Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy
Fellow of American Academy of Osteopathy (FAAO) is an earned post-doctoral degree conferred by the American Academy of Osteopathy.
FELLOWS OF THE AAO
FELLOWSHIP PROCESS (summary) Download the complete information booklet and application at the below links.
FAAO Candidate Information.pdf
FAAO Application.pdf
Policy: The Fellowship process is designed to be completed in a two-year cycle. If during the initial two-year cycle a candidate wishes an extension or deferment, the Fellowship Committee may grant a one-year extension for sufficient cause.
The conferment of the FAAO will occur at the AAO Convocation President’s Banquet. This is a solemn occasion and the Fellows and incoming honorees are expected to wear academic regalia; including a cap, gown and hood depicting the colors from the college of osteopathic medicine where degreed, and a Fellowship medallion about the neck. All Fellows are expected to take part by marching in procession at the opening of the ceremony.
Candidate Requirements (summary): Those who earn the FAAO designation must have demonstrated their commitment to osteopathic principles and practice through teaching, writing, and professional service, performed at the highest level of professional and ethical standards.
1. Membership in the American Academy of Osteopathy for a period of five (5) consecutive years immediately prior to application.
2. Certification by an American Osteopathic Association certifying board.
3. Practice requirement: Ordinarily, the practice requirements will be satisfied by the achievement of certification. At least three (3) years of practice should intervene between the Certification and Fellowship application in the case of residency-trained candidates.
4. Scientific Paper/Thesis requirement: A Scientific Paper/Thesis (as sole author*) suitable for publication is required. A topic heading and brief outline and tentative bibliography (approximately one to three [1-3] pages in length with appropriate explanatory statements) shall be approved prior to the writing of the Scientific Paper/Thesis.
*The sole author may base the thesis on prior or concomitant collaborative work or research. Acknowledgement, in proper format, should be given to those providing assistance.
5. CME requirements shall include at least fifty (50) specialty hours of AAO-sponsored or Committee approved and documented category 1A CME credit hours of the required 150 total hours in the current 36 month period, and meeting the AOA requirement in a three-year cycle.
6. Case histories: Case histories will be three (3) total with two (2) representative of the candidate's practice and one (1) pertinent to their thesis.
7. Interview: Candidates will be expected to sit for an interview (usually at the time of the AOA Convention) before formal approval of the outline of the candidate’s paper and acceptance of their continuation in the Fellowship process.
8. Categories of service: the candidate shall supply evidence of fulfilling at least four (4) of the seven (7) categories below:
a. Contribution to osteopathic literature. (Specific publication etc. should be listed.)
b. Development of osteopathic theory and/or manipulative method or procedure.
c. Research related to osteopathic theory and practice.
d. Contributions in the field of osteopathic education: Faculty (College, AAO, Cranial, etc.), Preceptorship Activity, Clinical and/or Hospital Supervision
e. AAO Organizational Activity (Boards, Committees, etc.)
f. Public Relations: Community activity, School Physician, Sponsor of Health Activity, etc., Service to the Public and Public Health
g. Administrative service to the profession (Dean, Medical Director, Chief of Staff, Carrier Advisory Committee, Department Chairs, Committee Chairs on staff, etc.)
9. Code of ethics. Candidates shall file a statement of full compliance with the AAO and AOA professional and ethical standards.
Code of Ethics: The Examination Committee shall satisfy itself that the candidate has a good knowledge of the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics of the Academy and this Committee shall be the Code of Ethics of the American Osteopathic Association with the addition of the following:
(a) An AAO member shall not intentionally misrepresent himself/herself or his/her work in any way, in order to give himself/herself either financial or professional gain.
(b) When participating in research that involves human subjects, a member shall follow the current laws, regulations and standards of the United States or, in cases of International Affiliate and International Associate members, the laws, regulations and standards applicable to research in the nation where the research is conducted. This standard shall apply for member involvement in research at any level and degree of responsibility, including, but not limited to, research design, funding, participation either as examining and/or treating provider, analysis of data and publication of results in any form for any purpose.
FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION: To request more information about the FAAO’s, please direct your inquiries to Debbie Johnson, Fellowship Coordinator, American Academy of Osteopathy, 3500 Depauw Boulevard, Suite 1080, Indianapolis, IN 46268; (317) 879-1881; djohnson@academyofosteopathy.org.
