and communications awards.

The William D. Miller Award was presented to Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, (who unfortunately could not be at the meeting) for his outstanding contributions to advancing the osteopathic profession. Dr. Moritsugu, Vice President of Global Strategic Affairs and Former Deputy Surgeon General, has been a strong supporter of the American Osteopathic Foundation and a tireless advocate for organ donation.

Gary Slick, DO, FACOI, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Senior Associate Dean at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM), received the Robert A. Kistner Award for his outstanding contributions to osteopathic medical education. The award is named for Dr. Kistner, who served at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University (CCOM) for 26 years (20 years of which as Dean) and recently passed away on April 2. Dr. Slick graduated from OSU-COM and has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing osteopathic medical education. During these years, he has received nearly 20 peer and student recognitions for his work as both teacher and mentor.

Brad Landry, a fourth-year student at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of the New York Institute of Technology (NYCOM), received the prestigious National DO Student of the Year Award. Landry has shown dedication to medicine, science and education through his service to his school, community and the osteopathic profession. He is the newly elected Chair of AACOM’s Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP).  See Landry's winning Student-of-the-Year essay. 

Dr. Adelman also presented various schools with AACOM Excellence in Communications Awards for their notable public relations, marketing, and publications work. The communications award winners, along with snapshots of their winning entries, can viewed on the AACOM website (ppt, 1 mb).

View the Annual Meeting Photo Gallery.

Mark your calendar for next year's AACOM Annual Meeting, to be held April 15-18, 2009, at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, MD.

Recruitment Events Draw More than 400 Potential Students

More than 400 potential osteopathic medical education students attended one of the two St. Louis-area recruitment events held in conjunction with the recent AACOM/AODME Annual Meeting.

Osteopathic medical college admission officers traveled to St. Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis to share information and talk one-on-one with prospective students. Some students reportedly drove more than eight hours from Iowa to participate in the information-rich multi-COM recruitment sessions.

AACOM extends special thanks to St. Louis University Pre-health Advisor Dr. Richard Sanker, and to University of Missouri-St. Louis pre-health advisors Dr. James O’Brien and Grace Derda, MEd, for hosting the two events.   

AACOM Council Updates and News 

Many of AACOM’s councils met at the AACOM/AODME Annual Meeting in St. Louis. The following groups submitted discussion summaries to share with those who were unable to attend.

The Society of Osteopathic Medical Educators (SOME) elected one new member, Nehad El-Sawi, PhD, to its Steering Committee. Dr. El-Sawi, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Faculty Enrichment at A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), joined the Steering Committee as an undergraduate medical education representative. Joe DeGaetano, Chair of the Competency-Based Medical Education Task Force, reported on the planning that had resulted in a half-day Annual Meeting workshop for liaisons appointed by each of the deans at the COMs. The workshop focused on developing shared meanings for “competency-based education,” functioning as a change agent and developing specific goals for ongoing projects. Trish Sexton, DHEd, representing ATSU-KCOM, introduced SOME’s new National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators, which was created to recognize and promote academic scholarship.

The Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) elected the following new officers:

• Chair: Brad Landry, OMS-IV (NYCOM)
• 1^st Vice Chair: Cory Maughan, OMS-III (AZCOM)
• 2^nd Vice Chair: Sonbol Shahid-Salles, OMS-III (PCSOM)
• Secretary: Lindsay Marshall, OMS-III (OSU-COM)
• Treasurer: Nathan Hall, OMS-III (KCUMB-COM)
• Parliamentarian: Mike Paddock, OMS-III (ATSU-KCOM)

The Council’s new leadership selected the following representatives to serve with them on the Executive Board for the upcoming academic year:

• National Legislative Affairs Representative: Rick Gray, OMS-IV (UNTHSC/TCOM)
• National Education Representative: Skip Moeller, OMS-III (TUNCOM-NV)
• National Research Representative: Roger Alvarez, OMS-IV (NSU-COM)
• National Programs Representative: Katie Perz, OMS-III (MSUCOM)
• National Public Relations and Website Representative: John Fenstermaker, OMS-III (DMU-COM)

COSGP serves as the national representative voting voice of all osteopathic medical students. The executive board seeks to assist the COMs in fulfilling their duties to all osteopathic students, in addition to effectively communicating and representing the osteopathic medical student perspective to professional and educational organizations.

The Council of Fiscal Officers (CFO) met on April 10, 2008, led by Nancy C. Cioffari, CFO Secretary, in the absence of CFO Chair Dean P. Malone and Vice Chair Steve R. Russell. Mark Peiffer, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) has been elected as the new CFO Vice Chair, effective July 1. The agenda included college updates, a discussion about the revised IRS Form 990, and the status of school-as-lender programs at the institutions.

The Council for Information and Technology meeting was chaired by Chellappa Kumar, PhD, from NYCOM. Members welcomed participation from the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and engaged in a discussion about efforts to implement one-stop reporting and alert systems on student performance. Scott Helf, DO, of Western U/COMP, demonstrated his school’s efforts with such a system. The group also discussed related legal, technical and cultural issues. Representatives from the various COMs and NBOME shared their respective ongoing major projects.

The Council of Osteopathic Medical Admissions Officers (COMAO) received an update on the new AACOM Application Service (AACOMAS) program and AACOM’s recruiting plans for the upcoming year. Professor Kerry Cheesman of Capital University and the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) discussed several issues with the council, including professionalism in the application process, college deposits and deadline dates, and the schedule for NAAHP’s upcoming annual meeting.  Marla Frohlinger of NSU-COM presented information on the college’s paperless application processing system.  Multi-college recruiting events were held at St. Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The Council of Osteopathic Medical Student Services Officers (COMSSO) discussed concerns regarding student scheduling for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) exams, an update on the ERAS process and a summary presentation on the “Getting your ZZZZs” pre-conference workshop, which addressed the sleep issues of students.

The Council of Osteopathic Librarians (COOL) discussed the status of the integration of information/computer literacy competencies into the curricula at their colleges, and the roles that library staff members have played in this area. The product manager responsible for the development of OSTMED.DR reported on this osteopathic medicine digital library developed by Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Currently, the repository’s content is undergoing a quality control review to remove any duplicate records or inconsistent citations.  The members of COOL appreciate the availability of this full-text online resource for their faculties and students. Comments and suggestions regarding the database can be sent to Elaine Powers, Librarian at the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), at epowers@vcom.vt.edu.

The Council of Researchers (COR) met with leadership from the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) to discuss student interest in achieving better grounding in research principles.

The Council of Development and Alumni Relations Professions (Dev-Alum) met on Thursday, April 10.  With the help of the Council of Development and Alumni Relations and the Council of Admissions Officers, there was a discussion regarding the COM application process.  Council members were informed that a new application service is being launched, with enhanced technology and greater user friendliness. 

A panel of alumni, consisting of Kenneth Veit, DO, Senior VP for Academic Affairs and Dean, PCOM; Ray Stowers, DO, VP and Dean, LMU-COM; Anthony J. Silvagni, DO, PharmD, Dean, NSU-COM; and Sharon Zimmerman, MPA, Director, Medical Development, Executive Director, Alumni Affairs, OUCOM discussed their role as donors to their schools.  Panelists discussed why they give back to their schools; what motivates them to give; the importance of annual campaigns; and how to engage alumni.  The panel helped Council members think about new ideas to raise funds and attract a larger alumni donor base. 

The Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles (ECOP), which convenes the chairpersons from the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine departments at each COM, held its annual spring business meeting at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM-CA), April 9-11. The group gathered input for the third edition of Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine, worked on updating the osteopathic glossary, and discussed a standardized list of osteopathic techniques for study during the didactic years.

The Marketing and Communications Council (MAC) met on April 10 with representatives from eight schools. Council members agreed on the following:

1. Propose a workshop for the 2009 AACOM Meeting to maximize the meeting's value to marketing and public relations representatives from all of the schools. Participants agreed to work on specific areas and meet at AOA in October to present details. Potential topics include:

• Advocacy Resources and Grant Support
• Web Marketing, Development and Design, and Search Engine Optimization
• Internal communication – mulit-media
• External Communication – multi-media publicity, earned media, electronic, social marketing to the millennials
• Branding

2. Build a better bridge with AOA on marketing efforts.

Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Annual Education Issue

Individuals who do not regularly read the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association may find of particular interest its recent article, “New Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: Steps in Achieving Accreditation.”  Written by Konrad C. Miskowicz-Retz, PhD, and Andrea Williams, MA, the article outlines the process that an educational institution undergoes to obtain accreditation status from the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the body responsible for accrediting the nation's osteopathic medical schools.

The article was part of the journal's annual Education Issue, for which Guest Editor and AACOM President Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH, wrote the opening editorial. View the entire JAOA Education Issue on line.

ORC International Research Symposium Boasts Record Attendance

The Osteopathic Research Center (ORC) drew more than 130 attendees to its International Research Symposium, held March 31 – April 1 in Fort Worth, TX. The symposium focused on Delineating the Evidence Base for Somato-Visceral Interactions and Autonomic Mechanisms of Manual Therapy. Attendance for previous symposia in this series had not exceeded 100 participants. AACOM is a co-sponsor of the ORC. Download the ORC’s most recent newsletter for more information about the symposium and other ORC activities.

AACOM Discount Moving Service Program
AACOM’s Discount Moving Service Program, sponsored by Premier Transfer and Storage, Inc., an affiliate of Mayflower Moving Company, is a program provided for relocating faculty, staff, students and even your own family members.  Tom Graver, AACOM’s representative at Premier, will serve your institution’s needs when you take advantage of the discount moving program.  You may recall Tom who manned the Mayflower booth at AACOM’s Annual Meeting.  We thank Mayflower for being an exhibitor at the annual meeting this year.

To learn more about the program, visit http://www.aacom.org/about/discounts/Pages/MovingProgram.aspx, contact Tom Graver at Tom.Graver@premier-transfer.com, or call 1-800-634-8571, ext. 111.

AACOM Job Connection
AACOM's job posting service, one of the supreme discount programs offered to AACOM members and non-members, provides a central location to post or seek positions in osteopathic medical education.  The AACOM Job Connection offers 30- and 60-day discount rates for posting single, three and five job postings.  Since the program's launch in May 2006, 23 institutions have posted 82 positions. 

Visit the AACOM Job Connection to learn more about posting job positions.

AACOM Wireless Phone Program
When your wireless service agreement expires, consider the many national carriers, rates, free state-of-the art cell phones, discounted accessories, and other discounts/rebates offered through AACOM’s Wireless Phone Program.

To learn more about the program go to: http://www.aacom.org/about/discounts/Pages/WirelessProgram.aspx.

We Value Your Input and Feedback

Please e-mail us at wbresler@aacom.org to provide news for upcoming issues of Inside OME, along with your feedback regarding this newsletter.