About Us
The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) Public Clinic stands as a shining example of community service, clinical education, and the practical embodiment of osteopathic principles. Operating as a charitable clinic, the CAO Public Clinic offers completely free osteopathic treatments to members of the public, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of receiving high-quality manual care. The CAO does not accept any form of payment or donation for these services, remaining steadfast in its commitment to health equity and accessibility. Since the clinic’s founding, this model of giving has led to over 200,000 free treatments provided to local communities — a contribution that translates to more than $17 million worth of osteopathic care. This is not just an extraordinary achievement in public health—it’s also a deeply impactful training ground for CAO’s upper-year students.
The Public Clinic is more than just a clinical rotation; it is a fully integrated apprenticeship model that spans the final year of the program. Students are not observers or assistants — they take the lead in managing real patient cases from start to finish. These are not simulated scenarios; they involve real people from the surrounding community, presenting with real and often complex conditions ranging from chronic pain and postural dysfunction to rehabilitation needs following injury or surgery. This broad range of cases gives students critical exposure to the full spectrum of clinical realities they will encounter in private practice.
The year-long structure of the Public Clinic ensures depth, continuity, and professional maturity. Unlike short-term externships or capstone projects common in other educational models, CAO’s approach provides sustained clinical immersion. Students return to the same patients over multiple sessions, witnessing their progress, adjusting treatment strategies, and gaining insight into the longer-term effects of osteopathic intervention. This fosters the development of advanced clinical reasoning, technical refinement, and, importantly, the confidence required to become an independent osteopathic practitioner.
Crucial to the quality and safety of care provided at the Public Clinic is the presence of CAO faculty supervisors — all of whom are experienced, practicing Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and educators. These faculty members are present throughout the clinical sessions, providing real-time mentorship, hands-on instruction, and critical feedback. Their oversight ensures that student treatments remain aligned with the principles of classical osteopathy and the rigorous standards set forth by both national and international osteopathic bodies. The result is a learning environment that prioritizes excellence, safety, and patient-centered care.
Beyond its educational value, the Public Clinic offers students a profoundly human experience. Patients come to the CAO not only because the treatments are free, but because they genuinely feel cared for. The clinic often sees returning patients, sometimes over the span of months or even years. Many patients develop strong, trusting relationships with their student practitioners, and the gratitude they express is tangible. It’s not uncommon for patients to bring baked goods, handmade cards, or heartfelt notes of appreciation — simple but powerful reminders of the real-world impact that compassionate osteopathic care can have.
Through the Public Clinic, the CAO continues to demonstrate its dedication to the well-being of the community and the integrity of osteopathic education. This dual mission—to serve and to teach—ensures that CAO graduates not only emerge as technically skilled practitioners, but also as empathetic professionals who understand the privilege and responsibility of caring for others. The clinic is a cornerstone of the CAO experience and a testament to the power of hands-on education in service to others.