American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), founded in 1897, is a member association that proudly represents its professional family of more than 67,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s).

Mission
Headquartered in Chicago, the AOA's mission is to advance the philosophy of osteopathic medicine by promoting excellence in education, research, and the delivery of quality, cost-effective health care within a distinct, unified profession. The AOA also works to promote public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities.

Code of Ethics
The American Osteopathic Association has formulated a Code of Ethics to guide its member physicians in their professional lives. The standards are designed to address the osteopathic physician's ethical and professional responsibilities to patients, to society, to the AOA, to others involved in healthcare and to self.