AAO Convocation 2023

Neuromusculoskeletal Physiology and the Osteopathic Concept

Program chair: Lisa DeStefano, DO
Save the dates: March 15-19, 2023
Location: The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Registration coming soon

AAO & AOASM Convocation 2022

Trauma: An Osteopathic Perspective of Body, Mind, and Spirit

Shawn R. Kerger, DO, FAOASM, Program Chair for AAO

And Priscilla Tu, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP Program Chair for AOASM 

CME Self Attestation
Event Survey

A person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit – this is a core tenet of osteopathic philosophy. This year’s conference will review the latest updates of each of these aspects and their impacts on our patients with a history of trauma. For the first time, the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) are teaming up to explore these relationships, particularly in the athletic population.

  • The conference will kick off with a day of sports medicine topics – the following day will be the “Body” day, examining the physical and musculoskeletal responses to trauma.
  • Then, the “Mind” day will focus on the neuropsychological and neuroanatomic response to trauma with a special emphasis on pain perception.
  • The “Spirit” day will discuss the psychological aspects of trauma.
  • The final day will incorporate all these considerations into an improved practice approach for us all.

CME: 30.5 credits of AOA Category 1-A CME anticipated

Health & Safety

AAO is following the guidance of the CDC for the AAO & AOASM Convocation in March of 2022, in Orlando, Florida. We will provide hand sanitizer throughout the area of the hotel that we are using, and the wearing of masks will be required.

Read the Convocation 2022 Mask Mandate and COVID-19 Liability Waiver

We appreciate your understanding of the position AAO is in with the timing and arrangements of our commitments. We appreciate your membership and hope that we can have better days ahead.

Paul R. Rennie, DO, FAAO, AAO president
   Sherri L. Quarles, Executive Director

Exhibit At Convocation

AAO Convocation: In 2018, the AAO’s Convocation attracted more than 1,200 registered attendees, mostly practicing osteopath­ic physicians, residents, and medical students. The majority of physician attendees specialize in family medicine and other primary care fields, and many at­tendees are believers in complementary and alternative medicine. Many make their major yearly purchases at Convocation, and they rely on this event to learn about new medical programs, equipment and other innova­tions.

AOASM Clinical Conference: The exposition is designed to update sports medicine practitioners’ knowledge of products, information, services, literature, and equipment pertinent to the treatment of their patients. Exhibited materials must enhance the education of the attendees. In 2019, the AOASM Clinical Conference with another organization brought together about 400 osteopathic sports medicine physicians.

Exhibit Hall

The Convocation exhibit hall is conveniently located adjacent to the lecture area and breakout sessions. While practicing osteopathic physicians attend lectures each morning and breakout sessions each afternoon, osteopathic medical students attend breakout sessions each morning and lectures each afternoon.

The exhibit hall is perfectly situated for maximum exposure as physicians and students move between lectures and breakout sessions.

Exhibit Booths open for purchase: No booths remaining.

Download the Exhibitor Prospectus for sponsorship information.

AAO Convocation Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be received in writing.

All cancellations must be received in writing. An administrative fee of 20% of the total registration fee will be charged for cancellations made by Feb. 21, 2022.

After Feb. 21, registrants who cancel may apply up to 50% of their registration fee to another AAO or AOASM continuing medical education course that is scheduled within the next 12 months. The remainder of the fee will not be refunded or applied to other AAO or AOASM courses.

Meal tickets are non-refundable, and there is no discount for not attending food functions covered by the main registration fee.

To cancel your registration for the 2022 Convocation and/or the pre-Convocation courses, contact AAO Executive Director, Sherri L. Quarles, by emailing her with “Convocation Cancellation” in the subject line at [email protected] or write to her at the American Academy of Osteopathy, 3500 DePauw Blvd., Suite 1100, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1136.

Who May Attend Convocation?

The AAO’s primary educational objective is to provide programs that enhance the philosophical foundation, palpatory diagnostic skills, and manipulative techniques of AAO members, nonmember DOs, other individuals who are licensed for the unlimited scope of practice of medicine, and those in programs leading to such licensure.

Although other health care professionals are welcome to learn about osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) at AAO programs, attending the AAO’s Convocation or its Pre-Convocation courses is not a substitute for graduating from osteopathic medical school and completing graduate medical education. Simply participating in continuing medical education programs in manual techniques does not provide the necessary training and skills to practice OMM.

Upcoming Convocations

2023: March 15-19, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
2024: March 6-10, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
2025: March 26-30, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida
2026: March 18-22, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
2027: March 17-21, The Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas
2028: March 29-April 3, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida
2029: March 14-18, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Convocation 2022 Mask Mandate

American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) is following the guidance of the CDC for the American Academy of Osteopathy & American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) Convocation in March of 2022, in Orlando, Florida. AAO/AOASM will provide hand sanitizer throughout the area of the hotel that we are using, and the wearing of masks will be required. Mask guidelines are listed below.

We appreciate your understanding of the position AAO and the AOASM.

All participants attending the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) / the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) / the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) Pre-Convocation and Convocation events are required to wear masks in all event areas indoor spaces at Rosen Shingle Creek except while eating or drinking. This requirement protects every participant by providing an important layer of prevention against the virus. Layering protective measures – vaccine, masking, distancing, and handwashing – gives us the best possible chance at not having our educational activities disrupted by individuals getting exposed or sick and needing to quarantine or isolate.

Everyone attending or participating in pre-Convocation or Convocation who sees others not wearing a mask or wearing a mask improperly are expected to address the issue according to the recommendations below. We all have a shared responsibility to hold each other accountable for the public health measures that will help keep our community safe. 

  • Share with the person that mask requirement signs are posted in many areas.
  • Ask if the individual is aware that face coverings are required or if they have a documented exemption. Any individual who has an approved exemption should be prepared to furnish documentation upon request.
  • Have an additional mask to offer to a non-mask wearing individual. Let them know that extra masks are at the registration desk and other areas throughout Convocation event area.
  • Provide options rather than threats; Give anyone the choice to put on a mask they have, accept a mask to wear from you, or get a mask from the registration desk so they can return wearing it.
  • Do not put yourself in a manner that will be confrontational. Step away and bring your concerns to the registration desk. Each event staff person should be wearing a name badge and they should be easy to identify.
  • If you feel a situation is going to escalate, or if you are uncomfortable in approaching an unmasked or improperly masked person, remove yourself promptly and notify the staff at the registration desk immediately so it can be handled at the next level.

The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the Convocation Mask Mandate. We are following the CDC guidance.

  • A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
  • Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
  • Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If neck gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
  • Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

The following attributes are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the requirements above.

  • Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
  • Masks can be reusable or disposable.
  • Masks can have inner filter pockets.
  • Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
  • Medical-grade masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirements of the CDC.

The following do not fulfill the requirements of the CDC.

  • Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose.
  • Face shields or goggles; face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes.
  • Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas.
  • Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
  • Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through.
  • Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather).
  • Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
  • Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight).

Additional guidance on the use of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 is available on the CDC website.

For those who chose not to wear a mask: You will be asked to leave the convocation event area until you are willing to comply with the mandate.

  1. You will be given one chance to leave the area to mask up and then return to the event area.
  2. If you are in violation for a second time, you will be asked to leave the Convocation event area and not return until the next day with a mask.
  3. On the third offense, you will be banned from Convocation and not allowed to return.

If you become aggressive or violent, law enforcement will be called.

No refund will be given if the mask mandate is violated; the mask mandate terms and conditions were required on registration, and you stated that you have read and agreed with the terms.

We know that it will not get to this point. We want everyone to be able to participate in a safe environment.

 

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Liability Waiver for 2022 American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) / the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) Convocation

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious. People reportedly can be infected and show no symptoms and therefore spread the disease. Evidence has shown that COVID-19 can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illness and even death.

American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) cannot prevent you from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while utilizing the Convocation event area services or premises. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. Therefore, if you choose to utilize Convocation services and/or enter the Convocation area premises, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

I acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and that the CDC and many other public health authorities still recommend practicing social distancing.

I further acknowledge that American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) has put in place preventive measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I have read and understood the above warning concerning COVID-19. I hereby voluntarily choose to accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 for myself in order to utilize American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) services and enter Convocation premises. These services are of such value to me that I accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 in order to utilize American Academy of Osteopathy’s services and premises in person.

I acknowledge that I must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while attending my meetings, courses, and events.

I attest that:

  • Within the last 14 days, I do not believe I have been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
  • I am not experiencing any symptom of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.
  • I have either not been diagnosed with Coronavirus/COVID-19 or, if I have been diagnosed with Coronavirus/COVID-19, I have been cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities.
  • I am following all CDC recommended guidelines as much as possible and limiting my exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
  • I agree that if any of the items listed above change before my arrival to Rosen Shingle Creek, I will notify AAO in writing
  • I agree that if I have a contagious illness, or test positive for COVID-19, I will not come to the convocation event.

I hereby release and agree to hold American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) and its board members, officers, agents and employees harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act by either Academy, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from American Academy of Osteopathy and/or American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM). I understand that this release discharges American Academy of Osteopathy and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) and its board members, officers, agents, and employees from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the Academy with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from American Academy of Osteopathy.