Exciting Scholarship Opportunities for the 2025 FOCF Course!

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We’re thrilled to announce new scholarship opportunities for the 2025 Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (FOCF) course! These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in expanding access to high-quality osteopathic education. A special thank you to the Osteopathic Cranial Academy Foundation for their impactful and generous donation.

Full and partial scholarships are available to osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows, and early-career physicians. 

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

See scholarship details and application process below.

Scholarship Conditions

  • Scholarships are exclusively designated for the 2025 FOCF course, sponsored by Osteopathy’s Promise to Children and held at the Osteopathic Center San Diego. They are not transferrable to any other course or program.
  • Scholarships will cover full or partial tuition only. Travel, lodging, meals, and all other related expenses are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
  • Awards are non-transferable and may not be deferred to future course offerings.
  • Students and residents must fulfill all course requirements, including full attendance, participation, evaluations, and any required assessments.
  • Upon completion of the course, recipients are required to submit a brief written reflection to OPC describing how the course contributed to their osteopathic education and professional development.
  • Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply for this course.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Osteopathic Medical Students:
    • Must have completed at least the first year of the COM curriculum.
    • Must be a current second-year or higher osteopathic medical student or an undergraduate Osteopathic Fellow or Scholar.
    • Residents and Post-Residency Fellows: Must be in training or have completed a residency/fellowship in a specialty relevant to the practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.
  2. Early Career Physicians:
    • Defined as licensed DOs or MDs who have been in practice for ten years or less following graduation.
  3. Scholarship Limitations:
    • If awarded, an applicant may receive only one scholarship per course level (introductory, intermediate, or advanced).
    • A second scholarship for the same course level may be awarded only after five years and from a different course provider, contingent on available funds.

Application Process

To apply, submit a written request via email to cme@the-promise.org that includes the following:

Applicant Information

  • Date of Application
  • Full Name
  • Contact Telephone
  • Email Address
  • Medical School Name
  • Anticipated Graduation Date

Personal Narrative (150 words or less / 1000 characters max)

Tell us your story! Explain:

  • Why are you seeking assistance?
  • How will this course impact your osteopathic journey?
  • What inspired your interest in osteopathy in the cranial field?
  • How do you plan to apply this knowledge in your practice or community?

Required Documents

  • Proof of eligibility (e.g., medical school enrollment verification, residency documentation).
  • A signed statement confirming your agreement to all scholarship conditions.

Submission Deadline

A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available for the July 2025 Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (FOCF) course. All completed applications must be submitted via email to cme@the-promise.org by midnight on May 31, 2025.

Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than June 10, 2025.

Qualified applicants who are not selected for a scholarship will be placed on a waitlist and notified if additional funding becomes available.
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact us at cme@the-promise.org.

Make a Difference Today

Your support makes it possible for more clinicians to access training in Traditional Osteopathy, ensuring that hands-on, patient-centered care continues to thrive for future generations.

Whether you choose to support our FOCF Scholarship Fund or contribute to our general education and treatment programs, your gift has a lasting impact on the health of children, families, and communities.

👉 Donate to the FOCF Scholarship Fund at OCAF

👉 Donate to Support OPC’s Mission

Together, we are building a healthier future through the art and science of Osteopathy.

Announcing 2025 Annual Scholarship Award Winner!

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Announcing 2025 Annual Scholarship Award Winner! 

Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC) is honored to partner with Touro University California’s Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Department to recognize and celebrate excellence in osteopathic education and clinical practice through its Annual Scholarship Award. 

This scholarship reflects OPC’s commitment to fostering excellence in osteopathic education and ensuring that the next generation of practitioners continues to build on the foundations of this unique and invaluable medical tradition.

This award offers a full scholarship (valued at $2,400) to the winner of the Touro CA College of Osteopathic Medicine David Crotty Clinical Case Competition. The award provides the recipient with the opportunity to enroll in OPC’s Foundation of Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine (FOCF) course.

 

The 2025 Award Winner

Congratulations to Student Doctor Teresa Hoskins on winning the 2025 Annual Scholarship Award! She won the 2025 David Crotty Clinical Case Competition with her excellent case presentation on “Head and Neck Edema in a 51-Year-Old Female” which incorporated the use of OMM. SD Hoskins will now respresent TUCOM at the A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition at the American Academy’s Convocation next month. We look forward to cheering her on there!

The Foundation of Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine (FOCF) Course

The FOCF course is a comprehensive 40-hour program combining didactic instruction with hands-on laboratory training. It introduces practicing physicians, resident physicians, dentists, and medical students to the uniquely osteopathic approach of cranial diagnosis and treatment. Rooted in the teachings of W.G. Sutherland, DO, the course continues the legacy of Expanding Osteopathic Courses developed by the late V.M. Frymann, DO.

The course’s didactic components deliver an in-depth foundation in cranial anatomy physiology, pathophysiology, and applied clinical osteopathic principles. These are complemented by closely supervised laboratory sessions with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring participants gain both a strong theoretical understanding and practical proficiency in osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF). The FOCF course emphasizes OCF as an integral component of patient-centered care, applied synergistically within an integrated osteopathic medical model to serve patients of all ages, genders, and health conditions.

The FOCF faculty is composed of seasoned practicing physicians who bring extensive clinical experience in OCF, exceptional teaching abilities, and a commitment to fostering excellence in osteopathic education. Their expertise ensures an optimal and enriching learning environment for participants.

Learn more about FOCF course here.

 

OPC also offers other scholarships and discount opportunities. Click here to learn more.

2025 OPC Scholarships and Discounts

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2025 OPC Scholarships & Discounts 

Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC) is dedicated to making Continuing Medical Education (CME) accessible to medical professionals and students. Through scholarships and discounts, OPC reduces financial barriers, fosters professional growth, and ensures the benefits of osteopathic education are available to those committed to improving patient care.

 

Scholarships

Scholarships at OPC are either merit-based or need-based and aim to cover CME costs. They are made possible by the Viola M. Frymann  scholarship Fund, generous donors, and contributions through year-end appeals. Scholarships do not require repayment.

Types of Scholarships:

  • Full and Partial CME Scholarships: Awarded based on fund availability.
  • Restricted Scholarships: Allocated to specific areas such as osteopathy in pediatrics or cranial field research.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Medical Students: Second-year or greater osteopathic medical students or undergraduate osteopathic fellows.
  • Residents: Residents in training or post-residency fellows in osteopathic/medical specialties related to osteopathic manipulative medicine.
  • Early-Career Physicians: Licensed physicians practicing for 10 years or less post-graduation.

Applicants must:

  • Provide proof of enrollment at a U.S. AOA-approved college or residency program.
  • Demonstrate good academic and professional standing.
  • Not have previously received an OPC scholarship.

How to Apply:

Apply via email to cme@the-promise.org with:

  • Full name and contact information.
  • Medical school and anticipated graduation date.
  • Proof of eligibility (e.g., enrollment verification).
  • Agreement to scholarship conditions. Visit individual course pages for additional details.

 

Military Discount Policy

A 20% discount is available as a token of appreciation for military service.

Eligibility: Active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and their immediate family members.

Verification: Provide a valid military ID or proof of service.

Terms:

  • Applicable to one course per registrant per calendar year.
  • Cannot be combined with other promotions.

Action Required:

  • Use coupon code: MILITARY20%OFF.
  • Send verification of military status to cme@the-promise.org.

 

Student Discount Policy

A 10% discount supports full-time students pursuing medical or osteopathic studies.

Eligibility: Enrolled full-time in a medical or osteopathic program.

Verification: Provide a valid student ID or proof of enrollment.

Terms:

  • Applicable to one course per registrant per calendar year.
  • Cannot be combined with other promotions.

Action Required:

 

For more information on scholarships or discounts, contact:

Email: cme@the-promise.org

Website: https://promise.ce21.com/

 

OPC is proud to support the osteopathic community and thanks you for advancing patient care through continuing education.

2024 Fall Giving Toolkit

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$100,000 Fundraising Challenge for OPC Pediatric Assistance

Help Us Make a Difference for Underserved Families!

At Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC), our commitment is to ensure that every child has access to vital osteopathic care, especially those from underserved communities. Every dollar you give will go directly towards providing 10 osteopathic visits for 50 children who otherwise would not have access to this osteopathic care.

With your help, we can expand our Viola M. Frymann Patient Assistance Program, which has already served 1,632 patients and provided over $244,772 in care. Let’s build on that success and ensure no family is turned away.

 

 

Help Spread the Word!

Please consider helping us spread the word and inviting your community to make a difference. Together, we can help make a lasting impact on these children and families’ lives! 

Click here for some graphics you can use to share about our campaign.

Here are some suggested language you could use to share about our campaign:

  1. We’re excited to share about Osteopathy’s Promise to Children’s Fall Giving Campaign to support pediatric patients and their families. Their goal is to provide 10 osteopathic visits for 50 children with this fund. These life-changing osteopathic treatments can change the trajectory of a child’s health and development at the most critical time. And YOU can make a difference! Donate here: https://the-promise.org/giving/
  2. I have been practicing osteopathic medicine for [insert number of years] and have seen OMT’s benefits first hand. I truly believe that providing osteopathic care to pediatric patients at the most critical time of their development can change the trajectory of their lives. Join me in raising $100k for OPC! Donate here: https://the-promise.org/giving/
  3. I became a student of osteopathic medicine because [insert your why]. I truly believe that providing osteopathic care to pediatric patients at the most critical time of their development can change the trajectory of their lives. I have already donated! Will you join me too? Donate here: https://the-promise.org/giving/
  4. As a parent, I have seen the benefits of OMT for my child and I hope that other children and families will get this opportunity as well. I have already donated! Will you join me too? Donate here: https://the-promise.org/giving/

Together, we can provide hope, healing, and a healthier future for every child in need.

 

Happy National Breastfeeding Month 2024!

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Happy National Breastfeeding Month!

August 1st marks the start of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week! In honor of that, we wanted to share how Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) can support the breastfeeding journey. 

Babies can often struggle with breast or chestfeeding. This may sometimes be related to birth trauma that can then influence the newborn’s ability to nurse due to tight muscles or other changes in the baby’s head. OMT can be a great support for both the breastfeeding infant and the parent. With OMT, we’re able to check the baby’s palate, jaw, tongue, neck motion, and more to look for reasons the baby might be having trouble breastfeeding. As physicians, we can also assess the breastfeeding parent to help troubleshoot for the baby and parent dyad. This osteopathic approach is a comprehensive and holistic assessment and treatment! 

 

Want to learn more on how to support the nursing dyad? Join us for our Introduction to the Osteopathic Approach to the Nursing Dyad course coming up on Sept 12-16!

 

2024 FOCF Faculty Members

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FOCF Faculty

Our esteemed faculty for the “Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” course includes some of the most respected and experienced practitioners in the field.

  • Dr. Mitch Hiserote is an expert in the field of cranial osteopathy and trained directly with Dr Viola Frymann. With a deep commitment to Osteopathy-integrated patient care to adults and pediatrics, Dr. Hiserote integrates extensive clinical experience with a passion for teaching, inspiring both new and seasoned practitioners to achieve excellence in their practice. Dr. Hiserote has been faculty on dozens of intro courses over the years with OPC, Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation and has been the FOCF Course Director for 8 years. This experience has helped him refine his faculty and curriculum to help the learners get the maximum benefit from this course and deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.
  • Dr. Hollis H. King brings his experience from treating patients of all ages, focusing on pain relief, increased mobility, and disease prevention. His whole-body approach to medicine brings a well-rounded view to healing. He is also one of the leaders in the field of osteopathic research, and brings that lens and perspective to how he teaches and how he cares for his patients.
  • Dr. Kimberly Wolf, enriches the course with her extensive knowledge in pediatric osteopathy and compassionate approach. She helps deliver the pediatric OCF content, but also shares pediatric pearls and perspectives throughout the course.  She is another leader in the field of osteopathic research, and is committed to creating and sharing an evidence-based approach to OCF.
  • Dr. Ray J. Hruby literally wrote the textbook you will be receiving in this course, “Exploring Osteopathy in the Cranial Field.” Dr. Hruby has put decades worth of work and rigorously captured it in his writing which has helped inform the curriculum for this course. He is also a veteran faculty member and is considered “core” faculty for the FOCF course.
  • Dr. Veronica Vuksich, along with several other faculty members, also trained closely with Dr. Viola Frymann. Dr. Frymann’s philosophy and practice of Osteopathy helped shape Dr. Vuksich into the compassionate, empathetic, devoted physician that she is today. She has also, like Drs. Hiserote and Hruby, served on this faculty dozens of times and yet eagerly approaches each class with fresh perspective and enthusiasm to meet learners where they are and bring them along the path of integrating the skills within the course.
  • Dr. David Crotty is a lifelong educator and learner. His curiosity and unique lived experiences have created one of the most caring physicians and teachers that we have had the pleasure of having on our faculty.  Dr. Crotty is a new addition to the OPC faculty this year, and we are privileged that someone with so many years of experience and practice will bring a fresh perspective to the course!

Together, these distinguished professionals provide an unparalleled learning experience, combining foundational concepts with advanced techniques to equip you with the skills needed for excellence in osteopathic practice.

Register now for the Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field!

Want to know what we will be covering throughout this week-long course? Download the course brochure to view the detailed schedule.

Note: The detailed schedule is in the last 2 pages of the brochure.