Allopathic family medicine residents can learn osteopathic manipulation techniques in a 1-month elective.

BACKGROUND Graduating family medicine residents report a relative lack of confidence in managing musculoskeletal problems, and many primary care physicians desire more instruction in manual medicine. METHODS We conducted a 1-month osteopathic manipulative treatment elective with five allopathic family medicine residents, utilizing multiple teaching and assessment strategies. RESULTS Residents averaged 30 patient encounters each. Faculty graded their attainment of the knowledge and skills objectives at 3.9 and 3.8 on a 5-point scale, respectively. Residents reported unanimously that the course had reasonable expectations and fostered independent decision making and that they achieved the educational goals. CONCLUSIONS After a 1-month elective, allopathic residents demonstrated competency in a defined set of osteopathic principles and skills.