About Us Leadership & Policy Governance Documents

Governance Documents

Eye on the future

Advancing the AOA’s mission and vision

The following documents and resources help guide the work of the AOA’s governing bodies, affirm DOs’ commitment to the practice of osteopathic medicine and provide professional guidance on strategic goals and ethical issues.


AOA Mission & Vision Statements

Mission: To advance the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine by supporting physicians and students through advocacy, leadership, education, certification, research and innovation; promoting wellness, whole-person
care and improved health outcomes.

Vision: To be the global leader and unifying home for the osteopathic profession.

Value statements:

  • Selfless service: The AOA exists in service to the profession, its members, current and future osteopathic physicians.
  • Integrity: The AOA and its leaders display integrity in action, word and deed.
  • Transparency: The AOA respects those it serves through open communication and transparency.
  • Innovation: The AOA strives to build the box, not live within its confines.
  • Advocacy: The AOA passionately advocates for the osteopathic profession and the patients our members serve.
  • Collaboration: The AOA empowers the osteopathic community through collaboration and common interests with all whom we serve.
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion: The AOA commits to creating and sustaining a community that promotes and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

AOA Strategic Plan

In addition to identifying four priority objectives and supporting strategies for implementation, the Strategic Plan establishes Mission, Vision and Value Statements that redefine the AOA’s purpose and outlook for our members and profession.

View the plan

AOA Constitution & Bylaws

The AOA Constitution and Bylaws outline the policies and processes that govern the association.

View PDF

The following proposed amendments to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bylaws will be presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates.

View PDF

Articles of Incorporation

View the proposed amendments to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Articles of Incorporation that were presented for action at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates, which will occur on July 19-21, 2024.

AOA Administrative Guide

The Administrative Guide describes roles and responsibilities of the AOA’s officials, committees, departments, bureaus and employees.

View guide

AOA Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics provides guidance for physicians in the area of medical ethics and professional responsibilities. For more information on the AOA’s ethics process and/or to file a Code of Ethics Complaint, please email [email protected].

Learn more

Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine

Approved by the AOA House of Delegates, the Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine express the underlying philosophy behind the osteopathic approach to care.

Learn more

Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment

Affirm your commitment to provide compassionate, quality care.

View pledge

Bureau, Council and Committee Appointments

View a full listing of appointments to the AOA’s bureaus, councils and committees.

Appointment Book


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