Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: Introduction to the Concepts and Skills Fundamental to Applied Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (the 40-hour Basic Course)

Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field:
Introduction to the Concepts and Skills Fundamental to Applied Osteopathy in the Cranial Field 

Course Directors: Mitchell Hiserote, DO

Date: July 9-13, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM PDT
Cost: $2,400.00, register here
Location: Osteopathic Center San Diego (OCSD), 3706 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Course materials will be provided: Exploring Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, by Raymond J. Hruby, DO, with supplement

Lodging
Hilton Garden Inn Mission Valley/Stadium 
3805 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Hotel booking link here

CME Sponsor:
Osteopathy’s Promise to Children
Activity Website

Statement of Need

The increasing educational volume of undergraduate Osteopathic medical education curriculum has pressured the dilution of intensive exposure to Osteopathy in Cranial Field specific concepts and skills. This is partially driven by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners requiring only basic didactic information of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field with little to no evaluation of skill competency or applied clinical application. Additionally, there are limited postgraduate accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses offering intensive introduction to OCF didactic as well as experiential curriculum and are only offered regularly within the United States by three organizations (of which OPC is included).

Course Description

The OPC Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (FOCF) course is a 40-hour didactic and laboratory experiential course designed to introduce practicing physicians, resident physicians, dentists, and current medical students to the uniquely osteopathic modality of cranial diagnosis and treatment. This FOCF course is consistent with the teachings of W.G. Sutherland, DO, and is a direct continuation and legacy of Expanding Osteopathic Courses offered by the late  V.M. Frymann, DO. 

The course didactic components introduce cranial anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and applied clinical osteopathic principles and is directly synergistic with closely precepted, (4:1 student to faculty ratio), hands-on laboratory experiences. Thus, the curriculum addresses the understanding and clinical application challenges of osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF). This course curriculum is intended to be a synergistic contribution to the practice of patient-centered care, within the integrated osteopathic medical model of diagnosis and treatment. Osteopathy in the cranial field  is designed to serve patients of all ages, gender, and levels of health challenges. Course objectives (as listed below) comprehension will be assessed through group interactive audience response system reviews and a personal end-of-course interactive practical skills review provided by course faculty.Our exceptional FOCF faculty are practicing physicians chosen for their extensive osteopathic clinical experience, knowledge of applied OCF, and experience and competency as excellent clinical educators.

Agenda: (See Agenda Tab)

Target Audience
Medical physicians (DO or MD); Dentists (DDS or DMD); Resident physicians (DO or MD); Medical students currently enrolled at a US AOA or LCME approved college of osteopathic or allopathic medicine; International Medical physicians (MD) or internationally trained Osteopaths from established institutions are welcome to participate after review.

Eligibility
Besides the Target Audience described above, there is professional need and desire to allow for International and Alternative Practitioners to participate in OPCs course offerings. The practice of Osteopathy does not necessarily adhere to sovereign boundaries.  Consistent with our mission, Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC) is committed to advancing the practice, research, and teaching of Osteopathy within the United States as well as throughout the world. It is also very aware of the diminishing study and practice of traditional Osteopathy by United States trained Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. Conversely, OPC recognizes the increasing international interest and practice by International Osteopathic Graduates and Alternative Practitioners in Osteopathy that are fulfilling the perceived growing patient need, as well as advancing the science and practice and science of Osteopathy both within as well as outside of the United States. 

“International Osteopathic Graduates” refers to Osteopathic physician graduates of osteopathic educational programs outside the United States, often referred to as Osteopaths, who practice and reside outside the United States. “Alternative Practitioners” refers to practitioners of Osteopathy who have completed programs in non-physician health care professions and completed an organized osteopathic education program outside of the United States.

OPC therefore welcomes qualified International Doctors of Osteopathy, Registered Practitioners of Osteopathy practicing in countries other than the United States, and  OPC approved Alternative Practitioners into the OPC Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (FOCF) course. 

Qualification for International Doctors of Osteopathy and Registered Practitioners of Osteopathy admission into OPC’s FOCF requires that individuals fulfill the following:
1. successfully complete an international accredited osteopathic educational program
2. show a deep and ongoing commitment to the science, practice, and philosophy of Osteopathy 
3. reside outside the United States 
4. either possess unlimited licensure for the practice of medicine or are members in good standing of a  recognized affiliate society (a national osteopathic registry or the appropriate governmental licensing authority, to be reviewed by OPC’s Continuing Medical Education Committee. 

Qualification for Alternative Practitioners of Osteopathy admission into OPC’s courses  require a more nuanced process that includes:
1. Successful   an accredited clinically oriented health care program either within or outside the United States
2. Successful completion of an accredited minimum 4 year educational program of Osteopathy (accreditation will be evaluated and approved by OPC CME Committee)
3. Demonstration of  at least 2 years of deep ongoing commitment to the philosophy, practice, and continuing study of traditional Osteopathy
4. Remain in good standing within any and all professional organizations, licensure organizations, and applicable legal requirements

OPC’s CME Committee will evaluate all applications from International Osteopathic Graduates, Registered Practitioners of Osteopathy, and Alternative Practitioners for participation in OPC  courses on a case-by-case basis. OPC CME Committee reserves the right to request additional materials from any applicants for the FOCF course deemed necessary for participation qualification. OPC CME leadership determinations will be final.

Please send any documentation in support of eligibility to cme@the-promise.org. Some courses may allow exemptions via case-by-case reviews for individuals who do not meet standard eligibility but can demonstrate equivalent experience or qualifications.

Prerequisites
This course assumes a strong background of education and training in the biomedical sciences and in the clinical observation and treatment of pathology in patients. 

CME Accreditation Information
Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. OPC designates this activity for a maximum of 40 AOA Category 1-A CME credits. CME and specialty credits will be reported commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.

Interactive Learning: OPC courses allow participants to ask questions of the presenter in real-time.

Cancelation and Refund Policy
OPC reserves the right to change the delivery format, delay, or cancel a CME event due to unforeseen circumstances. If an event is canceled, OPC will refund your registration fee in full. OPC is not responsible for travel, hotel, or other costs incurred by the registrant. See brochure for the complete policy statement.

Substitutions: Participants may transfer their registration to another CME event at no additional cost by emailing cme@the-promise.org.

Refunds: Refunds will be issued for cancelations received two weeks prior to the event, minus a $100 administrative fee. “No shows” are subject to the full event fee.

Cancelation Requests: Email requests to cme@the-promise.org. No refunds or credits will be issued once the CME event has started.

Liability Release and Waiver
Participation in this course may involve physical activity, including contact with faculty and other participants. Physical diagnostics and manual therapeutics may carry risks of injury or aggravation of pre-existing conditions. All participants agree to assume full responsibility and risk for any losses or damages, including bodily injury, death, or property damage, arising from their participation in the course.