- KAOM 2026 Fall Conference
- Featured Conference Topics and Speakers
- Benefits of Utilizing OMT in Your Practice
- AOA House of Delegates Update
- KAOM Member Update
- Kansas Osteopathic Foundation
- Healthcare News
- Resident Poster - Call for Submissions
KAOM 2026 Fall Conference
Featured Conference Topics
- OMT for Headache and Neck Pain
- OMT for Knee Joint
- OMT for Pre-Op and Post-op
- Pediatric Asthma
- Syphilis in Pregnancy and the Newborn
- Ophthalmologic Pitfalls for Primary Care Physicians
- AI in Medicine
- Telemedicine and Digital Health
- Substance Abuse Updates
- More to Come!
Featured Speakers
Travis Engel, DO, MSc, FAAP
Dasa Gangadhar, MD
Gracie Swanberg, DO
Frank Stafford Jr, DO
Chris Morrissey, DO, FACOS
Eric Gish, DORegister by September 25
and Save Over $100!
As a small-staffed nonprofit, KAOM saves significant resources when you register early. Thank you!
Benefits of OMT in Your Practice
OMT in Everyday Practice
OMT offers DOs a way to put osteopathic principles into practice, using hands-on treatment alongside conventional care to address pain, dysfunction, and mobility. It can expand your treatment options without adding another medication or referral to the care plan.
Evidence Across Common Clinical Applications
OMT can complement exercise and other conservative treatments for knee OA, with clinical research showing improvements in both pain and physical function.
OMT techniques such as muscle energy and joint mobilization can be incorporated into conservative care for lateral epicondylitis, helping physicians address pain and dysfunction without immediately turning to more invasive options.
In a study of 70 patients undergoing total knee replacement, preoperative OMT was associated with less postoperative pain and lower opioid use during the first postoperative week.
Read the study hereA 2026 systematic review found controlled trials showing reductions of approximately 1.7–2.2 points in postoperative pain with OMT compared with standard care.
Read the study herePatients Value the Experience
OMT can give patients a more hands-on, individualized experience of care. A systematic review of 16 studies found that patients generally reported positive experiences with OMT, describing it as “patient-centered, holistic, and thorough,” with an emphasis on the clinician–patient relationship.
AOA House of Delegates Update
In July, KAOM was represented at the AOA House of Delegates by:
(Left to right) Terri Nickel, DO; Joel Feder, DO; Stephanie Suber, DO; and Karen Evans, DO
House of Delegates Resolutions
Hundreds of AOA delegates and leaders came together to deliberate on resolutions and set policy priorities for the organization.
See the results below:
KAOM Member Update
A huge congratulations to Dr. Terri Nickel!
KAOM Board Member and Past President Dr. Nickel has been named to the Bureau of Membership with the AOA.
Members of the Bureau evaluate trends, research to make policy recommendations, review exceptions to policy, review proposals for programs that provide tangible member benefits, and encourage the membership focus of the organization.
Kansas Osteopathic Foundation
Remember!
You can find updates from the Kansas Osteopathic Foundation on the KAOM website.
Healthcare News
Healthcare Costs Are Hitting Kansas Farmers
KCUR reports on the increasing cost of health insurance for farmers and ranchers. The article describes healthcare costs that have more than doubled for many farmers and looks at the challenges rural residents face in accessing affordable coverage.
Read More HereAOA Establishes Framework for AI in Medicine
The AOA House of Delegates took action in July on OsteopathicAI, establishing a framework for the osteopathic profession's approach to responsible AI use and governance. A new August article from The DO explains what that vote means and how the profession is approaching AI.
Read More HereNew Report Examines Kansas Maternal Health Challenges
A new report examines maternal and perinatal healthcare in Kansas, highlighting gaps in access and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The report offers recommendations for improving maternal health equity, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and building more connected systems of care.
Read More HereAOA Launches Physician Payment Policy Fellowship
The AOA announced in August that its inaugural Physician Payment Policy Fellows will spend 18 months studying how medical services are valued and reimbursed in the U.S. healthcare system. The program is specifically intended to develop physician expertise in payment policy and strengthen advocacy for patients and physicians.
Read More HereCall for Submissions
KAOM is excited to welcome Kansas residency programs and residents to participate in our 2026 Fall Conference, taking place November 13-14, 2026, at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Wichita, KS.
We encourage residents to share research, innovative projects, and clinical initiatives in poster form with colleagues from around the state.
Space is limited, and interested participants are encouraged to reach out to Kristi at kaom@kansasdo.org as soon as possible.
Seeking Poster Presentations on These Topics:
OMM
AI in Medicine
Digital Health and Telemedicine
Rural Transformation