CHICAGO—April 29, 2020—Recently, members have raised concerns regarding statements made in the media either minimizing the seriousness of COVID-19, suggesting the lack of necessity to follow current CDC guidelines and/or suggesting misrepresentation of professional credentials during peaceful assembly. The following statement is the AOA’s official response to these concerns.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) strongly supports the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many of the nation’s 151,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. We acknowledge their commitment and dedication to providing patients with evidence-based care. We stand with them, along with all other healthcare professionals, as well as our public health and government officials, in their efforts to help slow the spread of the virus within our communities and nation.
At a time when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise, hospital resources are being stretched to their limits in many parts of the country, and physicians are risking their own safety to care for others, it is imperative that recommended guidelines be followed to help prevent the spread of disease and protect those providing care. The AOA believes that the disregard of evidence-based guidelines, intended to protect the nation’s public health, is ill-advised and runs counter to protecting the general welfare of the U.S. population.
In addition, the AOA supports peaceful assembly and the freedom of speech as afforded via the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, the AOA supports exercising one’s First Amendment rights with accurate representation of professional standing and credentials, free from deception or misrepresentation.
The American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents nearly 151,000 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.