News

Category: Statements

AOA, Statements

AOA mourns passing of Civil Rights Movement leader and influential physician William G. Anderson, DO

AOA Past President and Civil Rights Movement leader William G. Anderson, DO, passed away on Aug. 16, 2026, at the age of 98. In his 98 years, Dr. Anderson made an incredible impact on the history of the U.S. and was also instrumental in fostering the welcoming, supportive culture of the osteopathic medical profession. “On … Read More

AOA Staff

08.18.26

AOA, Statements

Leading frontline physician groups oppose final public charge rule

As frontline physicians caring for patients in every community, our organizations strongly oppose the final public charge rule announced last week. This rule deepens fear and uncertainty for immigrant families and will lead patients—including children who are U.S. citizens—to avoid vital healthcare, nutrition and housing supports for which they are eligible. Physicians are already seeing … Read More

Group of Six

07.22.26

AOA, Statements

Leading physician groups: Patients First Act addresses longstanding payment challenges

Medicare’s outdated payment system must change. Without a more reliable payment system, physician practices struggle to invest in the staff, technology and resources needed to provide high-quality care for millions of patients. Our organizations applaud the introduction of the Patients First Act, which would modernize how Medicare pays physicians, strengthen investments in primary care and … Read More

Group of Six

07.20.26

AOA, Statements

AOA statement on HHS dismissal of USPSTF vice chairs

Access to evidence-based preventive services is central to delivering whole-person care and supporting long-term patient wellbeing. Representing more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students in the U.S., we are deeply concerned by the abrupt dismissal of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Vice Chairs and political interference in the USPSTF process. … Read More

AOA Staff

05.22.26

Statements

AOA, joined by 56 divisional societies and specialty colleges, reaffirms commitment to unimpeded access to care

The osteopathic profession believes that access to care is a fundamental cornerstone of patient well-being and public health.  Joined by 56 Divisional Societies and Specialty Colleges, the AOA reaffirms its commitment to unimpeded access to healthcare for all individuals, whether it be in-person or through telehealth. Access to routine care and emergency care services should … Read More

AOA Staff

01.29.26

AOA, Statements

AOA statement on new HHS guidelines decreasing childhood vaccine recommendations

The American Osteopathic Association, representing more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students nationwide, supports immunizations as essential preventive care that shield individuals from avoidable illnesses and curb the spread of disease. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent overhaul of the U.S. childhood … Read More

AOA Staff

01.07.26

AOA, Statements

American Osteopathic Association statement on proposed HHS intervention in the patient-physician relationship and access to gender-affirming care

CHICAGO—The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is deeply concerned with the recent actions announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would undermine physicians’ independent, expert judgement and penalize them for recommending or providing medically appropriate care. Osteopathic physicians are trained to treat the whole person and to work collaboratively with patients, … Read More

AOA Staff

12.19.25

Statements

American Osteopathic Association statement on CDC website changes regarding autism and vaccines

CHICAGO–The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), which represents more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students, is deeply concerned by the recent changes to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine and autism information. While discussions around autism are important, it is equally important to reinforce what decades of research have consistently shown: … Read More

AOA Staff

11.21.25

AOA, Statements

Leading physician groups: Department of Education’s PSLF rule will hurt patients and physicians

The statement below is issued by the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians and the American Psychiatric Association, who represent over 600,000 physicians: Our organizations are deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Education’s final … Read More

Group of Six

10.30.25