National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week was April 14-20, 2013. NOM Week brings the osteopathic medical profession together to focus on one common goal - increasing awareness of osteopathic medicine and DOs in communities across the country.
AOA NOM Week Activities
SOMA Photo Contest
In conjunction with the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), the AOA held a NOM Week photo contest for osteopathic medical students. Students were asked to wear DO pins during NOM Week and share pictures on the AOA’s Facebook page. We received 45 student entries from SOMA chapters across the country. Visit the AOA’s Facebook page to see the photos.
Social Media
The AOA is asking members of the AOA and supporters of the osteopathic medical profession to help spread the word about DOs and osteopathic medicine on social media sites. Download and post the NOM Week Facebook profile and cover photos on the right and help spread the word by re-tweeting @AOAforDOs posts and sharing and liking Facebook posts.
Promoting Results of Pain in the Workplace Survey
In conjunction with NOM Week, the AOA released results of a national online consumer survey about work productivity issues due to chronic pain as part of its ongoing “Break Through Your Pain” public education media campaign. AOA spokespersons Rob Danoff, DO, and Lisa A. DeStefano, DO, conducted media interviews on the topic of pain in the workplace. For a look at media coverage garnered from the campaign, check Osteopathic Medicine In the News within the AOA’s media center. Pain prevention and assessment tip sheets and resources are available to physicians and patients at www.osteopathic.org/pain.
Other ways to promote DOs and osteopathic medicine:
Hand out the “What is a DO?” brochure to patients, available in the AOA Online Store.
Set up a table at a local hospital or other community facility and distribute information about DOs.
Introduce educators and children to the AOA's online Mini Medical School, where children learn about their growing bodies through six fun and interactive online games. Comes with corresponding lesson plan for teachers.
Wear your DO pin during NOM week and throughout the year. DO pins are available for $5 each within the AOA Online Store.