American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA)
2024 Impact on the Profession Report
Welcome
It is with great enthusiasm that we present the 2024 AOiA Impact on the Profession Report. 2024 was a pivotal year. We welcomed a new Executive Director, expanded our team, and launched our 2024 intern cohort, reinforcing our commitment to developing future leaders. Our focus on advocacy, education, innovation, member-driven resources and strategic partnerships has strengthened the osteopathic community and positioned AOiA as a catalyst for change.
Strengthening Credentialing & Access – AOA Profiles remained the premier credentialing verification tool, with enhanced data accuracy, expanded API foundational work and increased accessibility.
Investing in Future Physicians – The Emerging DO Platform plan & investment was approved, laying the foundation for a first-of-its-kind digital community for osteopathic medical students, residents, early-career DOs and program directors.
Enhancing Physician Education – We hosted ten webinars with enduring continuing medical education for 425+ physicians, covering critical topics such as physician burnout, digital health and reimbursement challenges.
Driving Digital Health Innovation – Launched the Digital Health Innovation program, introduced the Innovation Hub at OMED24 and created a community of practice for DOs in all facets of digital health.
Expanding Membership Value – Introduced new physician benefits and career support tools, enhancing the overall value of AOA membership.
Reducing Administrative Burdens – Expanded payer advocacy efforts and practice management resources resulted in major private-payer victories and increased physician engagement.
Advancing Advocacy & Influence – OPAC secured 95% of supported campaign victories and ranked 9th among all physician PACs.
Key Achievements in 2024:
These accomplishments reflect our unwavering mission to advance the osteopathic profession. Thank you for your continued support, commitment and passion for the osteopathic profession. Together, we are shaping the future of medicine.
Osteopathically yours,
Norman E. Vinn, DO, MBA
Chair, AOiA Board of Directors
Christel Ballog, MA, CAE, FHIMSS
Executive Director, AOiA
Download the 2024 Impact on the Profession Report
Board of Directors
Norman E. Vinn, DO, MBA
Board Chair
James M. Lally, DO, MMM, FACOFP
Vice Chair
Mark A. Baker, DO
Secretary / Treasurer
Kathleen S. Creason, MBA
Board Member
Jay S. Feldstein, DO
Board Member
Joseph A. Giaimo, DO
Board Member
Sameer Sood, DO
Board Member
George Thomas, DO
Board Member
Cole Zanetti, DO, MPH
Board Member
About AOiA
Our Roots
AOiA was born in 2000 as a non-profit organization from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and continues to serve as AOA’s innovation arm, incubator and black box for new ideas.
Rooted in the same mission to advance osteopathic medicine, AOiA works closely with the AOA to explore, develop, and implement forward-thinking solutions that enhance the profession, drive AOA member value and support DOs at every stage of their careers. Membership in AOiA is extended to AOA members.
As a trusted partner, AOiA identifies emerging needs, tests transformative initiatives and drives new models that shape the future of osteopathic medicine. Together, AOiA and AOA strengthen the osteopathic community - advancing education, advocacy, and practice excellence to ensure continued impact in healthcare.
Our Vision
AOiA will serve as the premier catalyst for health care transformation and innovation by the osteopathic community.
Our Misison
To advance the osteopathic profession through advocacy, member-focused resources, strategic partnerships, and innovative data-driven health solutions.
Our Focus
AOiA is dedicated to equipping osteopathic physicians with career resources, education, and strategic support needed to excel in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Career Center
Continuing Medical Education
Digital Health Innovation
Emerging DO Platform
Member Value
Physician Services
Profiles
OPAC
The premier DO recruitment resource for the industry
Creating professional development for 20+ years as
an AOA-accredited CME sponsor
Empowering our community through education, resources,
and thought leadership
A digital community built by DOs, for DOs
Offering professional support, innovative solutions, discounts,
and the AOA Store
Supports policy decisions, advocates for payment reform
and addresses coverage
Primary source for verifying osteopathic physician credentials information
PAC advocating for osteopathic physicians
Our Home
AOiA calls Chicago home. Recognized as a leading epicenter for healthcare, medical education, and research, Chicago and the surrounding areas are home to more than 20 hospitals, 600,000 healthcare professionals, and over 90,000 medical students and residents training across Illinois.
A powerhouse for healthcare innovation, supporting more than 2,000 healthcare and life sciences companies. With thousands of DOs practicing in the region, Chicago and surrounding areas play a vital role in advancing the osteopathic profession and strengthening the broader healthcare landscape.
Our Operations
AOiA remains committed to delivering value-driven programs and services that support osteopathic physicians throughout their careers.
In 2024, credentialing verification—AOA Profiles—remained the primary source of revenue, contributing 88% of total funding and reinforcing AOiA’s critical role in maintaining professional verification standards. Membership dues accounted for 5%, providing essential support for member services, while 7% of revenue was dedicated to programming efforts, including the Career Center, education initiatives and member-focused benefits that enhance professional development.
To maximize its impact, AOiA strategically allocated resources to sustain operations, expand programming, and invest in the organization's future. This included growing its team to 10+ staff members, onboarding strategic partner organizations and launching a new internship program to cultivate emerging talent. 41% of expenditures were directed toward staff compensation and overhead, ensuring organizational stability and effectiveness.
AOiA also prioritized professional development, supporting competency growth and staff participation in key industry events to stay at the forefront of healthcare and association leadership. Investments in programming accounted for 6%, fostering educational initiatives and deeper member engagement, while 30% of expenses were dedicated to credentialing verification, reinforcing the integrity of osteopathic professional standards. An 11% allocation to OPAC supported advocacy efforts that protect and promote the profession, while 2% of expenditures funded scholarships, directly investing in the next generation of osteopathic physicians.
With a focus on sustainability, strategic growth and fiscal responsibility, AOiA will continue to invest in people, programs and partnerships.
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2024 Highlights & Achievements
Throughout 2024, AOiA continued to drive value against the ambitious five-year strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors in 2022. Our primary initiatives and focus centered around two key strategic goals:
Aggregating tools and resources for osteopathic physicians and medical students to provide osteopathically distinct and culturally aligned patient care
Serving as a leading resource in the healthcare community
Advancing Osteopathic Medicine
for Distinct Patient Care
Championing osteopathic approaches in medicine
Raising awareness and influence of osteopathically distinct care
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AOA Profiles
AOiA remains committed to advancing the osteopathic profession by ensuring that DOs have streamlined access to accurate, up-to-date credentialing services—removing barriers to practice and supporting the next generation of osteopathic physicians.
Strengthening Credentialing and Expanding Access
AOA Profiles continues to be the premier source for verifying osteopathic physician credentialing information, serving state medical licensing boards, medical staff professionals and health plans. As the trusted leader for primary source verification, AOA Profiles ensures that DOs have seamless access to the credentials they need to practice.
Expanding Digital Access with API Integrations
AOiA also took steps to modernize and expand the accessibility of AOA Profiles through API integrations, allowing more customers to seamlessly transfer profile information digitally. Laying the foundation and investment for this initiative will improve efficiency, accuracy and ease of use, making it easier for licensing boards and healthcare organizations to verify physician credentials.
Enhancing Data Accuracy and Credentialing Efficiency
In 2024, AOiA made significant strides in improving credentialing efficiency and data accuracy. AOA continues to uphold high data integrity standards, with ongoing updates to state licensure data and integration of credentialing best practices to support accuracy and compliance.
Driving Awareness and Industry Engagement
To increase visibility and engagement, AOiA served as an exhibiting sponsor at the National Association of Medical Staff Services Conference in October, showcasing AOA Profiles to 1,800 medical staff professionals. This presence helped raise awareness of new digital capabilities, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce AOA Profiles’ position as a trusted and essential credentialing resource.
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Emerging DO Platform
Investing in the Future of Medicine
Strengthening engagement with students, residents, fellows, and early-career DOs.
In 2024, AOiA laid the groundwork for an innovative technical platform, designed to enhance meaningful engagement within segments of the osteopathic family. As a part of AOiA’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future of medicine, particular focus was put on developing a meaningful way for early career and student DOs to increase their interaction with the formal osteopathic community and culture.
AOiA took a multi-faceted approach to executing market research in the summer of 2024, testing the hypothesis that a digital platform would be a valuable tool to build community across a range of DO stakeholders. Through surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group conversations, three clear themes emerged:
Through a comprehensive approach—including a detailed go-to-market strategy, in-depth market research, extensive user engagement, financial analysis, and a well-defined product roadmap—the AOiA Board unanimously approved the creation of the Emerging DO Platform.
This first of its kind tool is designed to foster collaboration, support and career growth through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, mentoring, and ongoing professional development. Four distinct features on the Roadmap – Insights, Mentor-Mentee Program, Job Board and a Learning Center - will provide value to DOs across the career spectrum.
Themes from Market Research:
There was overwhelming support for a digital platform approach to creating community:
A platform approach could result in long-term engagement of DOs starting at the student stage
A digital platform would help address lack of opportunities for early career professionals to engage and connect with practicing DOs
In fall 2024, work began to develop the first phase of features- Resident Insights and the Mentor-Mentee program. As both features were being built, AOiA leadership began developing partnerships with highly regarded osteopathic state societies, osteopathic specialty societies, affiliate organizations and various stakeholder groups addressing the target audience on the launch of the platform.
With committed interest from AOA’s BEL (Bureau of Emerging Leaders) and SOMA (Student Osteopathic Medical Association) to build initial pilot cohorts. With a Spring 2025 target launch, AOiA is proud to be at the forefront of delivering innovative technology-based solutions to drive connection, engagement and community across the DO community.
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Physician Services
Reducing & Removing Barriers
Decreasing administrative burdens for DOs
Providing the best patient care means enabling DOs to focus on serving patients, not administrative burdens. With this in mind, AOiA continually strives to provide the best tools and support for practicing osteopathic physicians. In 2024, the Physician Services team expanded its educational offerings, payer advocacy efforts, and practice management resources to ensure DOs have the knowledge and support needed to thrive.
Strengthening Physician Support and Advocacy
AOiA dramatically expanded its educational outreach in 2024, ensuring osteopathic physicians stay ahead of regulatory, reimbursement, and practice management challenges.
Key Wins:
Achieved three major private payer advocacy victories through collaboration with organized medicine, resulting in significant financial relief for smaller practices.
Prevented policy changes that would have negatively impacted DOs, ensuring continued access to fair reimbursement and high-quality patient care.
Increased physician engagement
12% rise in inquiries for practice management support, showing growing demand for payer advocacy services.
82% increase in affiliate engagement, strengthening collaboration and ensuring DOs receive real-time policy updates and billing guidance.AOiA dramatically expanded its educational outreach in 2024, ensuring osteopathic physicians stay ahead of regulatory, reimbursement, and practice management challenges.
Expanding Resources for DOs:
The 2024 Guide to Coding & Documentation for OMT
In 2024, AOiA reinforced its commitment to supporting osteopathic physicians by publishing the updated edition of the Guide to Coding & Documentation: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)—the top-selling resource in the AOA Store.
As coding and documentation requirements continue to evolve, this comprehensive guide provides DOs with accurate, reliable guidance to ensure compliance and maximize proper reimbursement. By aligning this resource with AOiA’s ongoing payer advocacy efforts, osteopathic physicians are better positioned to navigate reimbursement challenges and focus on patient care.
Transformative Education: Webinars That Empower Physicians
AOiA dramatically expanded its educational outreach in 2024, ensuring osteopathic physicians stay ahead of regulatory, reimbursement, and practice management challenges.
The "Regaining the Joy of Practicing Medicine" series gained traction, addressing physician burnout and mental health
Highly attended sessions included: 2025 Physician Fee Schedule and “Can We Change How We Think About Difficult Patients?”
Creating Value as a Leading Resource
in the Healthcare Community
Championing osteopathic approaches in medicine
Raising awareness and influence of osteopathically distinct care
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Advancing Digital Healthcare Innovation
Increasing osteopathic engagement through expanded education and technology-driven solutions
In 2024, AOiA launched its largest initiative to date to ensure the osteopathic profession is at the forefront of innovative approaches and technologies. Digital Health Innovation (DHI) is a comprehensive program to engage, educate, and empower osteopathic professionals in digital health innovation through four key pillars:
Key Accomplishments
Creation of the inaugural DHI Steering Committee, a leadership group of subject matter experts from across the osteopathic community, giving informed guidance to DHI strategic priorities
Launch of the DHI Community of Practice (CoP), an educational forum open to all professional and educational osteopathic stakeholders interested in digital health and innovation. The CoP serves as a hub for collaboration, learning, and networking within the digital health space.
4 Pillars of Digital Health Innovation:
Sharing knowledge though avenues designed to support continuous learning and networking
Raising awareness across the osteopathic profession of advancing digital health technologies, solutions, and initiatives
Serving as a trusted data steward for osteopathic physicians at every level
Building a marketplace to allow osteopathic physicians to actively participate in the development and use of digital health technologies
Introduction of a new specialty pavilion, The Innovation Hub, at OMED24, dedicated exclusively to sharing digital health and innovation topics through product kiosks, seven unique educational sessions at the Thought Leadership Theater, and a CoP networking event with over 300 attendees
Hosted the first CoP webinar, “Embracing the Digital Revolution in Osteopathic Medicine: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Patient Care and Practice Efficiency”, leading to the publication of "FAQs on Artificial Intelligence in Osteopathic Medicine” and launch of new monthly virtual series “Ask the Expert: Digital Health Office Hours”
Digital Health Innovation Webinars
Journal Articles
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Enhancing Member Value & Growth
Expanding benefits and resources to strengthen AOA membership
AOiA continues to strengthen the value of AOA membership by expanding benefits, resources, and exclusive programs that support DOs in every stage of their careers. In 2024, AOiA introduced new offerings and enhancements designed to help physicians save money, grow their careers, and optimize their practice management.
Driving Engagement and Awareness
AOiA also focused on raising awareness and engagement with these benefits to ensure DOs maximize their membership value. AOiA launched targeted outreach campaigns to inform members about available resources, including financial services, clinical tools, and career support. This strategic expansion of member benefits reinforces AOiA’s mission to empower DOs with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
New and Expanded Member Benefits
AOiA worked closely with the AOA to introduce key new benefits that provide practical, real-world support to osteopathic physicians:
Exclusive discounts at the AOA Store, including a newly introduced discount on Visual DX, an award-winning clinical decision support system used by more than 2,300 hospitals, clinics, and medical schools worldwide
Expanded jobseeker resources through the AOA Career Center, including career coaching, an AI-assisted cover letter tool, and an upgraded job search platform featuring over 15,000 job listings tailored for DOs
Three new services added to the AOA Member Value Program, exclusively for DOs:
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Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC)
In 2024, OPAC achieved exceptional success in the electoral landscape, securing victories in 95% of the campaigns it supported. This remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of OPAC’s leadership, the dedication of AOiA board members, and the unwavering support of osteopathic advocates nationwide.
Beyond Election Day, OPAC’s influence was further demonstrated as ranking 9th among all physician political action committees. This financial strength reflects the commitment of the osteopathic community to ensuring that policymakers who support osteopathic physicians and their patients have the resources to lead. As OPAC looks ahead, it remains focused on ensuring that the osteopathic profession continues to have a powerful seat at the table in legislative discussions.
The Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC) is committed to protecting, preserving, and advancing the osteopathic profession in the interest of public health, scientific research, and the well-being of its members. By representing the profession at the federal level, OPAC engages osteopathic physicians and students in its mission to support the election and re-election of pro-physician candidates through direct contributions, voter education, and targeted political activism.
"As we navigate a new era in healthcare, emerging from a global pandemic, we continue to face both longstanding and evolving challenges. Advocacy for our profession and our patients remains as crucial as ever in our 150-year history." — Ronnie B. Martin, DO