AACOM Research Grants


Robert A. Cain"These research grants are a testament to AACOM's commitment to advancing osteopathic medical education and addressing the evolving needs of our healthcare system. I am confident that the insights gained from these studies will have a lasting impact on the quality and inclusivity of osteopathic medical education."

AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO


From 2012–2026, AACOM has invested more than $861,000 in 148 research grants across 90+ institutions, including 131 Annual Research Grants, 10 Compassionate Community Grants and seven Food as Medicine Grants. These investments support research spanning curriculum innovation, osteopathic principles and practice, educational technology, whole-person care, workforce development and community health—advancing innovation and excellence in osteopathic medical education.
Caption: From 2012–2026, AACOM has invested more than $861,000 in 148 research grants across 90+ institutions, including 131 Annual Research Grants, 10 Compassionate Community Grants and seven Food as Medicine Grants. These investments support research spanning curriculum innovation, osteopathic principles and practice, educational technology, whole-person care, workforce development and community health—advancing innovation and excellence in osteopathic medical education.

Annual Research Grant Program

AACOM's 2027 Research Grant application is open and closes Sunday, January 24, 2027. Apply now!

Grants offered for both medical education research and institutional research

Institutional research is a broad category of work done at colleges (and across colleges within a profession) to inform decision-making and planning. While collaborative, multi-institution research studies are desirable, the grant could support a pilot study or serve as the basis for seeking matching funds at individual institutions.

Proposals about technology or artificial intelligence (AI) are of importance this year. Additionally, topics related to workforce issues—such as the implications of the expansion of osteopathic medical colleges, branch campuses, additional teaching sites, and class sizes—are of continued interest.  

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Compassionate Community Grant

A unique, one-time opportunity for the U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine

This special opportunity offered small grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to support innovative, compassion-driven projects across the osteopathic medical education community. This grant included programs for cultivating compassion and belonging; recognizing and celebrating compassionate culture; advancing compassion through community-based education and/or service learning; and sustaining compassion through educational transitions.

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Food As Medicine Grant

A special, one-time grant opportunity for U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine

This exclusive funding initiative was designed to advance the integration of "Food As Medicine" into osteopathic medical education (OME), empowering future physicians with the knowledge and skills to utilize nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. This valuable opportunity contributed to the future of healthcare by advancing the principles of Food As Medicine in OME.

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