Biomedical Research

Female research scientist looking into a microscope. iStock photo. Credit: gorodenkoff

Osteopathic and allopathic physicians and scientific investigators conduct biomedical research to understand the causes of diseases and to develop treatments and preventive measures to advance patient care and safety. While biomedical research has led to many years of groundbreaking treatments, it is needed more now than ever as new diseases emerge that threaten the health and safety of various populations.

Are you interested in becoming an osteopathic physician-scientist? Explore the career option of an osteopathic physician-scientist and the biomedical research programs available through the member colleges of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) that are training the next generation of scientists and physicians.

  Building Communities

AACOM has several councils, committees and special interest or affinity groups comprised of faculty, administrators, staff, students, physicians and other professionals in the osteopathic medical community who work in biomedical research or support scientific investigators at their colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs).

Group members receive benefits such as leadership and professional development, networking opportunities, collaboration and recommendations rooted in evidence-based outcomes on how to improve or advance biomedical research programs at their COMs. 

Consider joining one of these vital AACOM groups.

Osteopathic Physician-Scientists Engagement Network (OPEN)

This AACOM interest group, composed of administrators, physician-scientists, DO/PhD program directors and trainees, supports and promotes the development and nurturing of physician-scientists by representing the interests of DO/PhD programs and research-focused osteopathic physicians and trainees throughout the continuum of their research careers.

More about OPEN


Council of Osteopathic Researchers (COR)

AACOM's Council of Osteopathic Researchers (COR) supports and coordinates medical education research efforts, focusing on teaching/learning issues as well as institutional research at osteopathic medical schools.

More about COR


Recent Research News

RFK Jr. Testifies in Congress

May 19, 2025, 17:21 by AACOM Government Relations
  • On May 14, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) held budget hearings for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before both committees in support of significant budget cuts and structural reforms, which he argued would enhance departmental efficiency and better align with the administration’s health priorities. Central to these reforms is the proposed creation of the Administration for a Healthy America.
  • Kennedy faced bipartisan scrutiny during the hearings, particularly concerning past vaccine-related statements and proposed funding cuts for programs related to infectious disease control, cancer and maternal health research, and the NIH. Despite the controversy, Kennedy reaffirmed his commitment to the health of the American people and defended the changes as necessary to modernize HHS and shift focus toward preventive care and chronic disease management.
  • For more information on the hearings, see AACOM’s summaries of the House Appropriations and Senate HELP Committee hearings.