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.