Acute and Chronic Pain Management (AOA RFA/NOFO)

About this program

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bureau of Osteopathic Research and Public Health seeks clinical, interventional, and translational research proposals on osteopathic approaches to acute (≤12 weeks) and chronic (>12 weeks) pain management, offering up to $100,000 for a 24-month project period (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028). Priority areas include the role of OMM/OMT, Osteopathic Principles and Practices and other osteopathic modalities (e.g., touch, communication) in pain management, reduction of opioid prescribing/consumption, and identification of biomarkers or mechanisms that demonstrate pain reduction and osteopathic distinctiveness. Eligible applicants include experienced researchers, new investigators, physicians in training, and osteopathic medical students; proposals must be patient-focused, grounded in osteopathic medicine, and demonstrate clear clinical relevance to osteopathic distinctiveness and measurable patient outcomes.