BHSU Hosts Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles (ECOP) Conference

ECOP Group Photo

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) recently welcomed members of the Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles (ECOP) at the College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM). The ECOP council comprises one Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) content expert representing each College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) nationwide. These experts strive to create a unified curriculum for all COMs.

The council's collaboration is integral to the development of standardized osteopathic education. Representing 41 accredited COMs and covering 66 teaching locations across 35 states, ECOP has made significant strides in shaping the future of osteopathic medicine. Some of the major contributions include:

  • The Teaching Guide for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (ECOP modules)
  • The Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology
  • Various consensus documents and white papers are regularly updated to reflect the latest standards in osteopathic practice.

ECOP also collaborates with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), which is crucial in developing standardized osteopathic content. This partnership ensures that board exam items reflect consistent knowledge across all osteopathic medical students nationwide, reducing regional disparities. Many ECOP members also serve as national faculty for NBOME and work as site inspectors for the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).

Generous Donations to BUCOM

During the conference, John Gimpel, DO, MEd, President and CEO of NBOME, provided an update to the college. Following this, a plaque presentation was held outside the Standardized Patient (SP) rooms at BUCOM. The plaque honored the donation of equipment from NBOME to BUCOM, with items generously gifted to furnish 16 Standardized Patient rooms on campus and eight patient rooms at the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) clinic in Southaven.

The donated items, valued at $250,000, included:

  • Exam tables
  • Ophthalmoscopes
  • Otoscopes
  • Cameras
  • Microphones
  • Office equipment
  • Plaque Reveal
  • AOA President and NBOME President
  • NBOME President gifting Dean with Book
  • Photo at SP Lab Plaque Presentation
  • Message from NBOME President

This generous contribution enhances the learning experience for BUCOM students, allowing them to train in a fully equipped and modern environment, mirroring the high standards set by osteopathic institutions across the nation.

God's Blessings

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Colossians 3:23