The American Osteopathic Association supports the leadership of osteopathic physicians and medical students in helping to shape health policy in the federal government.

AOA Policy Committees

The policy committees of the AOA monitor and comment on a wide array of initiatives, including the profession’s contact with Congress and the various United States government departments, bureaus and agencies advising on scientific aspects of osteopathic medicine and biomedical research. Such activities routinely involve reviewing AOA policy guidelines relative to health care, health planning, and health delivery.

Osteopathic Health Policy Internship

The Osteopathic Health Policy Internship is a two-month program for osteopathic medical students sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). The internship is designed to provide students with a "hands-on" learning experience in the health care policy arena in Washington, D.C. Visit AACOM's website to obtain detailed information about the Osteopathic Health Policy Intern Program.

Federal Advisory Panels

Federal agencies often rely on the expertise, advice, and guidance of federal advisory panels, committees, and task forces. These panels are comprised of individuals who are experts in their particular field. They are highly visible entities which report their findings directly to the leadership in each federal agency.

The AOA nominates individuals to serve on panels for a number of these agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.