Our Mission
Our mission is to support and promote the osteopathic profession. Our Advocate network is vast, ranging from physicians to friends to office staff. We cover the globe, creating a strong, close network of people who understand that osteopathic medicine is the best type of medical care possible.
Our Vision
To be the recognized leader in worldwide efforts for the promotion and support of the osteopathic profession through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
So Who Are These Advocates Anyway?
Our Advocate network is vast, ranging from physicians to friends to office staff. We cover the globe, creating a strong, close network of people who understand that osteopathic medicine is the best type of medical care possible.
The AAOA is a non-profit organization made up of the spouses, friends, and family of osteopathic physicians and supporters of the osteopathic profession.
The goal of the Advocates is to support public health and educational activities that inform and engage patients and families on the benefits of osteopathic medicine and public health.
Today, you will find the men and women of the AAOA educating the community about the outstanding work done by osteopathic physicians. You will also find AAOA volunteers contacting state and federal legislators on behalf of osteopathic professionals and seeking support on issues benefiting the health care consumer.
Through scholarships, AAOA also actively supports students training to become osteopathic physicians and provides social and other support activities for the families of students. The AAOA is also a leader in efforts to curb teen suicide and supports other worthwhile projects with member contributions.
Welcome 2026-2027 Advocates for the AOA Board
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 AAOA Board of Directors as follows:
President - Kelly Feng
President-Elect - Stephanie Johnson
Immediate Past-President - Aimee Thompson
Vice President - Hayley Thompson
Recording Secretary/Treasurer - Helen Rose
Director (term ending 2027) - Hailey Peine
Director (term ending 2027) - Shawn McCann
Director (term ending 2028) - Baylee Evans
Director (term ending 2028) - Liliana Hein
Director (term ending 2028) - Meredith Elam
SAA/IRAA Liaison - Rachel Klahs
A candidate for elective office shall meet the following qualifications:
A member in good standing for at least one year.
A candidate for the office of President-Elect shall have served on the AAOA Board of Directors for at least two years and the office of Vice President shall have served on the AAOA Board of Directors for at least one year.
Further information on specific duties may be found in the AAOA Bylaws.
Strategic Plan (2024-2027)
Pillar 1: Education and Visibility
Priority: Increase AAOA name recognition
Objectives:
Raise awareness of AAOA mission, leadership, and initiatives within the Advocate network and AOA.
Promote the value of AAOA signature programs to the osteopathic community and profession.
Establish networking partnerships with state osteopathic organization to identify opportunities to support the osteopathic profession and engage with state Student Advocate Associations (SAAs).
Increase social media engagement and education
Pillar 2: Advocacy and Community
Priority: Build Advocate Network
Objectives:
Evolve and strengthen AAOA relationships with osteopathic Colleges of Medicine.
Expand the number of Student Advocate Associations (SAAs) to further AAOA’s mission and grow membership.
Build Advocate network through increased organizational capacity and infrastructure.
Pillar 3: Collaboration and Partnership
Priority: Evolve AAOA Relationships with AOA and Osteopathic Affiliates
Objectives:
Engage AOA Board Liaison to AAOA in ongoing collaboration for consultation and guidance.
Enhance AAOA partnerships with AOA and osteopathic affiliates to further mutually beneficial goals and priorities.