The AOA is a member association representing more than 56,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s). The AOA serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical colleges and health care facilities.

The AOA's mission is to advance the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine by promoting excellence in education, research, and the delivery of quality, cost-effective healthcare within a distinct, unified profession.

View the history of the AOA—how it was developed and how it has evolved since its founding in 1897.

Ethics and Policies

The AOA stands firmly behind osteopathic physicians’ ethical and professional responsibilities to patients and the medical profession. We offer an in-depth look at our ethical standards in our official Code of Ethics. Our position papers also outline the AOA’s stance on major health issues affecting all areas of society. View the Code of Ethics now.


Affiliated Organizations

The AOA works closely with various affiliate organizations. These organizations advance osteopathic medicine at the state level, by medical specialty, through education at the colleges of osteopathic medicine and in many other ways.