1. Medical Education
  2. Wilmington Residency Programs
  3. Family Medicine Residency
  4. Residency Overview
  5. Osteopathic Recognition Program

Osteopathic Recognition Program

At Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), we proudly offer an ACGME-accredited osteopathic recognition program designed to support and elevate the unique strengths of osteopathic medicine. Whether you’re an osteopathic (DO) or allopathic (MD) resident, this is your opportunity to deepen your skills in whole-person care through hands-on learning, dedicated mentorship, and real-world practice.

What makes our program special?

  • Full ACGME osteopathic recognition
  • Tailored curriculum with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) clinics and didactics
  • Strong faculty and preceptor support in both inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Built-in, “learn-by-doing” approach through regular OMT OSCEs and workshops
  • A mission-driven focus: delivering osteopathic-informed care to southeastern North Carolina

History

We’ve been doing this for a while. Since 2004, under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Walker, our osteopathic training has grown from a single internship year to a fully recognized, three-year American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-approved program. In 2017, we earned osteopathic recognition through the ACGME — a badge of excellence that reflects our commitment to osteopathic principles in residency education.

How it works

Osteopathic residents (DOs)

  • Graduates of Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)-accredited schools are automatically enrolled in our osteopathic recognition program upon joining the family medicine residency.
  • Participation is built into the program — no opt-out, because we believe in the power of your training.

You’ll receive education and practice in:

  • Osteopathic philosophy, ethics, and terminology
  • Anatomy and physiology from an osteopathic lens
  • Safe and effective use of OMT structural exams, palpatory skills, and OMT techniques

Allopathic residents (MDs)

Interested in learning OMT and earning osteopathic recognition? You absolutely can! To qualify, choose any 2 of the following:

  • Completion of a basic osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) course or structured OMT training
  • Prior OPP electives or rotations during med school
  • Participation in our OMT clinic (six sessions within three months of declaring interest)
  • Attendance at an osteopathic convocation like OMED
  • Experience with an osteopathic preceptor (with documentation)
  • Completion of an osteopathic “boot camp” before joining us

You'll also:

  • Take the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) in-training exam each year
  • Work with faculty to meet all osteopathic recognition goals during residency

OMT integrated into residency life

  • OMT clinics and didactics built into your schedule
  • Dedicated mentorship from experienced osteopathic faculty
  • Continuous opportunities for hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and professional growth