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AOA, SOMA announce cancellation of upcoming events

DO Day on Capitol Hill and SOMA's Spring Convention will not be held this year.

By AOA Staff

03.07.20

March 7, 2020—The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has been monitoring the ongoing spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been detected in more than 70 locations internationally, including the United States. While the immediate risk of exposure for most Americans remains relatively low, the AOA takes the health and well-being of its members and the public seriously. Recognizing the growing need to avoid large gatherings that could lead to school closings or overwhelm the healthcare system, the AOA has decided to cancel DO Day on Capitol Hill, scheduled for March 30-31 in Washington, DC. This year’s meeting will not be rescheduled but will resume in 2021. DO Day registration fees will be refunded.

In addition, the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) has decided to cancel its 2020 Spring Convention in Washington, DC, scheduled for March 28-30. The SOMA 50th Anniversary Reception scheduled for March 30 has also been canceled. SOMA Spring Convention registration will be refunded. SOMA will be reaching out to explain the process by the end of the week. SOMA will contact all stakeholders in the coming days and weeks to find alternative methods of conducting its Spring 2020 House of Delegates’ official business. The AOA stands with SOMA and is committed to working with all students affected by these changes.

Cancelling travel arrangements

Attendees should proceed in the cancellation of travel to Washington, DC.

Air/Bus/Rail: Contact the air carrier or agency used to book your travel. Many airlines are waiving cancellation fees.

Hotel: Contact the JW Marriott DC at (202) 393-2000 to cancel your hotel accommodations as soon as possible.

AOA staff and board/committee members who were booked to attend DO Day on Capitol Hill do not need to cancel travel arrangements. The AOA Meetings and Travel team will cancel all hotel reservations and airline tickets booked through the AOA’s travel services.

Please contact govt-issues@osteopathic.org for immediate concerns.

Other AOA meetings

At this time, all other scheduled AOA meetings, including the Annual Business Meeting in July and OMED in October, are moving forward as planned.

The AOA continues to monitor recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization, and state and local health agencies. This page will be updated regularly with status updates for all upcoming AOA meetings.

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