View the 2024 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report | Register for OMED On-Demand access through end of year
Learn more about who we are, what we care about and how we’re working to benefit the lives of DOs and their patients.
We represent more than 197,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students across the U.S.
Osteopathic physicians, or DOs, believe there’s more to good health than the absence of pain or disease. Their whole-person approach to medicine focuses on prevention, helping promote the body's natural tendency toward health and self-healing.
Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing health care professions in the country. Approximately one in four medical students attends a college of osteopathic medicine.
As the primary certifying body for DOs, the AOA works to accentuate the distinctiveness of osteopathic principles and the diversity of the profession.
In addition to promoting public health and encouraging scientific research, the AOA advocates at the state and federal levels on issues that affect DOs, osteopathic medical students and patients.
DOs & Students
197 kIncrease in last five years
30 %Trained in Primary Care
57 %Osteopathic medical schools
41
Enhancing the value of AOA membership
Providing tools, resources and support to advance your professional and personal goals.
Protecting and promoting the rights of osteopathic physicians
Advocating on your behalf to advance regulatory improvements and promote access to care.
Accentuating the distinctiveness of osteopathic principles and the diversity of the profession
Raising awareness of the unique approach DOs bring to medicine each and every day.
Supporting DOs' efforts to provide quality, cost-effective care to all Americans
Promoting health policy advancements that improve affordability and access.
Collaborating with others to advance the practice of osteopathic medicine
Working hand in hand with affiliate partners, lawmakers and the public to raise awareness.
