OSTEOPATHIC BOARD CERTIFICATION

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Expanding your certification: The value of the Distinct Osteopathic Examination Committee (DOEC) pathway

 

Stacy Chase, DO
Stacy Chase, DO

By Stacy Chase, DO, FACOFP, FAOGME
Chair, Distinct Osteopathic Examination Committee

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is committed to supporting osteopathic physicians in advancing their clinical expertise while strengthening the unique identity of osteopathic medicine. For AOA-certified diplomates, the Distinct Osteopathic Examination Committee (DOEC) pathway offers a valuable opportunity to add osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to your primary certification.

Why consider the DOEC pathway?

  • Strengthen your osteopathic identity – Adding OMT to your certification highlights the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine and reflects the holistic, hands-on approach that patients seek from DOs.
  • Demonstrate advanced competency – The DOEC pathway ensures you are formally recognized for your knowledge and skills in OMT, reinforcing your role as a leader in osteopathic practice.
  • Expand your professional opportunities – Certification with OMT can distinguish you in academic, clinical and leadership settings, whether teaching the next generation of DOs, leading patient care initiatives or engaging in advocacy.
  • Meet growing patient demand – Many patients specifically seek osteopathic physicians for their expertise in OMT. Certification signals to patients, employers and colleagues that you have met rigorous standards of training and assessment.

The DOEC pathway was designed to give AOA-certified diplomates an attainable and meaningful way to add OMT certification to their primary board specialty. The process is tailored for physicians who already maintain active certification, focusing on assessing the essential skills and knowledge needed to practice OMT with confidence.

By pursuing the DOEC pathway, you’re not only enhancing your own career, but you’re also contributing to the visibility and strength of osteopathic medicine. Every diplomate who adds OMT to their certification helps advance our collective mission of promoting comprehensive, patient-centered care grounded in the osteopathic philosophy.

Take the next step

If you’re ready to expand your certification and affirm your commitment to the distinctive principles of osteopathic medicine, the DOEC pathway is your next opportunity.

Eligible diplomates must pass both a written and a performance exam.

2026–27 exam & application dates

Part 1: Written exam
Exam dates: September 2026
Application opens: May 2026

Part 2: OMT performance exam
Held at the ACOFP Convention in Louisville, Kentucky
Exam dates: April 1 & 2, 2027
Application opens: October 2026

Learn more about eligibility, requirements and upcoming application windows by contacting [email protected].