For the first time, women make up the majority of osteopathic primary care physicians

For the first time in AOA Physician Masterfile records, women make up the majority of osteopathic physicians (DOs) practicing primary care, according to the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) 2026 Osteopathic Medical Profession (OMP) Report. Women now account for 50.2% of DOs in active primary care practice, up from 49.6% in 2025. 

The shift is driven by the profession’s youngest physicians. Among primary care DOs under age 35, 55.4% are women. Across the profession, women represent 46.1% of DOs in active practice, and more than 50,000 female DOs under age 45 are practicing today, a milestone crossed for the first time this year. 

Key findings from the 2026 OMP Report: 

• 151,240 DOs are in active practice, up from 63,121 in 2010. Two-thirds (67.7%) are under age 45.
• Roughly 55% of DOs practice in a primary care specialty.
• Over 41,000 students are enrolled in osteopathic medical schools, a record high. More than 1 in 4 U.S. medical students are DO students.
• A record-high 93.2% of DO seniors matched in the 2026 NRMP Main Residency Match.
• The number of DOs grew in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., this year. 

“The growth we’re seeing among women and younger physicians is encouraging for the future of osteopathic medicine,” said AOA President Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI. “As more women choose osteopathic medicine and primary care, patients benefit from a broader range of perspectives, grounded in the whole-person care that defines our profession.”

Growth reaching states with the fewest DOs 

The steepest gains in the number of osteopathic physicians came in states where DOs have historically been fewest. Louisiana led with 13.8% growth year over year, followed by Idaho (11%), Nevada (10.4%), New Mexico (9.7%) and Arkansas (8.6%). Over five years, Arkansas has nearly doubled its DO population; it is up 92.9% since 2021, far outpacing the 31% national increase. 

Six states are now home to more than 10,000 DOs, as Texas and Michigan joined California, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York. 

“Osteopathic physicians are going where patients need them,” said Dr. Thacker. “In primary care, a patient may come in for one concern and leave having addressed their whole health. As the profession grows into more communities, more patients have access to that kind of care.” 

The full 2026 OMP Report is available on the OMP landing page. 

Related reading:

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

There are now over 207,000 DOs and osteopathic medical students