AOGME's Origins and History
AACOM and AODME Join Forces to Strengthen the Full OME Continuum
November 18, 2017
(Washington, DC) - The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and the Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators (AODME) are pleased to announce a landmark decision to bridge the gap between undergraduate and graduate medical education (GME) by providing leadership for the full continuum of osteopathic medical education.
AODME, which currently represents a robust membership of leaders in osteopathic graduate medical education (GME), will become an integral component of AACOM and will be renamed as the Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators (AOGME). AOGME will support its members through leadership and professional development for those engaged in graduate medical education, foster excellence in the clinical learning environment and assist in developing community-based GME programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome AODME members to AACOM. Although AACOM and AODME enjoy a decade-long track record of collaborating on joint annual conferences and other efforts, this decision formally incorporates AODME within AACOM as the AOGME. We are now strongly positioned to promote excellence in medical education, research and service across the full continuum of osteopathic medical education to improve the health of the American public,” writes AACOM President and CEO Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH.
“For nearly four decades, AODME membership has led osteopathic graduate medical education and advanced the unique principles and practices of osteopathic medicine. Today, we are excited to continue that tradition of leadership and to respond to the evolving landscape of osteopathic medical education by joining with AACOM to provide support and continuity for our valued members and the osteopathic clinical learning environment during this time of transformation,” notes AODME President Joanne Baker, DO.
The memorandum of understanding guiding the integration of AODME within AACOM was signed by both parties on Saturday, November 18, 2017, during AACOM’s Annual Board of Deans meeting and kicks off a six-month integration process, which will formally begin in January 2018. Current AODME members will continue to enjoy customary member benefits throughout this process and the current AODME board will remain as the AOGME transition board until 2019 to ensure a smooth process. Alegneta Long, MPP will serve as AOGME’s Executive Director.
For more information, visit AOGME.