Lorenzo L. Pence, D.O., FACOFP, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) was elected chairman of the Council on Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institutions (COPTI).
COPTI is the review committee within the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) that provides and supports an accreditation structure for all osteopathic graduate medical education in the U.S.
“COPTI reviews and takes final action on OPTIs accreditation, has the responsibility for assuring compliance with the accreditation standards and oversees the accreditation process. OPTIs sponsor osteopathic residency training and have the responsibility in assuring that residents receive training that meets all AOA standards and requirements,” he said. “This is how we know the medical residents are getting the best training to take care of the patient population at the highest level upon completion of their residency.”
Dr. Pence’s role as chairman of COPTI will last for two years. He has been a member of the committee for five years — serving as vice chair last year. He said the appointment was made by the AOA president.
“It’s an honor to be asked to do this and to know that people have faith in my abilities to perform at that level,” Pence said. “I think it also reflects very positively on WVSOM because the college has helped make me who I am. I’m very proud of the school and what it has done to prepare me for these types of positions.”
Before Dr. Pence was named vice president for academic affairs and dean of WVSOM, he served as the head of the school’s graduate medical education, so he is even more pleased to be able to represent the institution and OPTI at the national level.
AOA OPTI programs were first established in 1995. Since 1999, all AOA approved postdoctoral training programs are required to take place in OPTIs. There are 20 OPTIs across the country.
WVSOM is a national leader in educating osteopathic physicians for primary care medicine in rural areas. Visit WVSOM online at www.wvsom.edu.
