Introduction to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: Fall 2026 Hybrid
Course Director: Elena Timoshkin, DO | Associate Director: Matt Gilmartin, MD
Bookmark this page as you will refer to it frequently throughout the course.
Contacts
- For scheduling, technical, or Teachable questions: ed@cranialacademy.org
- For course material questions: Coursedirectors@cranialacademy.org
Course Announcements
- Emails (emails sent to all participants will be linked here):
- Introductory Email – sent #/#/2026
- Teachable Access Email – sent #/#/2026
Lectures & Discussion Groups
Online Lecture Videos
Email ed@cranialacademy.org if you experience technical issues.
- Each online video needs to be watched from beginning to end. A short quiz follows each video. You may take each quiz up to 3 times and can rewatch the videos while answering the questions. Answering the quiz questions correctly will allow you to proceed to the next lecture.
- Weekly Lecture Handouts will be available in Teachable on the Monday after each Mandatory Zoom Discussion Group
- You must attend the discussion groups and get passing grades on the weekly lecture quizzes and the Online Assessment to continue to the lab portion.
Five (5) Mandatory Zoom Discussion Groups
Participation with video on is mandatory to continue to the next portion of the course. Be sure to test your camera in advance and have a secondary video option available.
Discussion Groups will be held:
- Saturday, Sept 19
- Saturday, Sept 26
- Saturday, Oct 3
- Saturday, Oct 10
- Saturday, Oct 17
Each week, there will be five time options. Participants will sign up for the time they prefer. Instructions for selecting your times will be shared on September 1.
| Eastern Time | Central Time | Mountain Time | Pacific Time | |
| Option 1 | 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| Option 2 | 11:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Option 3 | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| Option 4 | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Option 5 | 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
Make-up discussion group(s) may be scheduled on the Sunday of one or more of these weekends, depending on participant need and faculty availability. Please make every effort to attend the Saturday scheduled sessions, as make-up sessions cannot be guaranteed.
Lab Info
Lab Schedule
Day 1: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Day 2: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Day 3: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Health History Form: Please complete this form, print it, and bring it with you to your lab.
Lab handouts will be in Teachable. Print in advance if you would like paper copies.
Full attendance AND passing the lab exam at the end of Day 3 is REQUIRED to pass the course and to qualify for your tuition assistance (if applicable).
In-Person Lab Dress Code
Comfortable loose-fitting clothes appropriate for OMM (no jeans); scrubs are OK. Bring a sweatshirt or layers since HVAC can vary. NO FRAGRANCES.
Travel Information for In-Person Lab Sites
October 23-25, 2026
University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas COM
Medical Education & Training (MET) Building
1000 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Hotel Recommendation:
Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District
1145 University Dr., Fort Worth, Texas, 76107
November 6-8, 2026
California Health Sciences University (CHSU)
2500 Alluvial Ave
Clovis, CA 93611
Airport: Fresno Airport (FAT)
Hotel Recommendations:
- Fairfield Inn, 50 N Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
- Comfort Suites, 143 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
- Best Western, 415 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
November 13-15, 2026
University of Kentucky
Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital, Entrance C
2050 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
Airport: Blue Grass Airport (LEX)
Hotel Recommendation:
Hyatt Regency Lexington
401 West High Street, Lexington, KY 40507
- OCA Room Rate $199/night + tax: A limited number of special rate rooms are available; book before October 14.
Policies & Expectations
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing at the office of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy by August 31, 2026 and are subject to a $50 administrative processing fee. Participants who cannot complete the course due to illness, family emergencies or work-related restrictions will be offered the option to repeat the course at its next offering. No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.
Participants who cannot complete the course due to illness, family emergencies or work-related restrictions may (or may not) be offered the option to repeat the Hybrid course at its next offering. No discount will be provided for individuals not participating in food functions at the in-person labs.
You must pass the lecture portion of the course to participate in the lab portion of the course. No refunds will be given if you do not pass the course.
Participants who have received a tuition assistance grant from the OCAF and 1) cancel or drop out after the course starts (9/7/26), OR 2) fail the lecture or lab portion of the course, will be responsible for paying for the tuition grant portion and will not be eligible to apply for future tuition assistance grants.
You may change your lab date/location, subject to availability, through August 31, 2026, at no charge. Please note that we anticipate this course reaching capacity, so there may not be availability at other sites.
Academic Integrity
- Quizzes in this course are open-video and are designed to help you focus on the key points from each lecture. Completing them thoughtfully will better prepare you for success in the in-person lab sessions.
- AI use is not permitted on quizzes. We strongly discourage using AI tools, as they often contain misinformation. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy wants you to learn accurate, high-quality information directly from our faculty.
- Watch each lecture at normal speed on a computer or tablet. Watching on a phone or using fast-forward/accelerated playback may prevent Teachable from properly marking the video as complete.
- All lecture videos are copyrighted material belonging to the faculty. Screen recording, screen capturing, photographing, or sharing any portion of the videos is strictly prohibited.
- Handouts are provided for your personal use only and may not be shared or distributed.
Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement
The participant acknowledges that they are voluntarily participating in the laboratory sessions, and that there are risks of physical injury associated with such participation. The participant agrees to waive any and all claims it may have against The Osteopathic Cranial Academy (hereinafter “The OCA”), and to release The OCA from any and all liability it may have for such claims, including but not limited to claims for personal injury or damages relating to the applicant’s participation in the program sessions. The applicant agrees not to sue The OCA, and to defend and indemnify The OCA and to hold it harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, and liabilities relating to or arising out of the particpant’s participation in the program sessions.
OCA Photography
Photographs may be taken by the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) or its agents. By participating in this event, you hereby grant the OCA the right to photograph you and use those photographs for any legitimate purpose. If you do not wish to have your photograph used by OCA, please notify staff at office@cranialacademy.org.
Code of Conduct
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive experience for everyone. We strive to create an environment where all attendees can learn, network, and enjoy the event without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Expected Behavior
We expect all participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, to:
- Be respectful and considerate: Treat all individuals with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
- Communicate constructively: Engage in open and honest dialogue while being mindful of others’ perspectives.
- Be inclusive: Embrace diversity and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Be aware of your physical space and how your behavior may affect others.
- Respect boundaries: Understand and respect personal boundaries and refrain from any unwanted advances or attention.
Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated:
- Harassment: Any form of verbal, written, or physical conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This includes but is not limited to offensive comments, sexual harassment, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical contact.
- Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or experience level.
- Hate speech: Any language that promotes or incites violence, hatred, or discrimination against any individual or group.
- Disruption: Any behavior that disrupts the flow of the conference, including but not limited to interrupting speakers, blocking access, or creating excessive noise.
- Illegal activity: Any activity that violates local, state, or federal laws.