The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the representative member organization for the over 78,000 osteopathic medical physicians (D.O.s) in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

. The organization promotes public health, encourages academic scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s overseeing 18 certifying boards, is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools through its Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

The American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation accredits schools granting the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in the United States. The US Department of Education lists the Commission as a recognized accreditor.-External links:*...

, 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 10, 1897, in Kirksville, Missouri

Kirksville, Missouri

Kirksville is the county seat of Adair County, Missouri, United States. It is located in Benton Township. The population was 17,505 at the 2010 census. Kirksville also anchors a micropolitan area that comprises Adair and Schuyler counties. The city is perhaps best known as the location of Truman...

, 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.