Medical regulatory boards of 20 African countries will recognize U.S.-trained DOs as equal to U.S.-trained MDs
Chicago—April 10, 2019—The Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) approved a resolution granting the American Osteopathic Association’s request to recognize U.S.-trained DOs as fully licensed physicians with practice rights equivalent to MDs in 20 African countries.
The resolution’s approval follows two years of continued advocacy from AOA leadership, the AOA’s international team and other DO leaders.
“DOs wishing to care for patients in AMCOA member countries will have a more streamlined process to secure licensure and practice rights,” says AOA CEO Adrienne White-Faines, MPA, FACHE. “The resolution also paves the way for other countries throughout Africa and the rest of the world to develop a greater understanding of the osteopathic medical profession.”
Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards and former chair of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), also played a key role in supporting the resolution.
“This is a historic milestone in the advancement of the osteopathic medical profession around the globe and on the African continent in particular,” Dr. Chaudhry says. “The resolution’s passing is a significant win for all DOs.”
AMCOA is a transnational organization that is setting standards for quality and safety in its 20 member countries, which include Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In addition to practice opportunities, the resolution will also help facilitate DOs’ and osteopathic medical students’ participation in faculty exchanges, global outreach projects and international research.
Achieving recognition across Africa positions the AOA to work with the global regulatory coalition IAMRA to secure a similar declaration.
About the AOA
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 145,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools.
To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.DoctorsThatDO.org.
Media Contact:
Sheridan Chaney
312-202-8038
schaney@osteopathic.org