It is with great excitement and anticipation that we introduce Academic Osteopathic Medicine (AOM), a groundbreaking journal dedicated to advancing scholarly activity and research within osteopathic medicine, debuted earlier this month at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) annual meeting. In an era characterized by rapid expansion and increasing recognition of osteopathic medicine, this journal aims to serve as an essential platform for osteopathic physicians, educators, researchers, and trainees to share high-quality scientific contributions swiftly and effectively.
Osteopathic medicine, founded in the 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, represents a distinct branch of medical practice emphasizing a holistic and scientifically grounded approach. In 1892, AT Still established the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, with a clear mandate articulated in its founding charter: “the design of which is to improve on our present system of surgery, obstetrics, and treatment generally, and place the same on a more rational and scientific basis.” This was particularly revolutionary at a time when common medical practices included prescribing hazardous substances such as arsenic and mercury.
While the term “evidence-based medicine” was not part of the 19th-century lexicon, Still’s vision unmistakably foreshadowed a commitment to medical care grounded in rigorous scientific inquiry and empirical evidence. The first medical journals devoted to osteopathic medicine started as far back as 1894 with the Journal of Osteopathy.1 Several others followed and lasted for various periods of time [Figure 1].
Today, with more than 5,000 medical journals worldwide, it is remarkable that only a handful of current journals are specifically dedicated to osteopathic research. Given the rapid growth of osteopathic medicine—approximately 346% over the past 25 years,2 according to data from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) [Figure 2]—the establishment of an additional high-quality publication venue is not only timely but essential.
The impressive expansion of the osteopathic profession has led to increased scholarly output and a burgeoning need for suitable academic platforms. Throughout our careers in academic medicine, we have often encountered limited avenues for faculty and trainees to disseminate their work. Academic Osteopathic Medicine is created precisely to bridge this gap. Our primary goal is to provide rapid peer review and publication of manuscripts, thus facilitating timely sharing of significant advances, innovations, and educational initiatives across the osteopathic community.
The scope of Academic Osteopathic Medicine encompasses original research articles, brief research reports, comprehensive review articles, case studies, innovative clinical techniques, educational methodologies, health policy analyses, and commentaries relevant to osteopathic practice. AOM will prioritize articles demonstrating clinical and educational advancements rooted firmly in osteopathic principles and practices, including osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), holistic patient management, preventive medicine, and interdisciplinary approaches to patient care.
Our intention with this journal is to facilitate the dissemination of all scholarly activity being done at colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs), fostering an academic community capable of addressing contemporary healthcare challenges while honoring the philosophy and principles articulated by AT Still.
With a dedicated editorial board, we look forward to fostering rigorous academic discussions, showcasing innovative research, and stimulating the ongoing evolution of osteopathic practice and education. As Academic Osteopathic Medicine embarks on its journey, we warmly invite contributions from osteopathic physicians, researchers, educators, students, and allied health professionals worldwide. Together, let us usher in a new era of scholarly achievement in osteopathic medicine, enhancing the health and well-being of our communities.
For further details on submission guidelines, article categories, editorial policies or how to get involved with the journal, please visit our website: https://academicosteopathicmedicine.org
We eagerly anticipate your contributions and collaborations, which will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of osteopathic medicine.