The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the representative organization for the over 67,000 osteopathic medical physicians (D.O.s) in the United States. The organization promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s overseeing 18 certifying boards, is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges through its Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other 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.

The association was founded as the American Association for the Advancement of Osteopathy on April 19, 1897, in Kirksville, Missouri, by students of the American School of Osteopathy. It was renamed the American Osteopathic Association in 1901.

The American Osteopathic Association is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

See also

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

References

1. History of the AOA, American Osteopathic Association website

External links

• American Osteopathic Association