The primary educational goal of the faculty of the Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (OMS) is to provide a broad-based, state-of-the-art foundation of medical knowledge for the students of Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, as they begin their lifelong medical learning process.
The Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties is actively involved in the development and implementation of course curriculum for students at all levels. The instruction of medical students at all levels is the major directive of the Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties and includes on-campus and off-campus activities involving first- and second-year students in the classroom and laboratory tracts. Off-campus student activities involve third- and fourth-year students who are part of the statewide campus system.
Physicians in training include interns, residents, and fellows. Members of the department have direct interaction with interns and residents during rotations on clinical services. Members of the department are also actively engaged in teaching sessions, both didactic and clinical, with the osteopathic and transitional internship programs in the Lansing area, as well as with residents from surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, and anesthesia. Fellowships are offered through the joint efforts of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, and allied institutions through the Statewide Campus System. The interaction among department members, interns, residents, and fellows provides greater educational opportunities for all students enrolled in medical school.
Education includes the development of physicians in practice by providing continuing medical education programs in the areas of gastroenterology, infectious disease, oncology, emergency medicine, endocrinology, pulmonary medicine, and other medical disciplines. The focus is to enhance primary care practice.
Department members provide lectures and seminars to the allied health professionals, including EMS. Members take an active role in providing the lay community with current information on various areas of medical advancement.
Department members conduct medical specialty clinics in their field of expertise to provide excellent medical care services for the community.
Additionally, Department members serve as referees for manuscripts, peer reviewed journals, and grant proposals. They act as advisors in biomedical sciences and research activities of physicians in training. They are also engaged in basic science and clinical research and publish in peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Members are active in international research collaborative efforts.