Agnello, Powers earn new leadership roles on national medical board

Dr. Robert Agnello and Dr. James Powers have earned new leadership roles with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

Agnello's official title is as chair of the Examination Chair - COMLEX-USA Level 1. Powers was named COMLEX-USA Level 1 Advisory Committee Vice Chair.

Agnello is chair of Family Medicine and assistant professor at the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. He joined the NBOME National Faculty in 2014 and serves on the COMLEX-USA Level 1 Advisory Committee. He was also NBOME National Faculty Department Chair for Family Medicine from 2023 to 2025.

Powers is vice dean of Academic Affairs at Campbell and a professor of Emergency Medicine. He has worked with the NBOME since 2008, previously serving as the NBOME's national chair of Emergency Medicine and most recently as vice chair of the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE Advisory Committee.

NBOME, the group says, is the leading provider of assessment tools for the osteopathic medical profession.

As Agnello says, the mission of the NBOME- Protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions - "is one I am proud to uphold.

"I look forward to my role as examination chair for COMLEX-USA Level 1 and to working with my colleagues to continue enhancing and developing the first of the three examinations that osteopathic learners must complete for full licensure," Agnello says.

COMLEX-USA, the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States, is the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians seeking to practice medicine, the NBOME website says, and is the principal means by which the NBOME delivers on its mission to protect the public by providing assessment of competencies for osteopathic physicians and related healthcare professions.

A three-part examination series, COMLEX-USA, is the only licensure assessment needed to demonstrate competency for licensure in the United States and many international jurisdictions.

Dr. David Tolentino, interim dean, said he is excited for Agnello and Powers and offered heartfelt congratulationsto both for the prestigious appointments.

"Their distinguished careers and longstanding service to the osteopathic profession exemplify excellence and dedication," Tolentino said.

"Both individuals are exceptional educators and mentors whose expertise, empathy and leadership will greatly benefit the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. As examination chair and vice chair of COMLEX-USA Level 1, they bring invaluable experience that maintains integrity and excellence in osteopathic medical assessment. We are proud to have them represent CUSOM at the highest level."

NBOME is an independent, nongovernmental, nonprofit organization, the group says.

"Since our founding in 1934, we have been recognized for excellence in the national and international arenas of osteopathic physician testing and evaluation. We produce a number of osteopathically distinct assessmentsand partner with other organizationson their assessment programs."

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