ACOFP: OUR CONTINUING HISTORY 81 New Challenges and Opportunities ACOFP WELCOMES MEDICAL DOCTORS AS MEMBERS After careful consideration, ACOFP made a landmark decision in response to the evolving landscape of medical education and the implementation of the ACGME Single Accreditation System. This transformative decision occurred during the 2021 ACOFP Congress of Delegates. Previously, in 2016, ACOFP President Larry W. Anderson DO, FACOFP dist., had appointed a task force on MDs made up of active members to study allowing MDs to become full ACOFP members. Kevin V. de Regnier, DO, FACOFP dist., immediate past president, chaired the task force, which spent several months reviewing the ACOFP Constitution and Bylaws, policies, and culture. The result of this study was a 16-page report detailing the impact such a move would have on ACOFP. This white paper was then circulated to the state societies, student chapters, ACOFP Auxiliary, and others. After receiving feedback from these constituencies, the board of governors produced a comprehensive report to the 2018 ACOFP Congress of Delegates outlining three options: (1) Status quo (no change in membership status for MDs), (2) Hybrid with conditions (a model in which MDs who had training in ACGME family medicine programs with osteopathic recognition could be members), and (3) Full parity (MDs and DOs would be allowed to be members on an equal basis). The board of governors then charged the ACOFP Constitution and Bylaws/Policy and Organization Review Committee to prepare proposed amendments to the constitution and Bylaws and Policy Manual that would implement the recommendations from the Report of MDs as Active Members. These recommendations emphasized the importance of maintaining the organization’s identity that comes with osteopathic distinctiveness while expanding membership eligibility to MDs who demonstrated a commitment to osteopathic family medicine. The committee submitted these proposed amendments to the 2021 ACOFP Congress of Delegates. After much discussion, debate, and hard work, the resolution allowing full membership for MDs was officially approved. While active member status for MDs parallels that of DOs, the organization’s name remains unchanged, and its mission statement remains focused on excellence in osteopathic family medicine. However, the vision statement was revised to include not just osteopathic family medicine physicians but all physicians with a commitment to osteopathic family medicine. The expansion of membership criteria also includes a change to those who are allowed to participate in ACOFP leadership positions. ACOFP’s first MD member, Dr. Brian Bixler. Ian D. Singer, DO, JD, ACOFP 2021–22 resident council chair (center), welcomes four new MD resident members to the ACOFP family. From L to R: Aashish Dewan, MD; Rebecca Bedoya, MD; Mojda Sidiqi, MD; and Abel Suarez Mazon, MD.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2NjI=