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AOA leadership is extremely saddened to report the tragic passing of Blake Thacker, the son of AOA President-elect Richard Thacker, DO and his wife Sherry Thacker. Blake perished in the Missouri skydiving plane accident this past Sunday. Blake was one of 11 skydivers and the pilot who died when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff. … Read More
Science has shown that solid relationships keep one healthier and happier, forming the bedrock of a meaningful existence—but if you were to ask civil rights activist and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Past President William “Andy” Anderson, DO, what makes a meaningful life, he would not answer with clinical data, but rather with a story.
Before osteopathic medical school or the transition into residency, many future physicians learn the heartbeat of healthcare right at home. They grow up watching what it truly means to care for a community, absorbing the values of empathy, dedication and whole-person care over the dinner table.
Artificial intelligence (AI) use in medicine is becoming increasingly widespread. A 2025 survey found that two out of every three doctors reported using healthcare AI in 2024—an increase of 78% compared to 2023. This trend is likely to continue in 2026 and beyond.
No matter where you are in your osteopathic career, AOA Board Certification is here to support you—and at OMED26, that support will be front and center. This year’s conference will offer a variety of opportunities to learn, connect and engage with AOA Board Certification in ways that are meaningful to you. Whether you are just … Read More
We present a unique case of necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) arising within a port-wine stain (PWS), which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. NL is a rare granulomatous disorder often associated with diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic inflammation and microvascular dysfunction. PWS, a congenital vascular malformation, results from defective endothelial differentiation and capillary malformation.
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