Dec. 3, 2025 CHICAGO—The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has filed a lawsuit challenging a restrictive American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) policy that unfairly limits opportunities for both internal medicine physicians and residency and fellowship training programs. At issue is an ABIM rule that blocks qualified residents and fellows from taking its board certification exams—not because of their competence, but because their program directors are certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) rather than ABIM. This rule sidelines well-trained, accomplished osteopathic physicians who are fully approved by [...]

On October 31, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the CY26 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule which includes updates to physician payment policies, the Quality Payment Program (QPP), and Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). AOA has developed an in-depth resource outlining key changes physicians across specialties need to know to prepare their practices for 2026. Highlights from the guide include: Changes to the conversion factor for 2026; Payment changes to support comprehensive primary care and address upstream drivers of health; An overview of the newly implemented physician efficiency adjustment [...]

Emergency departments across the U.S. are facing an unprecedented “perfect storm” of rising patient volumes and acuity, shrinking payments, and growing workforce burnout. In the latest episode of the RAND “Policy Minded” podcast, ER physician–policy-researcher Mahshid Abir joins to explore why our emergency rooms are under siege—and what must happen if they are to remain the cornerstone of acute care. Relevant for osteopathic emergency physicians, this episode dives into the financial, operational and workforce challenges that are putting the safety-net function of the ER at risk. Tune in and consider [...]

The DO recently published “Physicians Under Threat: Understanding Workplace Violence in the Emergency Department,” an in-depth look at the growing risks physicians face in emergency settings. ACOEP leaders Dr. Jennifer Axelband, DO (Immediate Past President) and Dr. John Dery, DO (President-Elect) were both contributors to this important piece, offering their expertise and helping to bring national attention to the issue. Read the full article on The DO ›

Nashville, TN Music City Center — The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) proudly convened its 2025 Scientific Assembly, marking an exceptional year of education, innovation, and recognition within the field of osteopathic emergency medicine. This year’s Assembly also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the College, honoring five decades of advancing the specialty and fostering a vibrant community of osteopathic emergency physicians. The Scientific Assembly included an Awards and Fellowship Ceremony on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025. The evening highlighted the achievements of outstanding members whose dedication, leadership, and service [...]

The American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) is excited to announce the beta launch of the Emerging DO Platform a new online space designed for osteopathic physicians and students to connect, collaborate, and grow together. From residency insights and mentorship opportunities to a supportive, career-long network, Emerging DO empowers every DO at every stage of their journey. Help shape the future of osteopathic medicine and be part of a platform that celebrates individual journeys and collective impact. We would encourage our attending members to complete the Alumni Insights survey to share feedback about the programs [...]

September 11, 2025Dear ACOEP Members,I want to share an important leadership update ahead of our upcoming Scientific Assembly meeting.Dr. John Dery, DO, FACOEP-D, FAWM has made the difficult decision to step back from his role as President-Elect. In a message to the Board, Dr. Dery shared that while his commitment to ACOEP remains steadfast, he does not feel he can devote the full time, attention, and energy the role of President requires at this time due to a recurrence of a significant health issue. We deeply respect his decision and are [...]

Research from DOs You Know: The Epidemiology of Osteopathic Diagnoses and Treatments in United States Emergency Departments From 2018 to 2021 September 4, 2025 Although a large proportion of US emergency physicians are osteopathic physicians, the frequency of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) use in emergency departments (EDs) is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of OMM in EDs across the United States and describe the cohort who received OMM. The epidemiology of osteopathic diagnoses and treatments in United States emergency departments from 2018 to 2021 [...]

ACOEP Joins All EM Statement on Proposed ACGME Program Requirements August 11, 2025 The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently closed the public comment period on the proposed Emergency Medicine Program Requirements. This proposal—which includes a potential shift to a standardized four-year training structure—has generated robust discussion and differing perspectives across our specialty.In recognition of this pivotal moment for emergency medicine education, ACOEP has joined with other national EM organizations in issuing a unified statement of commitment to our programs, trainees, and the future of the profession. This [...]

ACOEP and AOBEM Joint Statement In response to a recent article framing the rise of DOs and IMGs in emergency medicine as a decline in the specialty, ACOEP and AOBEM have issued a joint statement rejecting this narrative. The statement underscores the essential contributions of osteopathic physicians, addresses misrepresented data, and calls for a more inclusive and accurate conversation about the future of emergency medicine. In response to a recent article framing the rise of DOs and IMGs in emergency medicine as a decline in the specialty, ACOEP and AOBEM [...]

ACOEP Proudly Supports MEMC 2025 in Budapest Published May 15, 2025 The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) is honored to be a supporting society of the Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress (MEMC 2025), taking place August 14–17, 2025, in Budapest, Hungary. This premier global event brings together emergency medicine professionals from around the world to share knowledge, collaborate, and shape the future of the specialty. Don’t miss this chance to connect and contribute on an international stage. ACOEP encourages members and colleagues to take part in this exciting international event! Register Here [...]