Osteopathy Related Research & Science, Toronto, ON (2026)

04/10/2026

Mandatory ROMP Title in the United States for National Health Licensing ❤️

Dear students and colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well. I wanted to share an important and positive update with you.

As you know, there are currently two national health licensing pathways for osteopathic manual practitioners in the United States: the GEHA Association pathway, which offers a more limited scope of practice, and the Indigenous Health Authority pathway, which provides an expanded scope when combined with naturopathic and Indigenous health education.

Some time ago, we established that obtaining the ROMP (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner) title—issued by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners—is mandatory for those wishing to join the GEHA Association.

I am very happy to share that this same requirement now applies to the Indigenous Health Authority pathway as well. Graduates of the triple degree program at the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) who wish to join this pathway will also need to obtain the ROMP title.

This is an important step forward in maintaining high standards within our profession. Before awarding the ROMP designation, the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners ensures that all applicants have graduated from an accredited manual osteopathy program and have successfully passed a board examination. This helps ensure that every practitioner meets the necessary level of knowledge, skill, and professionalism to provide safe, ethical care while protecting the public.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/25/2026

Mandatory Practical Classes in the United States

I apologize if I have not been responding to your messages promptly. I am currently in Seville, Spain, working at the National University of Medical Sciences (Spain), and my days have been quite full.

As you know, we are integrating naturopathic medicine with manual osteopathy to provide our alumni with an expanded scope of practice in the United States. This allows them to offer services such as acupuncture, peptide therapy, herbs and supplements, and therapeutic modalities including laser, traction/distraction, and ultrasound, as well as homeopathy, HVLA techniques, and more. It also enables eligible graduates to use the title “Dr” across all 50 states.

This national pathway, which operates outside traditional state licensure, has been made possible through a federal exempt health authority framework. It allows qualified alumni to use the title “Dr” and practice with an expanded scope nationwide. In 23 states, alumni may practice naturopathic medicine without joining the federal health authority. In the remaining 27 states, joining the federal health authority is required in order to practice with an expanded scope and use the title “Dr.”

To meet the requirements of this federal pathway and certain state expectations, we must introduce mandatory practical, on-site training. These will be short courses in Florida (under 32 hours), typically one week per semester, focusing on osteopathic techniques (including HVLA), acupuncture, and therapeutic modalities as needed. This requirement applies only to students residing in the United States.

Students outside the U.S. may complete the program entirely online. However, if they relocate to the United States in the future, they will be required to complete these practical classes in order to qualify for participation in the federal pathway and related organizations.

As the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) is currently the only institution of its kind in the United States offering this combined pathway, the federal health authority accepts only our graduates at this time. Foreign-trained manual osteopaths who wish to practice in the United States with an expanded scope through this pathway must enroll in NUMSS (USA) to obtain the combined degree in naturopathic medicine and manual osteopathy.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/23/2026

As I mentioned in my previous post, we have decided to implement a system in which osteopathic manual practitioners in the United States are also trained as naturopaths. This will allow for an expanded scope of practice, including therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, HVLA techniques, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal and nutritional supplementation, peptide therapy, and more. It will also support the use of the title “Dr” and enable practitioners to address a broader range of conditions beyond musculoskeletal care.

To support this vision, we are introducing a dual degree program in naturopathic medicine and manual osteopathy, offered at a tuition lower than enrolling in each program separately. Our goal is to encourage future students to pursue both disciplines in an integrated manner.

The dual degree program is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The naturopathy component will be a four-year, full-time hybrid program, combining online education, in-person training, and apprenticeship.

The curriculum will be released soon, and our website and academic calendar will be updated within the next month.

I have always had a deep appreciation for nature. At one point, I even planned to establish a campus farm in Spain for our Doctor of Botanical Medicine program. Although I ultimately sold the Finca de Pourgol before it was completed, I hope to develop a similar farm in Florida in the future.

Yesterday was a wonderful reminder of that passion. I spent the day with my friends Andrea, Tanya and family at their mountain farm, enjoying fresh oranges, loquats, and bananas straight from the trees. Their daughter Astera, knowing how much I love poppies, picked a beautiful collection for me—a simple but truly meaningful gesture.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/17/2026

The New Scope of Practice for Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in the United States

The American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP) was requested by a federal health authority to develop and define a clear and standardized scope of practice for osteopathic manual practitioners affiliated with this authority.

I, Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD, Founder of AAOMP and the National University of Medical Sciences (USA), developed this scope of practice in consultation with students, staff, faculty members, osteopathic manual practitioners, and other stakeholders.

This document serves as a guiding framework and may be updated, refined, or revised over time as required.

Two distinct scopes of practice have been established. The primary scope applies to all osteopathic manual practitioners and focuses on non-medical, biomechanical, and musculoskeletal care. The second is an expanded scope of practice, which will require additional education, training, and certification. Under this proposed expanded scope, qualified practitioners may be permitted to provide additional services such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, laser therapy, traction, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques, and guidance on herbal and nutritional supplements, including peptides.

This expanded scope of practice is currently under development and will be submitted for approval. It has not yet been approved.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed their insights and feedback. While it is recognized that not all perspectives will align, the final framework reflects the preference of the majority, which supported an orthopedic-style, non-traditional, mechanically focused scope of practice limited to musculoskeletal conditions. The expanded scope, once approved, is intended to broaden this framework to include additional areas of care.

03/16/2026

NAD+ Supplements ❤️

Yesterday I wrote that injectable glutathione is my favorite supplement. Today I want to talk about injectable NAD, which is my second favorite.

Injectable glutathione gives me a very clean and smooth energy that lasts for hours. It is the kind of energy that both calms and energizes at the same time. It puts me in the perfect mood to take my white Maserati Grecale GT SUV to work and continue expanding manual osteopathy and naprapathy in the United States. 😀

Injectable NAD, on the other hand, gives a completely different type of energy. It is raw power like you have never experienced. The kind that makes you say YOLO and take the red Maserati GranTurismo Sport out for a topless drive. That car has a Ferrari engine and even when using only half of its power it feels incredibly fast. I have driven many cars in my life, but this is the only one where I have not yet dared to push the full power. 😀

One thing I admire so much about the United States is its healthcare system. Personal liberty is extremely important there, and people are allowed to have far more control over their own health compared to many other countries where governments impose heavy restrictions. In the U.S. it is much easier to access advanced testing, specialists, and innovative therapies. Recently, for example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Secretary of Health & Human Services lifted restrictions on several peptides that may have significant health benefits. Many other countries eventually follow the U.S., but often years later. If someone is interested in advanced anti-aging or cutting-edge therapies, the United States is often the best place to access them. ❤️

Currently NAD+ is one of the most popular anti-aging molecules used in the United States. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical molecule involved in mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and cellular aging. Levels naturally decline with age, stress, metabolic disease, and poor lifestyle habits.

There are several ways to increase NAD naturally. Exercise is one of the most powerful, especially aerobic exercise and high-intensity training. Intermittent fasting and mild calorie restriction can also increase NAD levels. Good sleep and proper circadian rhythm are important as well.

Certain foods support NAD production, including turkey, chicken, beef, liver, salmon, mushrooms, peanuts, avocados, and green peas. Polyphenols that activate NAD-related pathways may also help, such as resveratrol from red grapes, quercetin from apples and onions, catechins from green tea, and curcumin from turmeric. Sauna use, cold showers, maintaining healthy body weight, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering chronic inflammation, reducing sugar intake, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc all support NAD metabolism.

There are also oral supplements such as NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) that help the body increase NAD production. These supplements are relatively expensive, usually around $100 per month. Many people also take glutathione, CoQ10, and B-complex vitamins together with them to support mitochondrial function and NAD production.

The gold standard, however, is subcutaneous NAD injection. This is more expensive, typically ranging from about US$250 to US$700 per month. The injection can be done one to seven times per week, with three times per week being the most common schedule, followed by a break of two to four weeks.

NAD supports mitochondrial energy production and activates longevity pathways involved in DNA repair, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress resistance. It can improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and fat oxidation. NAD may also support brain health and has been studied for possible neuroprotective effects in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery. It may also improve muscle function, exercise capacity, cardiovascular health, and certain aspects of biological aging.

Unlike glutathione, which is generally considered very safe, the long-term effects of high-dose NAD therapy are still not fully known. It is also quite expensive. When combined with other supporting supplements, the monthly cost can easily reach between US$500 and US$1000. However, many wealthy individuals in the United States are using NAD therapies and the results can be impressive. It is not uncommon to see people in their 60s and 70s who look and function like people in their 40s or 50s.

Personally, I enjoy both glutathione and NAD injections. However, I like the feeling of glutathione slightly more. I used to take them on the same days, but the powerful stimulation from NAD tends to overpower the smooth energy of glutathione. Now on the two days per week that I take glutathione, I do not take NAD so that I can fully enjoy that clean and calm energy.

Together these supplements have improved many of my blood markers, including liver enzymes and several other health indicators.

If someone can only choose one, I would recommend glutathione. But if a person understands the risks and can afford it, using both can be a very powerful combination. With both bigger is not better. Slow dose is my preference.

Have a great day and God bless.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/28/2026

What I decide here on this frozen lake may shape the future of manual osteopathy in the United States for decades, so I want to proceed carefully. I have already consulted many of my top students and am now seeking broader guidance on creating a scope of practice for Doctors of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DrOMP) in the U.S.

As you know, certain National University of Medical Sciences alumni now have the right to use the title “Dr” through a federal exemption pathway. The American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners has been tasked with developing the official scope of practice, and as its founder, I want to ensure we choose what is best for the profession.

My main concern is whether to include regulated acts such as HVLA techniques, lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and modalities like ultrasound and laser. While legally possible, these could create major conflict and opposition.

I am considering whether it is wiser to start with a simple, safe scope focused on unregulated manual care, similar to Canada, or adopt a broader scope like in the UK, France, and Australia, knowing it may lead to disputes.

Personally, I believe in a niche approach. I feel the profession should focus primarily on musculoskeletal conditions and functional impairments so the public clearly understands our role.
I welcome your thoughts. Your input may help shape the future direction of manual osteopathy in the United States.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/25/2026

Creating the Scope of Practice for Doctors of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DrOMP) in the United States

One reason we have become the largest provider of manual osteopathic education worldwide is that I was financially secure before entering this field. I do not take any income from my schools. All revenue is reinvested to expand and strengthen the profession.

My current focus is the United States. Through my institutions, I have donated millions of dollars to support professional development there, including a recent contribution of approximately $900,000 Canadian ($650,000 USD) from the National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada) to the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP).

Selected graduates of the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) may use the title “Dr” in the United States after meeting specific requirements, including AAOMP membership. We are working on the requirements now and announce them when ready. The AAOMP has now been tasked with developing the official scope of practice for these doctors, and as its founder, I remain actively involved in this process.

Meaningful change in the United States requires working within the system, which takes time, strategy, and financial investment. That is how we have advanced the profession, and that is how I continue to work—by changing the system from within.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/09/2026

Using the Title of “Dr” in the United States ❤️

I am pleased to announce that the National University of Medical Sciences which I founded in 2012, has successfully secured the right for its manual osteopathy graduates to use the professional title of “Dr” in the United States. This recognition allows NUMSS graduates to use the title of Dr before their names while providing full scope manual osteopathic services in the U.S.

The privilege of using the title of “Dr” is granted only to selected graduates of NUMSS who meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include active membership in the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners, which I founded in 2018.

I will be leaving Naples today to visit the York University Heights campus of the National Academy of Osteopathy, where I will be teaching and attending the graduation ceremonies. After that, I will travel to Spain to complete required administrative work for our university. I will also be visiting Switzerland before returning home to Naples, Florida in approximately two months.

If you need to see me at NAO, please arrange an appointment with Maria.

Thank you, have a great day and God bless.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

01/23/2026

Manual osteopaths—interested in research funding?

Would you like to conduct research in your own osteopathy clinic but need guidance with study design, documentation, writing, and publication? We can help.

The Pourgol Osteopathy Chronic Pain Research Center (POCPR) is a non-profit organization supported by the National Academy of Osteopathy and the National University of Medical Sciences. Our mission is to advance the clinical effectiveness of manual osteopathy in the prevention and management of chronic pain.

We provide full support—from research design to publication in peer-reviewed journals—and cover all associated costs.

Publishing research establishes you as an authority, enhances professional opportunities, attracts patients, and strengthens the profession through evidence-based outcomes.

Please contact Katherine Weinberg at info@nationalacademyofosteopathy.us if interested.

10/28/2025

Please join Florida Naprapathic Association. Membership is free and open to all health professionals everywhere!

My sleepless nights are back! Whenever I start a new project I get so energized I can’t even sleep! Right now I’m working to get naprapathy licensed and regulated in Florida. It’s one of the biggest projects I’ve ever taken on — costs about $2 million — and unlike Canada, there’s no personal payout here in the U.S. because the State controls regulation & licensing. But once profession is licensed, I’m confident we’ll have enough students to cover that cost. My schools believe in this and are helping fund it.

What we need from you is simple: show support by joining the Florida Naprapathic Association (FNA). There are two free membership categories right now — professional (for naprapaths everywhere, not just in Florida) and general (for everyone else, anywhere, not just Florida).

Your support gives us the momentum to finish this.

FNA website is being developed. Once ready you can approach them for membership but in the meantime send me an email to pourgol@pourgol.com and say you’d like to join the Florida Naprapathic Association. I will get FNA to send you the application form now.

Naprapathy has a bright future in Florida. I encourage everyone to enroll in the online Doctor of Naprapathy (DN) program offered by National University of Medical Sciences (USA & Spain). The 4-year program can be completed in 1–2 years on an accelerated basis, depending on your prior health education, and graduates will be grandfathered in Florida once regulation occurs.

Tuition is currently about €5,500 per year, but after regulation, it will become a 3-year full-time program with tuition rising to around $25,000 per year in Florida.

To learn more about our DN program please visit www.numss.com for our university in Spain and www.numss.us for the one in US. Thx.

Dr Shawn Pourgol

10/21/2025

Florida Naprapathic Examining Board Established

I’m excited to share that the Florida Naprapathic Examining Board has been created & registered to ensure all naprapaths in Florida meet a minimum standard of knowledge and competency before becoming licensed.

This board will oversee the licensing exams and professional standards for naprapaths — helping guarantee that every doctor of naprapathy (DN) is properly trained and qualified to provide safe, effective care to the public.

An examining board is one of the key requirements for obtaining full state licensure and regulation of naprapathic medicine in Florida. It demonstrates that our profession is organized, accountable, and ready to meet the same expectations as other licensed healthcare fields.

This is a major step toward our ultimate goal — making naprapathic medicine a licensed and regulated profession in Florida.

10/21/2025

Exciting News for Naprapathic Education in Florida!

We are happy to announce registration of the Florida Council on Naprapathic Education (FCNE) — a new governing body established to evaluate and accredit schools offering naprapathic programs in Florida

This is an important step forward in the mission to regulate and secure state licensure for the profession of naprapathic medicine. By setting clear standards and ensuring that all Florida naprapathic schools meet a minimum required level of education and training, FCNE can help protect the public, elevate professional standards, and strengthen the future of naprapathy in Florida.

The establishment of FCNE brings the naprapaths one step closer to achieving full state recognition for naprapathic medicine in Florida — something that will benefit every practitioner, student, and patient.

Together, naprapaths are building the foundation for a strong and respected naprapathic community in Florida.

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