Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine chosen for national medical education program

MSOM is one of 17 schools chosen to help improve how future doctors' clinical skills are assessed.

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) has been selected by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) to take part in the Core Competency Capstone for Osteopathic Medicine (C3DO) program beginning in 2028. MSOM is one of a select group of osteopathic medical schools chosen to help improve how future doctors' clinical skills are assessed.

C3DO is a national program that measures important skills needed by osteopathic physicians. The assessment looks at patient communication, medical history-taking, physical examination skills, osteopathic clinical reasoning, professionalism and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

MSOM's participation will allow the school to work with other osteopathic medical schools across the country to strengthen medical education and help ensure students are ready to care for patients when they enter residency training. More than 4,000 students have already participated in the C3DO initiative, which currently includes 17 colleges of osteopathic medicine serving as pilot sites.

“We are proud that MSOM has been selected to join this important national effort,” said Samuel Kadavakollu, Ph.D., MSc, associate dean of academic affairs and professor at MSOM. “This opportunity reflects our commitment to providing outstanding medical education and preparing students to become skilled, compassionate physicians. We look forward to working with other schools across the country to improve clinical skills assessment and support the next generation of osteopathic doctors.”

MSOM's selection highlights the school's dedication to excellence, innovation, and student success. The school also recognizes Raena Pettitt, D.O., CHSE, for her leadership and hard work in preparing and submitting the successful application.

By participating in C3DO, MSOM will help shape the future of osteopathic medical education while continuing its mission to train physicians who provide high-quality, patient-centered care.