Initial Certification Grant Opportunity for Residents

Well-trained osteopathic family physicians are in the best position to improve the health and patients and communities.  To remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving health care landscape, we must support the development of future leaders in the osteopathic family medicine community.

In order to relieve some of the financial burden for residents entering the field, the ACOFP Education and Research Foundation is pleased to announce its call for applications for the Initial Certification Grant. The grant will award up to $1,400 for exam fees and travel expenses to residents who don’t have complete funding support from their program to be used for the AOBFP exam. Partial grants may be awarded.

Applications for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 cycle are now closed. The call for applications for the Fall 2021 cycle will open in July 2021.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be a third-year resident member of ACOFP planning to sit for the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians' written (cognitive) exam, administered through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online platform, and the OMT performance (practical) exam. Applicants for either the AOBFP Early Entry Initial Certification pathway or the traditional initial certification pathway are encouraged to apply.

Due to COVID restrictions, the cognitive exam will be administered online from the convenience of your home or office with a remote proctor. The dates for the 2021 performance exam have yet to be announced, but will most likely take place at OMED next fall, if not sooner.  Eligible residents must take both the cognitive and performance exam. 

To qualify for this grant opportunity, candidates must not receive financial support from their residency program sufficient to cover the cost of the AOBFP exam and travel. Proof of payment of certification fees, a completed travel expense report form and a completed W-9 form are also required.

Approved grant funds will be distributed to residents after successful completion of both the written and practical exams and receipts are provided for completed exams and airfare (or mileage). Note that these funds must be reported to the government as taxable income.