Welcome to AOBNMM

Topic 1 : AOBNMM is the first Osteopathic Specialty Board to Receive VA Approval for Certification Exam (June 2009)
Topic 2 : New site launched with new logo (March 2009)
AOBNMM is the first Osteopathic Specialty Board to Recevie VA Approval for Certification Exam 
     The American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculuskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM) became the first osteopathic specialty board to receive approval from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its certification exam.  Through the G.I. Bill, the recent approval provides reimbursement for the AOBNMM board fees to eligible veteran DO’s.
     “Through this approval, the AOBNMM has not only increased its exposure to military candidates wishing to take its board exam; but more importantly, it has provided an opportunity for those osteopathic physicians that serve and protect our great nation to obtain this benefit,” explains American Osteopathic Association director of certification, Armando Raminrez.  “I applaud the efforts of the AOBNMM leadership for taking the steps to obtain approval.”
     While the AOBNMM received authorization from the VA on December 14, 2004, the reimbursement benefit is retroactive.  Qualifying veteran DO’s who paid for AOBNMM board certification beginning and after November 29, 2003, can seek reimbursement from the VA.
       Melicien A. Tettambel, DO, FAAO, enthusiastically commented “as AOBNMM chair, I am pleased to learn of the recognition of the AOBNMM certification exam by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  More AOBNMM certified physicians will be able to serve those who have served our country.”
 source: AOA Division of Certification

New site launched with new logo.   

This website launches a new chapter for the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM).  It provides a means of information and communication.  It is a resource for the public and the medical community to know about the certification in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (C-NMM/OMM).  This site also debuts the new AOBNMM logo.

     The AOBNMM logo is based on the classic picture of the founder of osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still.  Dr. Still examines the femur and is reported to have said “To know a bone in its entirety would close both ends of eternity.” 

Dennis Dowling, DO, FAAO
Dr. Dowling

     The AOBNMM was designed and drawn by Dennis J. Dowling, DO, FAAO.  The full size feature of Dr. Still examining the femur is created with small hand written lines of quotations from Dr. Still.  This artwork was reduced to a small size useful for the logo.  If properly enlarged, the AOBNMM logo reveals the words of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. 

Dr. Dowling was interviewed about the logo and his work with the following questions:

What is the significance of the original photograph of Dr. Still with the femur and its use as AOBNMM logo?

     “The founder of osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, is at the center of the emblem and represents the ideal of the practice of osteopathic manipulative medicine.  His great attention to the details of anatomy and physiology, the structure and function of the human person, is at the core of the osteopathic approach to diagnosis and treatment.  The femur in his hands represents the manipulative part of the practice of osteopathy and illustrates the feeling (Gr. pathos) for the bone Gr. osteon).” 

What does the original photograph mean to you?

     “The original drawing is a re-representation of a classic photograph of Dr. Still studying a femur.  As he said, ‘Osteopathy is the practical knowledge of how man is made and how to right him when he gets wrong.’  The lines of the drawing are actually composed of many of the wise sayings of Dr. Still.”

What made you choose this photograph to illustrate?

     “Dr. Still is thoughtful and serene in the picture.  His eyes are clear and bright.  He is leaning backwards in a chair in a relaxed position peering at the femur.  Despite having accomplished so much at that point in his life and his reputation as a healer, physician, and teacher, he still found it necessary to study.”

Have you drawn your entire life?

     “I have been drawing my entire life, but I have no formal training.  I enjoy taking something and re-presenting it in a way that makes concepts more understandable.  As a visual person, I try to put on paper what I visualize.  Lately, I have come to rely heavily on computer assisted drawing.  I can work faster and illustrate much more while still keeping aspects simple.”

Where have your drawings been used?

     “My drawings have appeared in An Illustrated Guide to OMT of the Neck & Trunk, an osteopathic manipulative technique student study guide.  My illustrations are also in all editions of An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment, which was edited by my mentors Eileen DiGiovanna, DO, FAAO and Stanley Schiowitz, DO, FAAO.  I have also illustrated other journal articles and textbooks, most notably The Encyclopedia of Osteopathy by Dr. DiGiovanna and Easy EMG edited by Weiss, Silver and Weiss.”

How does it feel to have your drawing of Dr. Still as the AOBNMM logo?

     “I feel that it is an honor to have the illustration used to represent our specialty of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine – Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.”