Osteopathic medicine: a growing part of U.S. health care

Osteopathic medicine is making up a larger and larger part of the U.S. health care system.

The American Osteopathic Association logged another year of growth in its annual state-of-the-profession report. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs)make up more than 10% of the U.S. physician workforce. In 2025, osteopathic medicine reached a milestone, surpassing 200,000 physicians and medical students in the nation.

“Surpassing 200,000 osteopathic physicians and students is a powerful testament to the growing trust patients have in our whole-person approach to care,” AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, said in a news release. “Our profession continues to evolve while staying true to the values that define osteopathic medicine — empathy, connection, and quality patient care.”

This slideshow presents the latest facts and figures about osteopathic medicine. All data come from “2025 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report: Growing to meet our nation’s healthcare needs," which cites proprietary data and other sources.