MEMBERS
Advocacy
ACOS advocates not only for the profession, but for the identity, values, and distinct voice of osteopathic surgeons.
Advancing the Voice of Osteopathic Surgeons
The American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) is committed to advocating for policies that protect the practice of osteopathic surgery, support our members, and improve patient care.
From graduate medical education and workforce development to scope of practice, reimbursement, and access to high-quality surgical care, ACOS works to ensure that osteopathic surgeons have a strong voice in the conversations shaping healthcare today and tomorrow.
As part of the broader osteopathic community, ACOS also encourages members to engage with national advocacy efforts led by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), including its federal and state advocacy initiatives and annual DO Day on Capitol Hill.
If you are interested in serving on a committee, please review the committee objectives and submit the online Call for Committee Volunteers application. You may also complete the printable volunteer form and return it to info@facos.org.
Looking to take a more active role in shaping the future of osteopathic surgery? ACOS offers a variety of volunteer and leadership opportunities for members interested in advocacy, education, mentorship, and professional development. Visit our Get Involved page to learn how you can contribute to the work of the College.
Why Advocacy Matters
Healthcare policy directly affects how surgeons train, practice, and care for patients. Advocacy helps ensure that the needs of osteopathic surgeons are represented at the national and state levels—and that the osteopathic profession remains visible, respected, and influential.
ACOS advocacy is rooted in protecting both the profession and the patients we serve. Our efforts support:
- Osteopathic surgical education and training
- Physician-led, team-based care
- Access to timely, high-quality surgical care
- Fair reimbursement and sustainable practice environments
- Leadership development for surgeons, residents, and students
- Recognition of the distinct value of osteopathic medicine in surgery
Our Advocacy Priorities
Graduate Medical Education & Training
Supporting policies that strengthen residency and fellowship opportunities and ensure the continued growth of osteopathic surgical training.
Physician Workforce & Leadership
Promoting initiatives that support the development, recruitment, and retention of osteopathic surgeons across all specialties and practice settings.
Patient Access to Surgical Care
Advocating for policies that improve access to timely, high-quality, physician-led surgical care in both urban and rural communities.
Osteopathic Recognition
Protecting and promoting the distinct value of osteopathic principles and practice within surgery and the broader healthcare system, including within Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Practice Sustainability
Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments that impact reimbursement, administrative burden, and the day-to-day realities of surgical practice.
DO Day on Capitol Hill
One of the most impactful ways to get involved in osteopathic advocacy is through DO Day on Capitol Hill, the AOA’s premier advocacy event. ACOS also encourages members to engage in advocacy efforts at the state level, where many key decisions affecting surgical practice and patient care are made.
DO Day brings together osteopathic physicians, residents, students, and leaders from across the country to advocate for the profession and the patients we serve. Participants engage in advocacy training, hear from policy and healthcare leaders, and meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the legislative issues affecting medicine today.
Why ACOS Members Should Participate
DO Day is an opportunity for osteopathic surgeons to:
- Advocate for issues affecting surgical practice and patient care
- Represent the voice of osteopathic surgery at the national level
- Build leadership and advocacy skills
- Connect with colleagues, students, and physician leaders from across the profession
- Help educate lawmakers on the value of physician-led care and osteopathic medicine
Get Involved with ACOS Advocacy
Advocacy is strengthened by engaged members. Whether through committee service, leadership development, mentoring, educational programming, or participation in advocacy initiatives like DO Day, ACOS provides opportunities for members at every career stage to make an impact.