2026 - Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: Introduction to the Concepts and Skills Fundamental to Applied Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (the 40-hour Basic Course)

2026 - Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: Introduction to the Concepts and Skills Fundamental to Applied Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (the 40-hour Basic Course) is organized by Osteopathy's Promise to Children (OPC) and will be held from Jul 15 - 19, 2026 at Osteopathic Center San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America.

Course Description:
The OPC Foundations of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (FOCF) course is a 40-hour didactic and laboratory experiential course designed to introduce practicing physicians, resident physicians, dentists, and current medical students to the uniquely osteopathic modality of cranial diagnosis and treatment. This FOCF course is consistent with the teachings of W.G. Sutherland, DO, and is a direct continuation and legacy of Expanding Osteopathic Courses offered by the late  V.M. Frymann, DO. 

The course's didactic components introduce cranial anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and applied clinical osteopathic principles and is directly synergistic with closely precepted, (4:1 student to faculty ratio), hands-on laboratory experiences. Thus, the curriculum addresses the understanding and clinical application challenges of osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF). This course curriculum is intended to be a synergistic contribution to the practice of patient-centered care, within the integrated osteopathic medical model of diagnosis and treatment. Osteopathy in the cranial field  is designed to serve patients of all ages, gender, and levels of health challenges. Course objectives (as listed below) comprehension will be assessed through group interactive audience response system reviews and a personal end-of-course interactive practical skills review provided by course faculty.Our exceptional FOCF faculty are practicing physicians chosen for their extensive osteopathic clinical experience, knowledge of applied OCF, and experience and competency as excellent clinical educators.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the participant will have basic/fundamental skills and conceptual knowledge to safely Osteopathically assess and offer treatment to patients with a variety of complaints common to the cranial region. Treatment techniques will be intended either generally or specifically to improve a patient’s clinical presentation, while concurrently deepening the practitioner’s understanding and skill of applied osteopathy in the Cranial Field. Concurrently, this course will offer those with a more experienced perspective the opportunity to renew or explore a deeper integrative understanding in the application of Osteopathy in patient care. 

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

1. Identify and appreciate the historical roots and challenges codifying the osteopathic cranial concepts as elucidated by Dr. W.G. Sutherland, DO and endeavor to appreciate its continuity within the application and philosophy of osteopathy first described by Dr. A.T. Still, DO; (Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Medical Knowledge and Its Application into Osteopathic Medical Practice)
2. List and describe the five (5) phenomena of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) within the osteopathic cranial concept and begin to construct cogent applications of the phenomena to common clinical patient presentations.  (Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Medical Knowledge and Its Application into Osteopathic Medical Practice, Osteopathic Patient Care)
3. Identify common craniometric anatomical regions, specific sutural, dural, and parenchymal relationships as applied within the PRM concept, (Medical Knowledge and Its Application into Osteopathic Medical Practice, Osteopathic Patient Care)
4. Demonstrate osteopathic cranial manipulative skills and approaches, within a small group setting, that include diagnosis and treatment that are consistent with accepted safe practices. Said skills serve as a foundation for future growth and mastery in the efficacious application of osteopathy in the cranial field;  (Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Medical Knowledge and Its Application into Osteopathic Medical Practice, Osteopathic Patient Care, Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Osteopathic Medical Practice, Professionalism in Osteopathic Medical Practice)
5. Demonstrate, through open, non-intimidating Socratic methods, understanding of the cognitive osteopathic cranial concepts, processes and purpose consistent with the foundational level presented at this course. (Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Medical Knowledge and Its Application into Osteopathic Medical Practice, Osteopathic Patient Care)