The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) club at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine launched a new OMT Education Sessions (OMTes) program to strengthen student skills through hands-on, supervised practice.
SAAO leaders developed the program with the osteopathic manipulative medicine department. Each session focuses on a specific body region, with contraindications shared in advance. Licensed physicians supervise the sessions, which are open to Burrell College students, faculty and staff.
The first session covered extremity techniques, including the 7 Stages of Spencer, muscle energy and counterstrain methods. Dr. Adrienne Kania supervised while SAAO executive board members Anamaria Ancheta, OMS-II, LaShay Taylor, OMS-II, and Kailli Sudweeks, OMS-II, led 11 participants.
“These sessions give us a unique chance to practice OMT in a focused, supportive setting,” said Ms. Ancheta. “It’s a great way to build confidence and reinforce what we’re learning in class.”
Dr. Jonathon Kirsch, DO, who supports the program’s educational goals, emphasized the value of its focused, technique-specific format.
“I’m excited to see the development of OMT Educational Sessions at Burrell College this year,” said Dr. Kirsch. “The way the model focuses on a particular area and set of techniques, I think lends itself to creating a safe learning environment and increasing knowledge of OMT for everyone involved.”
SAAO plans to hold four to six sessions each year.
