Osteopathic Boosters Gear up for D.O. Day on Capitol Hill

February 11, 2003

Twice a year, hundreds of D.O.s, student doctors, spouses and other supporters of osteopathic medicine educate Members of Congress about the profession and the impact of pending health care legislation. Last September, participants went to Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of professional liability insurance (PLI) reform. Over 150 participants from 25 states met with more than 150 Members of Congress and urged them to support PLI reform. The osteopathic medical community attended 80 Representative meetings. Over 50 of these meetings included Representatives who voted yes for the PLI reform bill that passed the House of Representatives that day.

The next D.O. Day on Capitol Hill is Thursday, April 10th and osteopathic physicians everywhere are urged to participate.

"It's so important for D.O.s, student doctors, and other members of the osteopathic community to be here for our D.O. Day on Capitol Hill," says Marcelino Oliva, D.O., chairman of the Council on Federal Health Programs. "It demonstrates that the community is dedicated to protecting and preserving the cornerstones of osteopathic medicine and quality patient care. The more you participate in this event, the more Capitol Hill will understand osteopathic medicine and welcome our positions on important health policy issues."

On the Hill Day, osteopathic advocates receive cutting-edge briefing materials, participate in a morning legislative briefing, then attend AOA-scheduled meetings with Members of Congress and report the results of those meetings at the AOA hospitality room. These participants, together with other grassroots advocates, help make the "D.O. Difference." Now the AOA is calling on you to make your mark.

More on how the event works