The key to understanding this process and whether you are a candidate is AOA Resolution 42

Resolution 42

RESOLVED, that Resolution 19 (M/98) "Revision of Special Circumstances for Approval of ACGME Training for the Internship Year" be substituted and revised as follows:
 

1. All training submitted for review under this resolution must have been received in an ACGME-approved program.
2. Application: A D.O. who wishes to obtain AOA internship approval for training taken in an ACGME-approved training program may request the opportunity to do so under the following special circumstances. There will be no special fees assessed to the applicant throughout the approval review. Application is made to the Secretary to the AOA Council on Postdoctoral Training. In determining the status for approval, staff will utilize administrative guidelines for evaluation of unusual or exceptional circumstances. These guidelines will be subject to review and approval through the Council on Postdoctoral Training (COPT) on an annual basis, or more frequently if so determined.
3. Eligibility Criteria: A D.O. participating in an ACGME program or who has completed an ACGME program is eligible to apply for approval of that training as AOA internship training when the applicant complies with the following criteria:
   1. The applicant maintains intern/resident membership status in the AOA.
   2. The D.O. documents limitations to entering an AOA-approved internship because of one or more of the following reasons:
      1. Physical or mental disability or handicap which precludes the satisfactory completion of an AOA-approved internship.
      2. Legal restrictions which require the D.O.'s physical presence in a state or local area where AOA-approved programs are not located.
      3. Acceptance of a non-AOA accredited primary care training position based on a federally designated health profession shortage area (HPSA) where no AOA-approved programs exist.
      4. Participation in a medical specialty or subspecialty in which no available AOA-approved programs or positions exist.
      5. Unusual or exceptional circumstances, not included in a-through-d above, which limit AOA-approved training opportunities.
4. Program Requirements: To complete the approval process, the eligible D.O. must comply with the following criteria:
   1. For those currently enrolled in an ACGME-approved program, the applicant should apply to the AOA for special consideration within ninety (90) days after the start of the ACGME training, with notice to the appropriate AOA-recognized specialty college, and complete parts D2 and D3.
   2. Complete all AOA-approved traditional internship requirements within the ACGME program.
   3. Participate in at least one of the following osteopathic medical education activities during the ACGME training:
      1. Attend the AOA Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar.
      2. Attend the annual meeting of the relevant osteopathic specialty college or AOA-affiliated divisional society.
      3. Participate in an osteopathic training program offered by the regional OPTI, to include OPP/OMT training via clinical elective rotations, or clinical/OMM-OPP training modules.
      4. Prepare and conduct an osteopathic clinical presentation to their ACGME residency program, or to the relevant osteopathic specialty college, and/or submit a manuscript from this presentation for possible publication.
   4. For those who have completed an ACGME-approved program, the applicant must apply to the AOA for special consideration, with notice to the appropriate AOA-recognized specialty college. The applicant must complete all AOA-approved traditional internship requirements within the ACGME program. The applicant must participate in at least one of the following osteopathic medical education activities:
      1. Attend the AOA Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar.
      2. Attend the annual meeting of the relevant osteopathic specialty college or AOA-affiliated divisional society.
      3. Participate in an osteopathic training program offered by the regional OPTI, to include OPP/OMT training via clinical elective rotations, or clinical/OMM-OPP training modules.
   RESOLVED, that the COPT and its subcommittees, and staff, shall review and update the approved activities listed in D.3 and D.4 above, as may be determined; and be it further
   
   RESOLVED, that the administrative staff of the Department of Education shall review applications under this program and act on approval, or other status if deficiencies are identified. All staff recommendations for denial of an internship application will be referred to the Executive Committee of the COPT for decision. Regular reports will be prepared for review by the Executive Committee of COPT; and be it further
   
   RESOLVED, that the following administrative guidelines be approved:
   
   
   1. The applicant must comply with the provisions of this resolution.
   2. All D.O.s participating in ACGME training, who have not completed an AOA approved internship, and who meet the Eligibility Criteria provision of Substitute Resolution 19, are eligible to apply under the provisions of this program.
   3. The applicant must complete a one-page AOA form, and place this on file in the AOA Department of Education, with a copy to the relevant specialty college.
   4. The AOA Division of Postdoctoral Training will assess each application within 30 days of receipt to determine that the application is in order and complete. If the application is determined not to be complete, the AOA staff will notify the applicant within 7 working days.
   5. The Division of Postdoctoral Training will validate that any documentation necessary to verify the applicant's special and unusual circumstances have been evaluated, and are on file. Such validation may be placed on file through accepted electronic transfer of information procedures.
   6. Staff will utilize criteria for approval of unusual and exceptional circumstances that include: financial hardship, spouse or child illness, lack of osteopathic graduate medical education opportunities in the area or locality (including no AOA approved OGME programs in the area, or no positions available); spouse is currently employed in an established professional career or full-time higher education activity which prohibits relocation. If an applicant documents unusual or exceptional circumstances not included in the above list, such applications will be referred to the Executive Committee of the COPT for approval review and determination. All recommendations for denial of an internship application will be referred to the Executive Committee of the COPT for decision.

Explanatory Statement: These revisions of Resolution 19 (M/98) provide the opportunity for continuing educational contact between the D.O. applicant and members of the osteopathic medical profession taking or having completed ACGME training. The Substitute Resolution clarifies and simplifies both the provisions for approval and the review process.

The Substitute Resolution delegates specific authority to the COPT, its subcommittees, and Department of Education staff. The delegation of authority will expedite and simplify the approval process. The resolution also encourages innovation by OPTIs and AOA-recognized specialty colleges. Final AOA approval of an application under this program satisfies the requirements for an AOA-approved internship for osteopathic specialty certification eligibility.