The Power of You

By Douglas W. Harley, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP President, Ohio Osteopathic Association

The Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) recently convened a transformative session focused on envisioning a thriving and successful organization years into the future. Participants from across the state brought diverse perspectives and aspirations to the table, converging on key areas of alignment that will drive the organization’s progress. This shared vision reflects OOA’s commitment to advocacy, leadership development, education, and the broader osteopathic impact, ensuring its relevance and influence in the evolving healthcare landscape.

OOA’s advocacy efforts center on policysetting, lobbying, and representing osteopathic medicine at both state and national levels. Building and nurturing relationships with legislative consultants, healthcare coalitions, and hospital systems will remain a priority. These efforts will focus on advancing osteopathic recognition, ensuring that the profession’s unique contributions are understood and valued by policymakers and the public alike. By increasing public awareness and appreciation of osteopathic medicine, the organization can build stronger connections with the communities it serves. This broader impact will enhance OOA’s reputation and highlight the profession’s unique contributions to holistic, patient-centered care.

A structured approach to leadership development will guide OOA’s growth, engaging students and residents early and fostering a robust pipeline of future leaders. Mentorship will span all stages of the medical journey, from medical school through residency and into practice. Furthermore, the organization will prioritize ensuring that governance reflects the broad spectrum of voices within the osteopathic community. Increasing member participation in the policy-making process is critical. By actively involving members in drafting resolutions and contributing to the AOA House of Delegates, the OOA will enhance its impact. These efforts will ensure that our national organization’s policies are shaped by a wide array of perspectives, fostering a unified voice for the osteopathic profession. This unified voice will empower the organization to set the agenda for osteopathic medicine not only in Ohio but also on a national scale, influencing key healthcare decisions and policies.

Many of Ohio’s existing policies and protections benefiting osteopathic physicians exist largely because of the OOA’s past dedicated advocacy efforts. From keeping osteopathic medicine at the decision table to securing fair payment for the holistic patient care you provide, we’re on the front lines ensuring that osteopathic medicine thrives. But here’s something important to consider: the OOA is the only voice dedicated solely to advancing and protecting your ability to practice osteopathic medicine in Ohio. And while every DO in the state benefits from these efforts, the resources that fuel this advocacy come only from members like you. Your membership is more than a financial contribution—it’s an investment in your future and the future of osteopathic medicine in Ohio. The future of osteopathic medicine in Ohio is strong, especially with the three campuses of Ohio University, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, and the newest osteopathic medical school at Xavier. Osteopathic medicine is a growing influential force in the medical community of Ohio. The recent announcement of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation’s $70 million investment to Ohio-trained osteopathic physicians at OUHCOM further solidifies that voice at the table.

The power of OOA lies in the collective vision and dedication of all its members. By prioritizing advocacy, leadership development, osteopathic education, and sustainability, the organization will thrive, advancing the profession and elevating its influence. Together, we can achieve a future where OOA stands as a beacon of excellence and a powerful advocate for osteopathic medicine. Won’t you be a part of the movement that protects YOUR heritage, profession, and ability to practice.