Two second-year students at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine have been selected to participate in the College’s Pre-doctoral Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) Fellowship program. Student Doctors Benjamin Babbit, OMS-II and Kevin Stoll, OMS-II will serve as OPP Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Now in its third year, the program is geared toward students who are particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of osteopathic philosophy and osteopathic hands-on manipulation. It is designed to augment students’ knowledge and application of the principles, philosophies, and procedures of osteopathic medicine in both the academic and clinical settings.
“The Osteopathic Principles and Practice Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for students to refine their osteopathic manipulative treatment skills, deepen their understanding of osteopathic philosophy, and gain invaluable experience in teaching,” said Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration Sarah Davis, DO. “This fellowship nurtures the next generation of osteopathic professionals, fostering both clinical expertise and a profound connection to the principles that guide our practice.”
ICOM’s OPP Fellowship is highly competitive and requires interested students to participate in an application and interview process. Up to two students are chosen per academic year, and participation in the program extends the students’ tenure at ICOM by one year. The program begins during students’ third year of medical school, and is interwoven throughout clinical clerkships.
Fellows function as members of the OPP Department, aiding in the delivery of the OPP curriculum. Fellows participate in small and large group Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and interdisciplinary teaching, attend national conferences, receive individualized sessions with ICOM OPP faculty, complete scholarly activities, and provide student mentoring, tutoring and support.
“The OPP Fellows function as junior members of the department. They are liaisons between the faculty and the students. They have the unique opportunity to continue to hone their own OMM skills while teaching those students who are learning the skills for the first time” said Associate Professor of OPP and Fellowship Director, Jenisa Oberbeck, DO. “Many times, the fellows have brought forward topics the students find confusing or need additional clarification. It helps the department to optimize our teaching methods and the delivery of content. The fellows also provide support in the day to day operations of the department. This could involve reaching out to a struggling student the department identifies or holding review sessions for students who need help. As the fellows take on some of the responsibility it helps to offload the department so we can focus our efforts on other needs and interests.”
In addition, the fellowship provides clinical experience through a variety of venues, providing osteopathic healthcare to patients at the Boise Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital, and performers at Ballet Idaho, among other clinical opportunities.