All OPP and PCM courses include didactic presentations, demonstrations, practical laboratory experiences and clinical opportunities. During these activities, students establish their knowledge and ability to recognize and utilize the relationships between structure and function that are integral to osteopathic medicine.
The student must develop the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate osteopathic principles and coordinate the proper osteopathic and clinical techniques to prevent and treat pathology and dysfunction. Concurrently, the students will learn other medical approaches to the treatment of disease and dysfunction in the systems courses. Each course provides education on the principles, philosophy and history of osteopathic medicine, examination and evaluation of the patient, and the proper selection and application of osteopathic treatments and techniques. The OPP and PCM courses require the active participation of all students in the laboratory setting where the student, through the active and tactile examination of others along with reciprocal examination, will learn and demonstrate the ability to evaluate and proficiently treat their future patients.
The training of an osteopathic physician requires the ability to perform tactile examinations and osteopathic manipulative techniques on members of any gender or gender identity. The training of an osteopathic physician also requires that a student experience and understand tactile diagnostic exercise and manipulative treatment. Students are required to participate both as patients and as trainees in the OPP laboratory and PCM laboratory, and examine and be examined by members of the any gender identity or biological sex.
A graduate from RVUCOM has the ability to apply for licensure as a physician in all fifty states. Their license is not restricted by any particular gender identity or sex. Candidates for graduation must demonstrate the ability to practice medicine effectively and empathetically with all patients, irrespective of their gender identity or biological sex.
Safety is of primary concern in RVUCOM lab experiences. Students are expected to communicate immediately and directly with the lab faculty regarding any potential injuries sustained in the lab setting. If a student believes they have an injury limiting their participation in the lab activities for the day, it is their responsibility to make sure their faculty is aware. Please refer to department policies and procedures available in course syllabi.