Area of Concentration
In Family Medicine, there are multiple disciplines in which additional
or specialized education can be obtained depending on the
individual interests and career goals of a resident. There are
several specialty disciplines that have become established, specific
tracks known as "Areas of Concentration" (AOCs). Common AOCs
include Women's Health, Sports Medicine,Geriatrics, Dermatology,
Academic Family Medicine, and Global Health. Operational
Medicine is a popular AOC that is specific to the military. This will
allow residents with special interests in these areas to individualize
their educational experience. There will likely be additional AOCs in
the future. At least 2 months or 200 hours of training is required in
the AOC, above and beyond the RRC requirements. Additional
requirements for the AOCs are outlined in the Resident Handbook.
Other AOCs exist, and, if a resident has a specific idea for an AOC,
that idea can be submitted for consideration.
Osteopathic Recognition
In 2018 the Eglin Family Medicine Residency became the first
graduate medical education (GME) program in the US Air Force to
earn Osteopathic Recognition from the ACGME. Osteopathic
Recognition is awarded to qualified programs that meet the criteria
and formally apply for this status. Osteopathic Recognition from the
ACGME is a new status that is a result of the single-accreditation
system now in place with the merger of the American Osteopathic
Association (AOA) and ACGME. Prior to the creation of the single-
accreditation system, GME programs were either accredited by the
ACGME or AOA with very few programs being accredited by both.
No USAF GME programs are accredited by the AOA.
Prior to the formation of the single-accreditation system, graduates
of ACGME programs were required by the ACGME to pursue board
certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties
(ABMS). Even for osteopathic residents, AOA board certification
was not allowed as the primary avenue for board certification. As a
result, only the most highly motivated osteopathic residents would
infrequently pay out-of-pocket to pursue dual certification via both
the ABMS and AOA.
Osteopathic Recognition provides traditional ACGME programs an
opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to teach and assess
Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP). This process provides
a clear pathway for osteopathic residents at the Eglin FMR to
maintain and grow their skills in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
(OMM). It also allows osteopathic residents the option to choose
between the ABMS and AOA for board certification. Graduates of
ACGME programs with Osteopathic Recognition are able to choose
between the AOA and ABMS for board certification.