A message from the AOBFP Chair
By Kenneth A. Heiles, DO, FACOFP dist.
March 2026
Dear colleagues,
It has been an active and productive period for the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP), and I would like to take a moment to recognize several important accomplishments made possible through the dedication of our board members, diplomates, volunteers and item writers.
One of our most significant milestones this year was the successful completion of the Job Task Analysis (JTA). Thank you to all of our diplomates who took the time to complete the very broad survey. This comprehensive effort helps ensure that AOBFP certification examinations accurately reflect the real-world knowledge and skills required in the practice of family medicine today. The JTA provides the foundation for our examination blueprints and plays a critical role in maintaining the validity and relevance of our certification assessments.
The AOBFP also had the opportunity to share our work with the broader family medicine community. Board representatives recently presented to Program Directors and Coordinators at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Residency Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas, where we discussed the important role of board certification, the evolution of assessment strategies and the continued commitment to supporting physicians throughout their professional journey. Contact us to schedule a webinar for your program to learn more about board certification through AOBFP, please contact us at [email protected].
The osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) performance exam will be administered in Orlando, Florida, next month at the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Annual Convention. There are just under 240 candidates who will be tested on their ability to diagnose and demonstrate an appropriate OMT technique for each of three cases representing the areas of spine, extremities and systemic diseases.
In addition, the AOBFP has been actively collaborating with partners across the profession. We are currently working with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) on a Blue-Ribbon Panel focused on identifying and addressing key challenges facing the family medicine community. These discussions are an important step toward strengthening the future of the specialty and ensuring that family medicine continues to thrive in an evolving healthcare environment.
None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our board members, examiners and item writers who dedicate their time and expertise to the development of the AOA certification examinations and longitudinal assessments. Writing, reviewing, revising and finalizing exam items is demanding work that requires both clinical insight and careful attention to detail. Your efforts ensure that our assessments remain rigorous, fair and reflective of the standards expected of board-certified family physicians.
On behalf of AOBFP, thank you for your continued dedication to advancing certification in family medicine. Your contributions strengthen not only our examinations, but also the credibility and integrity of our profession.
With appreciation,
Kenneth A. Heiles, DO, FACOFP dist.
Chair, American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians