In 1995, the American Osteopathic Association established a new graduate medical education initiative titled the Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI). The innovative idea behind the OPTI is the formation of graduate medical education consortiums that qualify for AOA accreditation.

The Lake Erie Consortium for Osteopathic Medical Training (LECOMT) was developed through the efforts of the Millcreek Health System which includes the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Millcreek Community Hospital, Millcreek Geriatric Education and Care Center, and the ambulatory care clinics associated with Millcreek Health System.

In June, 1998, the Lake Erie Consortium for Osteopathic Medical Training (LECOMT) was approved by the American Osteopathic Association as an accredited Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI).

On November 11, 1998, the organizational and full-active members of LECOMT held their first Board of Directors Meeting. LECOMT members reinforced their commitment to improving graduate medical education and training. Sharing the same common vision simplified the task of determining the organization's direction. Setting realistic and purposeful goals assisted the leadership of LECOMT to unify the many strengths of its new partners. Through collaboration and partnership, hard work, and adapting to change, we have combined our strengths to form a consortium committed and dedicated to raising the standards of osteopathic medical training. Recognizing the uniqueness of each program, institution, and instructor was the basis of building our consortium. Recognizing and respecting this uniqueness and diversity brought creativity to our planning process. We are excited to enter the next century as a leader in academic excellence, always striving to improve the quality of training for our osteopathic physicians.

Opportunities

LECOMT provides interns and residents with a variety of internship and residency programs. Post-doctoral programs are available at LECOMT affiliated hospitals in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Florida, Michigan, and Indiana.