The AOA’s new Strategic Plan establishes four bold goals designed to position the AOA as the definitive anchor of the osteopathic profession.
Every osteopathic journey is different. Whether you are a student beginning your path, a resident building your foundation, a physician caring for patients, an educator shaping the next generation or a leader advancing the profession, the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) 2026-2029 Strategic Plan is our shared path forward and our shared call to action. Join the journey.
To be the global leader and unifying home for the osteopathic profession.
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.
The plan follows the arc of an osteopathic career. Each goal meets you at a different stage, and together they carry the profession forward.
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Support the career journey of osteopathic physicians and students around the world |
Osteopathic physicians and medical students use AOA programs and services that support the education and practice continuum through lifelong learning, including undergraduate medical education (UME), graduate medical education (GME), continuing medical education (CME) and certification. Physicians choose to validate competency through AOA board certification and maintain competency through easily accessible, high-quality, relevant, robust CME and osteopathic continuous certification (OCC).
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Communicate the value of osteopathic medicine |
The AOA demonstrates, bolsters and advances the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine globally and its role in optimizing public health.
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Strengthen the osteopathic body of knowledge through education and research |
The AOA develops, cultivates and disseminates empirical evidence that demonstrates the efficacy of osteopathic medicine on patient outcomes. The knowledge base of osteopathic medicine increases and positively impacts evidence-based outcomes.
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Invest in physician leadership development |
The AOA establishes and curates timely leadership experiences throughout an osteopathic physician’s career lifecycle.
