AOA’s 2026 Annual Report highlights major advocacy wins, proposed Strategic Plan focused on lifelong professional development

The recently released 2026 AOA Annual Report provides an overview of the osteopathic medical profession’s impressive strides forward in growth, advocacy and many other areas this past year.

“This past year, the AOA helped secure a 2.5% Medicare physician payment increase for 2026, a five-year renewal of clinician mental health programs via the Lorna Breen Act and a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities,” said AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, and AOA CEO Kathleen Creason, MBA, in the report’s introduction. “These are just a few of the many advocacy wins from the past year that will help physicians and patients.”

Raising the profile of osteopathic medicine

In addition, this year’s report outlines the proposed AOA 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which is centered on raising the profile of osteopathic medicine, lifelong professional development and physician leadership.

Aptly themed “Your Journey, Our Shared Commitment,” the proposed 2026-2029 Strategic Plan sets the stage for our members and our profession to grow and thrive.

Developed by physicians, students, affiliates and leaders across the profession, the strategic plan establishes clear priorities and strategies to ensure physicians and osteopathic medical students have the tools and support they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Supporting our growing profession in a dynamic era is one of the AOA’s highest priorities. In this report, you’ll find more details about the many ways osteopathic physicians and students benefit from the AOA’s guidance, resources and actions.

A platform to foster connection and lifelong learning

For instance, this past year, the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) publicly launched the Emerging DO Platform, a digital community designed to foster connection and support lifelong learning across the osteopathic medical profession. Grounded in the osteopathic philosophy of body, mind and spirit, the platform provides a centralized space for DOs at all career stages to connect, learn and share insights.

“Our Emerging DO Platform brilliantly recognizes, inspires and empowers our rising osteopathic family of excellent professionals,” said AOA Trustee Julieanne P. Sees, DO, MBA, DM, an AOA board-certified orthopedic surgeon, in the report. “It provides a space for networking and skill-building, which enhances our collective ability and responsibility to foster the next generation of leaders.

“My advice to our emerging leaders: Keep shining your bright light, enlighten the world and be the beacon to illuminate your journey and the pathways for others one osteopathic touch at a time.”

Read the full report to learn more.