As osteopathy continues to grow across Canada, one thing becomes increasingly clear: local associations are the backbone of our profession. They advocate for recognition, build bridges with insurers, and ensure our collective voice is heard when it matters most.
This month, I’m pleased to spotlight the work of our colleagues at the British Columbia Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP). Their dedication and organization serve as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when practitioners come together.
Full disclosure: I am not a member of BCAOMP, nor do I receive anything for sharing this. I practice in Ontario, but I believe that a win for one provincial association is a win for all of us. As regulation approaches in various provinces, we need organized, credible voices ready to represent us. The work BCAOMP is doing is a powerful template for this kind of advocacy.
I’m sharing their recent letter (with permission) as a case study in effective, professional action.
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A Message from the British Columbia Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP)
Dear Members and Colleagues,
We hope this letter finds you well and thriving in your practice. As your Board of Directors, we are pleased to share the latest updates, accomplishments, and upcoming initiatives from the British Columbia Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (BCAOMP).
Strengthening Recognition with Insurance Companies
Over the past year, we have made significant strides in our ongoing discussions with several insurance companies. Our objective has remained clear: to gain formal recognition for BCAOMP members and ensure consistent, fair support for billing practices.
To support this, we have created a comprehensive BCAOMP Professional Portfolio, a tool that effectively communicates who we are, what we do, and the standards we uphold. We have also initiated contact with TELUS Health Direct Billing to support practitioner recognition on their platform.
We continue to respond to insurance company inquiries by validating active membership status and advocating on behalf of members when issues arise. Further meetings are being planned to address each company’s specific recognition requirements.
Visibility Campaign in British Columbia – “We Exist” Campaign
We are excited to announce the launch of our “We Exist” Campaign, a visibility initiative targeting all 93 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in British Columbia.
Each MLA will receive a special package that includes:
- Our professional brochure
- A personalized letter
- A branded envelope
- A small gift to leave a lasting impression
This campaign is a critical step in letting our provincial representatives know that BCAOMP is an officially registered association in BC, with skilled, active Manual Osteopaths serving British Columbians every day.
We are also looking to work with local newsletters, magazines, and radio stations to raise awareness about BCAOMP and the essential role our members play in healthcare. This effort also aims to better inform the general public about our profession and its benefits. We are committed to being part of any future dialogue about our profession, and we want to ensure BCAOMP is actively involved at the working table with other health and wellness stakeholders across the province.
Advancing Our Organization
Since our previous letter dated September 20, 2024, we are proud to report on the following milestones:
- Completed the official registration of the BCAOMP name at the provincial level.
- Launched a new website, including a member verification tool.
- Completed a province-wide survey on insurance billing challenges.
- Updated our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Reorganized the Board of Directors into specialized portfolios:
- Registration & Communication
- Continuing Education & Professional Activities
- Insurance Companies & Inquiries
- Finance & Professional Visibility
- Instituted monthly Board meetings.
- Ensured ongoing validation of liability insurance and CE compliance for all members.
Focus of Our AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held online and included the following key topics:
- Enhancing social media presence through Facebook and updated brochures.
- Streamlining registration flow and IT profile updates.
- Reviewing the $250 membership renewal process.
- Preparing for 2026 CE requirements.
- Planning for our next Continuing Education event in Vancouver.
Continuing Education and Member Support
We remain fully committed to supporting your professional growth. Here are some exciting developments:
- Continuing Education Event in Kelowna – took place on Saturday, October 5th.
- Continuing Education Event in Vancouver – dates to be announced soon.
- Introduction of a bursary program to help subsidize CE costs for eligible active members.
- Ongoing updates on educational events to help meet the 20-hour annual CE requirement.
- Development of a Professional Network Facebook Group exclusively for members.
- Promotion of “A Day of Manual Osteopathy” – hosted in your office or community, counting toward CE hours.
Get Involved – Your Participation Matters
Your engagement strengthens our profession. We invite you to:
- Respond to member surveys.
- Volunteer for committees and events.
- Host or participate in local promotional initiatives.
- Stay connected through our emails and website.
- Join the team organizing the upcoming Vancouver CE event.
We’re always looking for enthusiastic members to volunteer and help shape the future of our association.
In Closing
Being a part of BCAOMP means being part of a growing, forward-thinking community that is dedicated to raising the profile of Manual Osteopathy in BC, protecting your interests as a practitioner, and supporting your continued development.
We are stronger together—and your participation is the foundation of our collective success.
Thank you for your continued support, professionalism, and dedication. Should you have any questions or need the content in a different format, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Sumit Paul Singh, DOMP Director, Visibility & Promotion — BCAOMP
📧 in**@****mp.com | 🌐 www.bcaomp.com
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A Final Thought from the Editor
Regulation is coming to different provinces,and when it does, we must have strong, organized associations to represent us.
If you’re in British Columbia, support BCAOMP. If you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or anywhere else, get involved with your local association. These organizations don’t just exist to collect dues. They exist to protect your right to practice, to build recognition, and to make sure osteopaths have a seat at the table when it matters most.
Support the associations that support you. That is how we move forward as one profession, across Canada.
