AOA survey reveals increase in member satisfaction

A recent survey conducted by the American Osteopathic Association measured a significant increase in the level of satisfaction with AOA membership. Overall, the percentage of surveyed AOA members who reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their membership increased by 32% compared with survey results from 2020.

As the professional organization representing the nation’s 186,000+ osteopathic physicians and medical students, the AOA works continuously to determine what’s important to its members and adapt to better meet their needs. “Our members are the heart of the AOA,” said AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, FACOFP. “The world of medicine is constantly evolving, so it becomes critical for the AOA to evolve in support of our growing profession.”

The 2023 survey was deployed to a subset of approximately 22,000 AOA physician members and just over 30,000 osteopathic medical students. The response rate for physicians was 11%, compared with 4% of students. Both response rates align with those from previous AOA membership surveys.

Measuring success

AOA benefits that garnered the highest levels of satisfaction among physician respondents include continuing medical education (CME) resources; the AOA’s website, Osteopathic.org; and board certification.

During the past three years, the AOA has significantly increased the volume and quality of CME resources offered to physician members, introducing access to on-demand CME activities, self-reporting tools and tracking dashboards. Such benefits enable physicians to devote more time to patient care by reducing the burden of CME processing and management. Survey results indicate these changes have been well-received, with 23% more members reporting they are very satisfied/satisfied with CME resources compared with responses from 2020.  

Another area that measured a significant increase in member satisfaction is AOA Board Certification. For the 2023 survey, the level of member satisfaction with AOA Board Certification services increased by 41% compared with 2020 responses.

AOA benefits with the highest physician satisfaction rates:

1. CME Activity Report
2. AOA website (Osteopathic.org)
3. AOA Board Certification services
4. AOA Profiles credentialing
5. Advocacy

Among student respondents, benefits that help members stay informed and involved in the profession ranked highly, followed by resources focused on educational and professional development.

AOA benefits with the highest student satisfaction rates:

1. AOA website (Osteopathic.org)
2. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
3. Professional advocacy
4. DO Day
5. Professional development

How we communicate

In addition to sharing information about their needs and values, survey participants provided insight into where they consume AOA resources and how they prefer to communicate. Among both physicians and osteopathic medical students, the vast majority of respondents preferred email communication, followed distantly by e-newsletters and social media.

When it comes to social media, preferred platforms varied by career stage:

• Students: (1) Instagram; (2) Facebook; (3) X (Twitter)
• Residents: (1) Facebook; (2) Instagram; (3) LinkedIn
• Early career DOs: (1) Facebook; (2) My AOA mobile app; (3) Instagram
• Mid–late career DOs: (1) My AOA mobile app; (2) Facebook; (3) LinkedIn
• Retired DOs: (1) My AOA mobile app; (2) Facebook; (3) YouTube

A world of benefits

Looking toward the future, survey data will provide invaluable insights to help the AOA expand and improve the services, support and resources the organization provides its members. The AOA’s lineup of member benefits continues to grow, offering a robust selection of education, advocacy, career advancement, networking, research and practice management services. If you’re not already a member, learn more about how the AOA can help you grow your career and enhance your practice of osteopathic medicine.

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