AAPM&R’s Orthobiologics Curriculum: Elevating Physician Training in Regenerative Medicine

Orthobiologics is an exciting and rapidly growing field that provides cutting-edge, nonsurgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. To meet the increasing demand for structured education in this area, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) has developed a Curriculum for Training in Orthobiologics. This framework is designed to ensure that physicians acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to excel in this evolving specialty.

Why a Standardized Curriculum?

Though there are various educational offerings in orthobiologics, a comprehensive, standardized approach has been lacking. The AAPM&R curriculum addresses this gap by providing a clear, evidence-based training framework.

Endorsed by major organizations such as the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), the Biologics Association (BA), and the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation (IOF), this curriculum is recognized as a valuable resource in shaping the future of orthobiologic education.  Dr. Leiber, Dr. Papas, and Dr. Torrance are instructing an IOF course in Sarasota on October 12th and 13th. 

Scope and Structure

The AAPM&R curriculum is not designed to cover all nonsurgical orthopedic treatments. Instead, it focuses specifically on FDA-compliant orthobiologic treatments that support tissue healing and regeneration.

The curriculum is divided into two primary competency levels: Core Competencies (levels 1-3), designed for physicians to master by the completion of their residency, and Specialized Competencies (levels 4-6), focused on advanced skills needed for those who want to specialize in orthobiologics.

Core Content Areas

The curriculum encompasses seven critical areas of orthobiologic education:

1. Background and Basic Science: Offers a solid foundation in the biological mechanisms that support orthobiologic treatments, such as the body’s natural healing process.
2. Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills: Emphasizes essential skills like musculoskeletal examination, imaging interpretation, and a thorough understanding of regulatory guidelines.
3. Regulations and Ethics: Ensures that physicians remain compliant with FDA regulations and uphold ethical standards.
4. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Covers everything from the preparation and administration of PRP to its clinical applications in conditions like osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.
5. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): Delivers training on the harvesting, preparation (including the concentrating of layers containing the highest quantity of stem cells), and use of BMAC in treating musculoskeletal conditions, with attention to clinical outcomes and procedural techniques.
6. Microfragmented Adipose Transfer (MFAT): Focuses on the preparation, procedural execution, and post-care of this emerging orthobiologic therapy.
7. Emerging Technologies: Highlights the latest advancements in orthobiologic treatments, including alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) and interleukin receptor antagonist protein (IRAP).

Building Expertise in Orthobiologics

Each content area is designed to ensure that physicians develop both foundational knowledge and advanced skills. For example, the PRP and BMAC sections not only teach the technical aspects of image-guided procedures but also cover patient selection, contraindications, and post-procedure care.

The curriculum will be updated to reflect new research, technologies, and FDA guidelines ensuring that physicians remain at the forefront of orthobiologic care.

Conclusion

The AAPM&R Curriculum for Training in Orthobiologics provides a clear and structured path to mastering orthobiologic treatments, from basic science to advanced procedural techniques. Whether a resident, fellow, or practicing physician, this curriculum equips the physician with the tools needed to stay at the cutting edge of orthobiologics and offer patients innovative, evidence-based care.

With the field of orthobiologics continuing to evolve, this curriculum helps today’s physicians be ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow and deliver optimal patient outcomes. With the long-standing involvement of organizations like IOF and Regenexx in curriculum design and physician training, today’s practitioners can confidently advance their skills and be fully prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s orthobiologic treatments. These organizations have a proven track record of shaping the educational landscape in regenerative medicine, ensuring that physicians receive the highest quality instruction in the latest techniques and best practices.

If you or a loved one is having a musculoskeletal issue, please reach out to Regenexx at NROFL for an evaluation.