The application period for 2026-27 B/C/C volunteer leadership roles is open now through April 30 | LEARN MORE
In response to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Request for Information (RFI) on employee noncompete agreements, the AOA submitted detailed comments documenting how noncompetes in physician contracts undermine access to care and disrupt the patient-physician relationship. Drawing on member experiences from across the country, the AOA highlighted that: Noncompete clauses can force physicians to leave … Read More
Cesarean sections (CSs) can reduce maternal and fetal risk in medically necessary cases. However, studies show that CSs are associated with negative fetal outcomes, including birth defects, low birth weight, delayed fetal resuscitation, neonatal acidosis, and even infant mortality. Maternal comorbidities play a role in determining if a CS is necessary and may contribute to … Read More
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Quality Payment Program final rule, and the AOA has prepared a high-level summary of the changes most relevant to osteopathic physicians and their practices. AOA advocacy delivered several important wins, including a positive conversion factor update and … Read More
Osteopathic assessment and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) have been utilized in managing chronic neck pain (CNP) and neck somatic dysfunction. However, osteopathic assessments lack quantitative measures to detect muscle abnormalities and evaluate the effect of OMT.
The AOA is now accepting applications for the inaugural Physician Payment Policy Fellowship. This 18-month, in-depth program combines educational sessions, an assortment of professional meetings and a capstone project to provide physicians with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare payment policy. The fellowship is designed to equip participants to effectively represent and advocate for the osteopathic medical … Read More
Many who choose to enter the field of medicine do so with the intent to fulfill a servant’s heart, to care for the sick and vulnerable. Medical schools often seek out applicants with demonstrated evidence of such passion through volunteering. This shows the value and importance placed on altruism as a key defining factor of … Read More
Asymmetry of bony landmarks, such as the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) or posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), is often utilized to identify somatic dysfunction in the pelvis. However, establishing good accuracy for these assessments can be challenging, so objective training models have been developed to enhance learning and accuracy.
As 2025 comes to a close, The DO is taking a pause to review the stories our team and contributing writers have worked hard on this past year. These pieces, many of which were written by very talented members of the osteopathic medical community, inspired us to consider different paths, provided us with new perspectives … Read More
CHICAGO—The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has filed a lawsuit challenging a restrictive American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) policy that unfairly limits opportunities for both internal medicine physicians and residency and fellowship training programs. At issue is an ABIM rule that blocks qualified residents and fellows from taking its board certification exams—not because of their … Read More