As you embark on your career as a DO, the AOA offers a wealth of tools and resources to help you build your professional career.
Leadership Opportunities
Council of Interns and Residents:
Serving as the representative body and advocate for all osteopathic interns, residents and fellows in AOA, ACGME and military postdoctoral training programs, the Council of Interns and Residents (CIR) works to represent your interests within the AOA family.
View the Leadership Opportunities page for postdoctoral trainees, including: how to be more involved in the osteopathic family by serving on an AOA bureau, council or committee; how to create and strengthen leadership opportunities for interns and residents as a CIR Ambassador; information on the annual CIR Leadership Summit at OMED; and how to collaborate with the CIR to promote and protect the osteopathic medical profession.
To contact the CIR or to learn more, send an email to CIR@osteopathic.org.
Loan Repayment Programs
Considering that the average medical student borrows approximately $168,000 to finance their education, it's no surprise that one of the most pressing needs for interns and residents is sound financial planning. The following resources provide options for loan repayment.
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health offers loan repayment programs. If you have a doctoral degree and are currently or will be conducting qualified research in the areas of Clinical Research, Pediatric Research, Health Disparities Research, Contraception and Infertility Research, or Clinical Research for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds, you may be eligible for loan repayments.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Nearly $200 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been allocated to support student loan repayments for primary care and mental health clinicians who want to work at National Health Service Corps sites. Fully trained health professionals who are dedicated to working with the underserved and have qualifying educational loans should apply for this opportunity. Learn more about student loan reimbursement through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Training Resources
Basic Documents for Postdoctoral Training
In addition to outlining the standards for internship residency training programs, the 
Basic Documents for Postdoctoral Training contain accreditation standards for osteopathic postdoctoral training institutions (OPTIs).
Protocol for Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training
Learn about AOA requirements for entry into postdoctoral training programs, as well as the procedures necessary to gain approval.
Report Postdoctoral Program Violations
Are you experiencing a problem with a training program? Learn about procedures and protocols for reporting work hour violations, AOA Match violations and AOA standard and policy violations.
Resident Work Force Issues FAQ
Curious about how disparities in physician payment rates contribute to the physician shortage? Find the answer to this question and more in our FAQ on Graduate Medical Education and Work Force Issues.