The Impact of the Osteopathic Approach on Chronic Disease

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is offering a funding opportunity for research focused on "The Impact of the Osteopathic Approach on Chronic Disease." This grant seeks to support clinical, interventional, and translational research that explores the role of osteopathic principles and practices in addressing chronic disease management and outcomes. Aligned with AOA’s broader goal of advancing the visibility and scientific foundation of osteopathic medicine, the funding will promote projects demonstrating clear clinical relevance to osteopathic distinctiveness. Projects must embody the osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes holistic care and integrates mind, body, and spirit in treatment. This funding opportunity will support projects up to $100,000 in total costs for a two-year project period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that examine osteopathic approaches to managing chronic illnesses such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, COPD, degenerative joint disease, hypertension, depression, obesity, and Parkinson's disease. Additional focal points include demonstrating osteopathic care’s distinctiveness for elderly populations, evaluating cost-effectiveness in managing chronic diseases, and assessing the overall impact on quality of life. All proposed studies must incorporate the biopsychosocial model and include clearly defined hypotheses, appropriate use of treatment/control groups, and robust methodologies. Investigators should provide detailed statistical analysis plans, power analyses, and mechanisms to ensure reproducibility and scalability. Projects must also include defined outcome measures and report diagnostic findings accurately. Preference will be given to proposals demonstrating collaboration with appropriate partners and subject matter experts. Proposals must be submitted through the AOA’s online application system by 11:59 PM CST on January 31, 2025. Award decisions will be announced in June 2025, and successful projects will begin on July 1, 2025. Awardees must submit research outcomes as manuscripts to the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (JOM), which retains first right of refusal for publication. Eligibility is restricted to osteopathic physicians (DOs), MDs, PhDs, or individuals with an equivalent doctoral degree. Applicants not affiliated with an osteopathic institution must include a DO as key research team personnel. Medical students, residents, interns, and fellows are not eligible. Additional exclusions apply to those conducting research outside the U.S. or with unresolved prior AOA grant obligations. Ineligible expenses include infrastructure improvements, provider payments, professional development, and indirect institutional costs. Applicants unsure about allowable expenses are advised to contact AOA’s Department of Research prior to budget preparation. Technical questions should be directed to Gloria Dillard, MPH, Director of Research Grants, at gdillard@osteopathic.org or (312) 202-8006.

The AOA encourages proposals that adopt a biopsychosocial model and prioritize collaboration with relevant partners and subject matter experts.