Features of TSO
Tokyo School of Osteopathy (TSO) provides a structured and practice-oriented educational program grounded in internationally recognized standards of osteopathic education.
At TSO, students in both Type I and Type II admission categories are eligible to obtain a Certificate of Completion in the Foundational Osteopathy Program within three years. This three-year period is positioned as a comprehensive preparatory phase in which students systematically study anatomy, physiology, fundamental osteopathic principles, introductory clinical practice, and pediatric osteopathy, thereby establishing a solid foundation for progression into advanced training and clinical practice.
Applicants holding a national healthcare qualification (Type II) may build upon their existing medical knowledge and clinical experience. By completing approximately 2,000 hours of study, including supervised clinical training, they may pursue a WHO-compliant Diploma in Osteopathy (D.O.) within a three-year timeframe.
Applicants without a healthcare qualification (Type I) may, following completion of the foundational program, continue to accumulate advanced coursework and clinical training at their own pace. Their educational pathway is designed to meet a total of 4,200 hours of study, including 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, in accordance with WHO recommendations.
Instruction is delivered through a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person classes. The curriculum is centered on Biodynamic Osteopathy, as systematized by James Jealous, D.O., and is grounded in the philosophical principles of W. G. Sutherland. Educational leadership and instruction are provided by Stephen Kisiel, D.O., Principal of TSO, together with a faculty of instructors who have completed specialized training in biodynamic osteopathy.
In addition, prior coursework completed at other osteopathic institutions, as well as relevant seminars and training programs, may be recognized toward program requirements following an individual review of content and instructional hours.opathy schools and past courses are also recognized.
Admission of External Participants
At TSO, participation by individuals who are not pursuing a degree, as well as enrollment in selected individual courses, may be permitted only when enrollment capacity allows. Eligibility is limited to graduates or currently enrolled students of osteopathic education institutions that meet WHO standards, as well as senior licensed healthcare professionals such as medical doctors and dentists.
TSO is an institution designed to complete a rigorous foundational education within three years and to provide a clear and reliable pathway toward becoming an internationally competent osteopath thereafter.
Board Member
| Head of School | Dr. Stephen Kisiel, DO |
| Dean of School and Director of Curriculum | Dr. Stephen Kisiel, DO |
| Secretary | Keiichi Hagiwara M.Ost. |
| Chief Financial Officer | Takeshi Doi |
| Board of Advisers | Takeshi Doi |
| Rieko Ogawa | |
| Clinic Preceptors | Keiichi Hagiwara M.Ost. |
| Itsuji Yamamoto | |
| Preceptors in Training | Koji Uchida |
| Takashi Yamguchi | |
| Webmaster | Hiroko Enomoto |
| Aiko Saito | |
| secretariat | Ms.Goto |
School Establishment Information Session – December 2023
1. Self-introduction of Stephan Kisiel, D.O.
2. Background leading to the opening of the school
3. Introduction of the board members
4. Annual overview and costs
5. Details of the eight years of in-person classes
6. Credits to be earned
7. Accredited credit hours from other organizations
8. Schedule of events
9. Questions and comments
Introduction of Stephan Kisiel, D.O.
Stephan Kisiel¥l, D.O. is a practicing family physician and osteopath in Massachusetts.
He has studied and taught biodynamics under James Jealous, D.O. for 25 years.
In Japan, he has taught courses at several schools over the past 6-7 years.
2. Background Leading to the Opening of the School
We are establishing a WHO-standard osteopathy school in Tokyo.
In Japan, there are several osteopathy schools with varying educational content. Some meet WHO standards, while others do not.
By establishing this school, we will be able to provide Japanese students with a complete osteopathy education.
Originally, biodynamics was intended for those who have completed a WHO-standard osteopathy school, and it is to be studied after receiving education in embryology, physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and osteopathic techniques. Moving forward, we aim to teach biodynamics to those who have received a comprehensive education. This means that only graduates or students of a WHO-standard school will be eligible.
The WHO standard entails 4200 hours of coursework, of which 1000 hours are supervised clinical practice. It also includes subjects such as nutrition, psychology, ethics, neuroanatomy, embryology, and physiology.
Osteopathy schools in other countries also have similar subject requirements.
Those who have completed other courses previously can submit their certificates of completion for credit recognition.
To study biodynamics in the future, enrollment in this school will be necessary to take the courses.
The curriculum is still under development, and it is possible to study at a slower pace over time.
Upon graduation, students will receive a certificate of completion from a WHO-standard school.
Regarding WHO Standards
Our school’s curriculum adheres to the following WHO standards.
Admission Information
Admissions for this year have closed. Those considering enrollment for next yeard, please apply here.
Prospective students can participate in online classes with Principal Steve and in-person biomechanical courses.
We will inform you about the available classes and future schedules.