Osteopathic Principles and Practice

Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (NMM) provides instruction in the history and philosophy of osteopathic medicine, biomechanics, and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system and structural diagnosis, and manipulative medicine techniques. Our members help students integrate OPP and OMT skills into all aspects of medical practice.

First and second year students receive extensive training via lectures and Clinical Osteopathic Practicum sessions. Third and fourth year students continue their NMS training by participation in educational sessions at their OPTI training sites. A one-month rotation is available to fourth year osteopathic medical students. Osteopathic training continues into the residency years with NMM workshops for NSU affiliated residents, as well as one-month rotations within the outpatient clinic.

The Predoctoral OPP Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity that is designed to expand the educational and clinical opportunities for selected students. It expands the medical school training period from four to five years by converting the two-year clinical clerkship into a three-year Fellowship. Each Fellow completes a full complement of clinical rotations, in addition to a twelve-month Fellowship period that is incorporated into the rotation schedule.

The Fellows assist in all classroom and practical training activities, as well as the development of, and participation in, research projects. Fellows also provide clinical services under the supervision of faculty members. A Fellowship Certificate is awarded upon completion of the program. For further information, click on the OPP fellowship fact sheet or contact Dave Boesler, Director of OPP Fellowship at (954) 262-1453.

The OPTI program is an advanced state of the art compressed video distance learning program. The program is designed to provide medical students, interns, residents, and attending physicians with the opportunity for on-site hospital continuing medical education from the NSU-COM campus. The program is available to all members of the NSU-COM Consortium for Excellence in Medical Education (CEME).

We provide a lecture series on basic osteopathic principles and practice in a clinical and/or hospital environment. Members deliver morning rounds at affiliate OPTI training hospitals as well as OMM workshops for CEME residents. For further information, please contact Dr. DeGaetano, Executive Director of CEME at (954) 262-1433.

Sports Medicine consists of practitioners certified in Family Medicine, Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Sport Psychology and Sports Medicine.

This group of practitioners uses an osteopathic approach to Sports Medicine. They offer a broad spectrum of non-surgical modalities including OMT, injections, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation to address musculoskeletal disorders. The Department addresses all aspects of medical care for the athlete.

We offer a one-year post-residency fellowship in Sports Medicine, open to AOA primary care board certified physicians.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation provides a unique experience for the Osteopathic student to learn from and interact with patients who have various impairments and disabilities. There is first-hand exposure to outpatient and hospitalized patients in an acute rehabilitation setting where the student can examine patients and follow as they receive comprehensive therapy services. In addition, the student will see patients in an office-based practice focusing on musculoskeletal injuries, neuromuscular diseases, nerve injuries, sports medicine, and pain management. They will be able to assist in the delivery of services including OMM, injections, electrodiagnosis, and pain management interventions.

The student will assimilate their skills of Osteopathic medicine to comprehensively manage these patients and provide a hands on approach to patient care. This will attempt to maximize the individual's functional status and return them to an independent lifestyle.

Physical Therapy incorporates biomechanical analysis, orthotics and bracing, rehabilitation, sports medicine, manual therapy and strengthening and conditioning. Internships in Physical Therapy are available. Physical therapy interns have the ability to learn advanced manual techniques and are provided with academic opportunities. Current physical therapists may participate in available continuing education in the OPP department.

Physical therapy students will have the opportunity to work directly with osteopathic physicians and fellows in the clinic. Learning opportunities are available in advanced manipulative techniques, therapeutic exercise, orthotics and bracing, and modalities including laser therapy. Students will have the opportunity to observe acupuncture and injection therapy. In conjunction with the University clinic, students have the opportunity to attend lectures, labs, and journal article discussions on manipulative techniques and medical articles.

If you are interested in completing a Physical Therapy Internship, please see the APTA CSIF form. Our clinic is located on the Nova Southeastern University Main Campus, 3200 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33328, Sanford L. Ziff Center, 3rd Floor, Suite 4316. The direct number is (954) 262-5590.