The OMS1 program director oversees the OMEDD 1570 (Fall), 1571 (Winter), and 1572 (Spring) quarters of the Principles of OMM course series. They oversee the didactics, testing and day-to-day activities of the course. They work closely with the OMM scholars and other OMM faculty in the development and deployment of the course offerings. They also review and update the curriculum in coordination with the Department Chair. The program director provides instruction and table training during OMM Skills Labs. The program director communicates effectively and meets regularly with class liaisons, struggling students, and the education specialist to address student needs. The program director represents the department and University professionally in all academic and clinical settings.
Primary Responsibilities
Role: MS1 Program Director
Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Abides by all OMM Department policies and procedures.
- Interact professionally and collegially with students, faculty, and staff.
- Demonstrates a professional demeanor and serves as a role model and mentor.
- Communicates effectively in person and through written correspondence.
- Provides support and encouragement to students experiencing academic or personal challenges.
- Addresses student concerns and problems promptly and effectively.
Administration
- Develops and aligns course objectives and lecture content with examination questions.
- Reviews examination performance, course outcomes, and student evaluations to identify and implement improvements.
- Meets regularly with class liaisons, struggling students, and education specialists to address student needs.
- Certifies student enrollment each quarter and submits grades in a timely manner.
- Notifies the Department Chair of absences, course issues, and student failures.
- Collaborates professionally with the Dean’s Office, Dean of Students, and other academic administrators as needed.
Teaching
Curriculum Development
- Enhances existing curriculum, including didactic and technique components.
- Collaborates collegially with other faculty members to ensure instructional alignment.
- Delivers lectures for OMS I–II classes as needed.
- Recommends curriculum improvements to align with national board examination standards.
- Develops and facilitates online or self-directed learning materials.
- Reviews and updates the curriculum in coordination with the Department Chair.
Examination Development
- Creates and assesses clear weekly learning objectives.
- Contributes to the development and refinement of written and practical examinations.
- Works collaboratively with faculty to maintain consistency and compliance with national standards.
- Prepares and submits quizzes and exams through Exam Soft.
- Works with OMM scholars to develop practical examinations.
Skills Laboratory Instruction
- Provides instruction and table training during OMM Skills Labs (Wednesdays).
- Attends SMJC and pre-lab preparation sessions.
- Participates actively in ongoing improvement of weekly skills sessions.
- Collaborates with faculty colleagues to promote instructional quality and consistency.
Scholarly Activity
- Contributes to the production of educational materials and academic publications.
- Participates in departmental projects, including videos, research posters, and the OMM procedure manual.
- Engages in OMM and sports medicine scholar journal clubs.
Research
- Participates in and supports departmental research initiatives.
- Mentors’ students in developing and presenting research posters at local and national conferences (e.g., AOA, AAO).
- Collaborates with the OMM Research Professor on departmental research efforts.
Service
- Maintains unrestricted medical licensure, malpractice coverage, and credentialing.
- Serves on university committees as assigned.
- Participate in internal and external educational programs and institutional events.
- Represents the department and university professionally in all academic and community engagements.
OMM Scholarship Faculty Mentor
- Supports the educational, social, and professional development of OMM student scholars.
- Supervises scholars in their educational clinics as needed.
- Participates in the selection of new scholars in collaboration with department faculty.
- Attends scholar journal clubs and fosters a collegial and supportive environment.
Other Duties
- Performs additional responsibilities and projects assigned by the Department Chair or Dean.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited institution required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience required.
- Experience in curriculum development and/or academic administration preferred.
- Certification in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (NMM) is desirable.
Language Skills
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, business periodicals, technical materials, and governmental regulations.
- Proficiency in drafting reports, correspondence, and procedural documentation.
- Ability to deliver effective oral presentations to senior administration, faculty, and governing bodies.
Reasoning Ability
- Demonstrates strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Able to interpret and adapt to varied situations with limited standardization.
- Capable of understanding and applying written, oral, and diagrammatic instructions.
Mathematical Ability
- Competence with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and geometric principles.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below represent those required to successfully perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
- Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands for manipulation.
- Frequently required to talk, hear, and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must be able to lift and/or move 25–40 pounds.
- Must possess visual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described below represent those typically encountered while performing this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
- Noise level in the environment is generally moderate.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.