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.